Azli Paat leaves behind a legacy

The legacy left behind by information and communication technology (ICT) expert, the late Azli Paat, encompasses numerous areas, and not just in terms of imparting knowledge to society.

Bernama Radio24 (BR24) chief operating officer Azlan Idris said, other than being a source of reference in the context of ICT development, he had also created history in the local broadcasting industry when he was able to engage listeners with his amiable personality.

He said, Azli's demise left an impact on all BR24 staff and loyal listeners of the 'Azli On Air - ICT & You' which had been on the air since 2008.

"He was an icon in the local broadcasting industry, and successful in disseminating information by bridging the gap with listeners. His loss is greatly felt because he was the earliest panel aired in our broadcast content since BR24 first met listeners," he said.

BR24, which opened its lines since early this morning, was inundated with calls from Azli's die-hard fans who expressed shock and sadness, following his sudden death because the programme, 'Azli On Air - ICT & You' was akin to being being a daily diet with those who tuned in on their way to work.

Meanwhile, Azlan said, efforts to bring Azli into the BR24 broadcast was inspired by BR24's former chief operating officer Sheikh Raffie Abdul Rahman because he viewed the ICT sector as a need, not just to society but also to ensure the success of the mission towards a developed nation by 2020.

He said, Azli's unique approach during his five years of broadcasting, conformed to the pattern of BR24 to create a direct interacting platform with listeners.

"Azly was also very committed in carrying out his duties because he always regarded them as a trust. In fact, since he came on air at our radio station broadcast, he had never skipped a session."

Meanwhile, Azlan said, a special documentary programme would be held on Wednesday, to look into Azli's contributions when he was with BR24, from 7.30am to 8am.

Last night, Azli, 46, who won the Prime Minister's Award 2012 APICTA 'Best of the Best', died of high fever at his house in Bukit Segambut here.

He was buried today in his hometown in Batu Pahat.

He is survived by a widow and 10 children, and was the founder of DAPAT SMS and mySMS 15888 which changed the way the public and organisations communicated.

He was also the initiator of RakanCop, whereby the public could now cooperate with the police to check on crimes.