Former Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Ithin, 74, passed away at his house in Merlimau at 6pm, today, due to kidney complications.
Merlimau state assemblyman Roslan Ahmad who is related to Abu Zahar said he was admitted to a hospital about a month ago due to complications in his kidney as he was a diabetic.
"He returned home three days ago and passed away in the presence of his family members this afternoon," he told Bernama, tonight.
Abu Zahar leaves behind wife Datin Seri Khalijah Mohd Jiddi and six children, five of them girls - Zalina, Roslaini, Marina, Zuraini, Khaidirah - and a son, Mohd Aidi Iskandar.
Roslan said he was diagnosed with diabetes about 10 years ago.
"Abu Zahar who had served as the Melaka Chief Minister for two years, made tremendous contributions to the state, and was a mentor to me," he said.
The late Abu Zahar who was appointed Chief Minister from May 23, 1997 to Dec 2, 1999, is expected to be buried at the Makam Pahlawan Masjid Al-Azim at about 12.30pm tomorrow.
Born on Sept 14, 1939, Abu Zahar attended primary school at Sekolah Melayu, Merlimau and continued his secondary education at Sekolah Tinggi Melaka.
He received teachers training at Maktab Perguruan Kota, Kota Bharu, Kelantan and Maktab Perguruan Bahasa, Bukit Senyum, Johor Bahru, Johor before pursuing a diploma in Language Teachers' Training College, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Abu Zahar received his degree from Brighton Polytechnic Language Centre, University of Brighton, United Kingdom and served as a teacher in a number of schools in Melaka, among them Sekolah Menengah Yok Bin, Ayer Leleh while his final position was Assistant director-general for Schools Registration Unit at the Melaka Education Department before resigning to contest in the 1986 general election.
In his first attempt, he won the Sungai Rambai state seat by beating PAS candidate Rahimi Bani by a 2,439 vote majority and in Nov 1999, he won the Jasin Parliamentary seat by beating Mujahid Yusof from PAS by a 10,685 vote majority.
He also served as the Parliamentary secretary for the Home Ministry from December 1999 to March 2004.
Bernama
Fri Jul 12 2013
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.