PETALING JAYA: The death of Serbegeth Singh, fondly known as Shebby, on Wednesday (Jan 12) has jolted the nation, with several prominent individuals paying tribute to the national footballer on social media.
Serbegeth died while out cycling in Sunway at Iskandar Puteri, Johor, at about 7.30pm yesterday (Jan 12). He was 61.
Many clubs in the Malaysian League paid tribute to the former Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Pahang and Perak defender, and the Football Association of Malaysia also paid tribute with an obituary.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Faizal Azumu called his death a great shock.
Khabar yang mendukacitakan berkenaan Shebby Singh. Kehilangan tokoh sukan yang banyak berjasa kepada negara.
— Faizal Azumu (@PejaOfPerak) January 12, 2022
This is a great shock and a great loss to all of us.
"An upsetting news. We lost a sporting legend who gave a lot to this nation. This is a great shock and a great loss to all of us," he said on his social media pages.
Prominent football television host John Dykes, who used to host shows with Shebby on ESPN, Star Sports and Fox Sports, said it was devastating to hear the news.
"Utterly devastated to hear that my friend and colleague Shebby Singh is no longer with us. The time will come for us to talk about his passion and authenticity, but for now, all that matters is that we think of and respect the feelings of his loved ones. Rest In Peace, Shebs," he said in a Twitter post Wednesday (Jan 12) night.
Utterly devastated to hear that my friend and colleague Shebby Singh is no longer with us. The time will come for us to talk about his passion and authenticity but for now all that matters is that we think of and respect the feelings of his loved ones. Rest In Peace Shebs. pic.twitter.com/fHjO6EHVDS
— JohnDykes (@JohnDykesFC) January 12, 2022
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari also paid condolences to Serbegeth’s friends and family.
"My condolences to Serbegeth Singh or better known as Shebby, who passed away. He was a prominent defender for the nation and was a popular voice on our screens, especially when it comes to football," he said.
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak revealed that he was a fan of Serbegeth’s views whenever he was on television.
"He was an excellent footballer and played for my state Pahang once upon a time. Last, we used to see and listen to his views whenever there were matches. I liked listening. My condolences to his family, and I hope they stay strong," he said in a Facebook post.
Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, also former Youth and Sports Minister, dubbed him one of Malaysia’s greatest treasures.
"A talented footballer, coach and broadcaster. Today, we lost one of Malaysia’s greatest treasures who had devoted his entire life to our football industry. You will be missed," he said.
Another prominent television personality Andy Penders also shared his thoughts on social media after his death.
"The world has lost a true football man, a gentleman and a passionate man. We will miss you, Shebby Singh and that smile and energy you had for every occasion. Our thoughts with his loved ones right now I'll miss you, Shebby Singh."
