Former Johor speaker dies at 79
JOHOR BARU: State leaders paid tribute to former state assembly speaker Datuk Mohd Ali Hassan, who died yesterday after battling a heart-related illness. He was 79.
Many of his contemporaries and subordinates in the state administration described Ali as a friendly man and a respected leader who was dedicated to his work.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who paid his respects at Ali’s house in Taman Nong Chik, described Ali’s passing as a loss to the state.
He also described Ali as a charismatic politician, who contributed significantly to Johor.
“He contributed his effort and ideas, especially in matters related to Islamic development in the state, so much so he was chosen as the Tokoh Maal Hijrah Johor 1435 Hijrah in 2013,” Khaled said here yesterday.
“His death is a great loss to the state. On behalf of the state government, I convey my deepest condolences to the late Datuk Mohd Ali Hassan’s family.”
Current Johor state assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Aziz said Ali was a leader with impeccable character, who was well liked and respected by everyone.
“I lost a good friend today because I have known him since 1974. He was an exemplary leader and simply irreplaceable,” said Mohamad.
Ali died at KPJ Specialist Hospital here at 2.30am yesterday. He had been in and out of hospital for the past month due to a heart-related ailment and pneumonia.
He is survived by his wife, Datin Misbah Sakat, 65, four children and 11 grandchildren.
His son-in-law, Kamarul Shahriman Kamaruddin, said Ali was admitted to the hospital after suffering breathing difficulties.
“He was receiving treatment at the hospital’s emergency unit when his condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead at 2.30am,” said Kamarul.
Ali had served as state assembly speaker for two terms, the first between 1991 and 1999 and the second between 2004 and 2013.
He was Tiram assemblyman for four terms from 1982 to 1999 and Tebrau member of parliament from 1999 to 2004.
Ali was buried at Kebun Teh Muslim Cemetery at 11am yesterday in the presence of his family members, friends and former colleagues, including state executive council members.