KUALA LUMPUR: Former National Unity and Community Development Minister Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail died from an undisclosed illness at Tawakkal Hospital here, at 8.15pm today.
She was 84.
The news was shared by her friend, Mohd Uzer Zainal Abidin, when contacted by Berita Harian.
"I was informed about the news by her son.
"Currently, her body is still at the hospital and we are waiting for more information on the funeral and burial arrangements," he said when contacted.
Zaleha leaves behind three sons.
She had served as Wanita Umno chief and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Textbook Division deputy head.
DBP Board of Control chairman Professor Datuk Dr Awang Sariyan, who shared the news on his Facebook page, said Zaleha leaves behind a great legacy for the development of the Malay language and literature.
He said Zaleha served DBP for 10 years, from 1968 to 1978.
"She started as an encyclopaedia officer and later became the Textbook Division deputy head.
"She was also among the founders of the DPB Cooperative with Zainal Abidin Zulkifly.
"Let us pray her soul will receive blessings from Allah," he wrote.