KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Syed Husin Ali, one of PKR's founding members has died today.
He was 87 years old.
He was reported to be in critical condition on June 26 and breathed his last in the early hours of this morning.
News of his death was shared by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil in a Facebook posting, earlier.
"I have just received the sad news that Dr Syed Husin Ali, Deputy Chairman of the Keadilan Advisory Council, passed away early this morning," Fahmi said.
He added that he had visited the late Syed Husin at Selayang Hospital last Thursday after he was admitted to hospital on the second day of Aidiladha.
"The late Dr Syed contributed significantly to the party and the people, publishing many books including 'Dua Wajah: Tahanan Tanpa Bicara' which recounts his experience under the ISA, and 'Sejarah dan Dasar Perjuangan Keadilan'. He was deeply involved in various elections and had a long history of struggle in the nation's politics.
"Among other roles, the late Dr Syed served as a senator of the Dewan Negara, deputy president of Keadilan, president of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, and professor at the University of Malaya.
"Dr Syed was a highly respected figure within the party, often consulted by the leadership. He was patient, gentle, disciplined, and provided much advice, including to me personally.
"May Allah SWT forgive all his sins and place his soul among the righteous," Fahmi's post read.
Fahmi also noted that he helped campaign for Syed Husin during the 2004 general election when he contested for the Petaling Jaya Selatan parliamentary seat.
Syed Husin was appointed PKR deputy president following the merger of Parti Rakyat Malaysia, of which he was president, and Parti Keadilan Nasional in 2003.