KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister's media and strategic communications director and former journalist Rozaid Abdul Rahman died earlier today due to heart complications.
Rozaid, 59, breathed his last at his residence in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, according to the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.
In a statement, Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil extended his condolences to Rozaid's family.
"Allahyarham was a dedicated man and committed in carrying out his duties. A personable man, helpful of his friends, and highly respected.
"His passing is a great loss for the media industry, and is felt and mourned," he said in the statement shared across all social media.
Rozaid, who held various positions in the media, including as group editor of Sinar Harian, was appointed to as the Prime Minister's media and strategic communications director in May last year.
He replaced Datuk Wan Nurzila Wan Abd Rahman, whose service ended earlier that month.
News of his passing was first posted by former Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd executive director Datuk Dr Ibrahim Yahya on Facebook.
On July 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim posted on social media of visiting Rozaid, who was then in the hospital due to an unspecified treatment and discharged on Aug 6.