Former Lord President Tun Salleh Abas passes away, aged 91

PETALING JAYA: Former Lord President Tun Dr Mohamed Salleh Abas has passed away just days after testing positive for Covid-19. He was 91 years old.

His death was announced in a WhatsApp message by his children on Saturday (Jan 16), saying that he passed away at 3.20am.

On Thursday (Jan 14) as-Salihin Trustee Berhad president and chief executive officer Abdul Aziz Peru Mohamed said Mohamed Salleh tested positive for Covid-19.

He added that Mohamed Salleh - who is also chairman of the trust - was being treated at the intensive care unit of the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ).

His condition was reported to be stable.

"However, the hospital is taking precautions due to Tun's age. Let us all pray for the best of health for our beloved chairman. May Allah provide healing and ease all matters, ” Abdul Aziz said in a statement Thursday.

Meanwhile, Terengganu health director Dr Nor Azimi Yunus confirmed that Mohamed Salleh is being treated at HSNZ.

However, no further details were given.

Mohamed Salleh was one of the elders who helped draft the Rukunegara in 1970, when he was the Solicitor-General.

He was then the Lord President of the then-Supreme Court (now Federal Court) from 1984 to 1988.

Mohamed Salleh was also the PAS Jertih assemblyman when he won the 10th General Election in 1999.