KUALA LUMPUR: National Laureate Datuk Dr Ahmad Kamal Abdullah, better known as Kemala, died today. He was 80.
News of his death was confirmed by the Malaysian National Writers Association (Pena) president Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad when contacted by Berita Harian earlier today.
Kemala, he said, died about noon from health complications related to the kidney problems.
"His death is a great loss for the Malaysian art and literature scene.
"His contributions were not only in the form of good poetry, criticism, and prose but his works became one of the country's literary icons. The literary movement he launched as an activist in the field of art also had a huge impact on the development of literature at home and abroad.
"Pena is very grateful for all his contributions over the years and to commemorate this the government should do something meaningful and monumental in nature for the late laureate," he said.
Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in a Facebook post also described Kemala's death as a great loss to the country, especially in the arts and literary field.
"Allahyarham had brought drastic improvement and significant change in the development of literature in the country and the archipelago.
"Allahyarham was always very cooperative and actively involved with DBP in championing the Malay language and literature," it said.
Kamal started work at DBP in 1968 as an assistant editor, before becoming an editor of literary magazines and various others reading materials. He retired in 1996 as the Comparative Literature Division head.
It is understood that his remains will be brought to Surau As Shahabah, Section 7 in Kota Damansara for solat jenazah (final prayers for the deceased), before his burial at the Section 9 Muslim cemetery, after the Asar prayers.