Malaysian education icon Rashdan Baba dies at 85

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Renowned academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Mohd Rashdan Baba died at 6.59 am today.

He was 85.

The news of his death was shared by his niece, Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid, who is Kuala Kangsar Member of Parliament, in a posting on her official Facebook page.

"I have just received sad news early today of the passing of my uncle Tan Sri Rashdan Baba. A Rembau-born who had contributed so much for the religion, the race and the nation. He was a smart, courageous and hard-working Aa Ba Ta fighter.

"Thank you Pak Ngah (Uncle Ngah) for teaching and reminding me about perseverance and sacrifices in my struggle. I will never forget it. I love you, Pak Ngah, ” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Mohd Rashdan’s private secretary, who insisted anonymity, told Bernama that the academician breathed his last at Ampang Puteri Hospital here and his remains would be brought to Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) Mosque for the funeral prayer before being laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery later today.

Mohd Rashdan leaves behind a daughter Datin Dr Rayslida. His wife, Puan Sri Robiyah Abdul Majid, died a few years ago.

His indisputable credibility in the education sector was proven when he was appointed as the first vice-chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) from Sept 1, 1969, to March 31, 1971, and also the first vice-chancellor of Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (now Universiti Putra Malaysia) (UPM) from 1971 to 1982.

The Malaysian education icon was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus by UPM on Aug 14, 1982, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Law by UKM on July 3, 1999.

He had also received Honorary Doctor of Science from University of Reading (1986) and Honorary Doctor of Law from University of Leeds (1989), United Kingdom.

In 2013, he was named the recipient of the National Academician of the Year award.

In the corporate sector, Mohd Rashdan was the chairman of Telekom Malaysia Bhd for 12 years, from Nov 1, 1985, to Nov 30, 1997. - Bernama

Tokoh akademik negara, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Mohd Rashdan Baba meninggal dunia pada 6.59 pagi ini pic.twitter.com/6osOfCx6u9 — BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) March 30,2020