Malaysians woke up to news of Mandela's death

Malaysian prominent leaders and personalities honour the memory of the late Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday.

Chairman of Global Movement of Moderates Foundation Tan Sri Razali Ismail said his courage, determination and compassion managed to transform the world for the better, and will remain a lasting source of inspiration for many generations to come.

"Mandela leaves behind a legacy of freedom, equality, and reconciliation that is incomparable, dedicated as he was to advancing democratic principles and social justice not only within his own country but also far beyond its borders.

"Madiba, as he is often fondly referred to, worked tirelessly to show how rational optimism, the willingness to forgive and a commitment against acts of vengeance, can be powerful instruments in bringing an end to oppression and tyranny," he said.

Earlier today, Malaysians woke up to the news of the death of former South African leader with the ‘#RIPNelsonMandela’ hashtag being trending on Twitter timeline among Malaysian users.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak thanked the former South African leader for his legacy:

#Mandela lives on in the spirit of every human that believes in democracy and freedom. Thank you for your legacy, Madiba.
— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) December 6, 2013

Several prominent Malaysians took to Twitter to mourn the death of Mandela:

The sad moment we all knew would come is here. Farewell, Madiba. pic.twitter.com/mNDkxgBoRV
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) December 6, 2013

The world lost a great leader today who inspired millions to fight for justice. One of the greatest icon of our age - Nelson Mandela.
— Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (@Khalid_Ibrahim) December 6, 2013

The passing of a great forgive and forget man: Nelson Mandela. Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy.
— Liow Tiong Lai (@liowtionglai) December 6, 2013

Nelson Mandela meninggal dunia. Beliau pejuang sejati demi kebebasan,perpaduan +keamanan.
— Saifuddin Abdullah (@saifuddinabd) December 5, 2013

Nelson Mandela personified freedom, equality & human rights, he represents the spirit of struggle for the emancipation of humanity.
— Tian Chua (@tianchua) December 6, 2013

Rip the greatest man ever.NELSON Mandela. Learn to forgive. We all can learn so much from this man.Many in Malaysia can. We are all the same
— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) December 5, 2013

I am honoured to have met you in 1994 and 1996, Mr Mandela. I shall always cherish the moments. Even back then you're a living legend!
— Johan Jaaffar (@Johan_Jaaffar) December 5, 2013

Passing of a Great Icon of Justice and Freedom.."THE GREATEST GLORY LIES NOT IN NEVER FALLING, BUT IN RISING EVERY TIME WE FALL." N.Mandela.
— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) December 5, 2013

Was glued 2 TV when Mandela was released from prison esp after being involvd in anti apartheid work as a student in NYC. RIP Nelson Mandela.
— Charles Santiago (@mpklang) December 6, 2013

Selamat tinggal, Mandela
— Fahmi Fadzil (@fahmi_fadzil) December 6, 2013

My hero, my mentor is now gone! May his legacy live on in each of us. RIP!.. Nelson Mandela dies at 95, Zuma http://t.co/xPAjjXDeMa
— Cynthia Gabriel (@cynthia_gabriel) December 5, 2013

"I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul." The indomitable human spirit inspires the world. RIP Nelson Mandela.
— Liew Chin Tong (@LiewChinTong) December 6, 2013

Mandela mninggal. Hormatku kpd seorang pjuang pmbebasan n hak asasi terulung. RIP Mandela. Most respected liberation n human rights fighter.
— Syed Husin Ali (@syedhusinali) December 6, 2013

Pada saya Nelson Mandela contoh Kepimpinan Muafakat yg melangkaui garis bangsa, parti berteraskan kebebasan, keadilan pic.twitter.com/vSw2xsIEo5
— Yusmadi Yusoff (@Yusmadi) December 6, 2013

Several local celebrities also shared their reaction on Twitter:

You know he hates when the world is colored with Black n White but yet u post his photo in so! Its a… http://t.co/lLpRqyqo9R
— Aznil Hj Nawawi (@aznilnawawiHM) December 6, 2013

Rest in peace Nelson Mandela. http://t.co/nrKGsSprQ7
— marion caunter (@marioncaunter) December 5, 2013

"If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man."… http://t.co/lfORTurELd
— Joe Flizzow (@flizzow) December 5, 2013

'I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles' - Nelson Mandela
— Saleha Rahman (@Siti_Saleha) December 6, 2013

Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle died at his Johannesburg home surrounded by his family, after a long battle against lung infection.