The late Fiji Muslim League son with a huge vision for Fiji. Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya, made the remark while presenting the eulogy during the Janazah at the Nadi Muslim College grounds yesterday.

Also present were Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, cabinet ministers, stalwarts of the society and the tourism fraternity, who joined people from all walks of life to farewell a pioneer of Fijian tourism.

Mr Koya said the late Mr Khan had believed in Fiji and loved Fiji, did immense work in areas of business, tourism being his forte; social welfare; education and the development of the youth population.

People of all works of life gathered at the funeral of late Fiji Muslim League president Hji Hafizud Dean Khan at the Nadi Muslim School ground on July 4, 2022. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

“No words … no matter how long a speech, can truly do justice to the title of a man, Hafiz Khan was. For those of us who have had the privilege of knowing him, now know just how great a man Hafiz was,” Mr Koya said.

The late Mr Khan took the leap to invest in the Fijian tourism industry in 1983, Hexagon Group of Companies where his vision took the group to great heights.

The group now owns a number of residential and multi-unit accommodation complexes, motels and hotels.

“As an industry pioneer, he was able to shape it and the Fijian business community with these investments, he actually created economic activity, created jobs for Fijians. He was also instrumental in contributing to the private and public sectors,” he added.

“He also served for several years as the president of the Fiji Hotel Association and was president of the Fiji Employers Federation. So we all knew him as the go-to person,” he said.

He held the role of chief administrator for the Nausori Town Council, board member of Fiji Development Bank, board member and Deputy Chairman of Energy Fiji and he served as a board member, vice-chair and chair of the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

From left: Ambassador of the EU, Sujiro Seam with his wife, Jane Ren-Seam, Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya and Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with mourners at the funeral of the late Fiji Muslim League president, Haji Hafizud Dean Khan. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

He actually served in various capacities with the Fiji Muslim League since 1985 as its longest serving president.

Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), party leader Viliame Gavoka said, “Known simply as Hafiz, he was a friend to many in SODELPA.

I was particularly close to him, having served together with Citibank in the 1970’s.”

He was born in Suva, attended AOG Primary School then Marist Brothers High School. He studied and worked abroad before returning to Fiji and starting his career.

He died after a short illness at the Lautoka Hospital on Sunday night. He was laid to rest at the Enamanu Muslim Cemetery in Nadi.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Yasmin and Azam Khan.

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