KOTA BARU: Former New Straits Times specialist writer Sulaiman Jaafar died at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital today from a heart attack today. He was 65.
He leaves wife Zaharah Shuud and eight children, aged between 13 and 36.
Zaharah said she and their children were at her husband's side when he passed away about 3.50pm.
She said Sulaiman was warded after being involved in a crash at Kampung Tapang on Sunday.
"My husband suffered fractures to his neck and back due to the incident.
"Doctors had planned to operate on him this week but it seems that Allah loves him more.
"He died following a heart attack before he could undergo the operation," said the 56-year-old when met at the hospital's mortuary.
Sulaiman had been with the NST for more than 10 years. He was attached to the Kota Baru bureau.
Before joining the NST, Sulaiman was a reporter with Bernama.
He will be buried at a cemetery in Kampung Tapang after Isyak prayers.