Maverick Malaysian poet and writer Salleh Ben Joned dead at 79

Salleh Ben Joned, a satirist, critic and libertarian, was known for challenging taboos about race, religion, sexuality and more. Photo: Filepic

Salleh Ben Joned, a witty, fearless and charismatic poet and writer that some have called the ‘bad boy of Malaysian literature’ has died aged 79.

"It is with great sadness that the family of beloved Salleh Ben Joned informs of his passing this morning (Thursday, Oct 29 at 1.21am) from heart failure. He was experiencing breathing difficulties on Tuesday at his home in Subang Jaya and was warded at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre," read a family statement on Salleh's Facebook page.