Former UPSI VA Zakaria Kasa dies of heart disease days after acquittal


IPOH: Former Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Zakaria Kasa, 67, who was acquitted and discharged of abusing his power by the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya on Thursday, passed away on Sunday due to heart disease.

His third son, Mohd Fauzi, 34, said that his late father breathed his last surrounded by family members at Slim River Hospital around 12.30pm.

"My father had been battling heart disease for several years. After the court case on Thursday, he returned to Tanjung Malim (Muallim), but on Friday, he fell unconscious and was admitted to the hospital," he said when contacted by Bernama on Sunday (Feb 18).

ALSO READ: Appeals court acquits, discharges former UPSI vice-chancellor of power abuse

He added that his father’s remains were taken to UPSI’s Al-Mursyidin Mosque for final funeral rites and will be brought back to his hometown in Kodiang Lama, Kedah, for burial on Sunday night.

The late professor, who served at UPSI from 2007 to 2018, is survived by his wife and six children.

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Zakaria of abusing his power by including his son's name in a list of job interviewees at the university ten years ago. - Bernama

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Gaps in welfare safeguards exposed after alleged abuse victim sent back to family home
Deepavali bazaars remain preferred choice despite online competition
Prisons Dept's literacy, numeracy programme to be expanded nationwide
Adapt curricula fast to meet tech giants' needs, PM tells universities
PM: Google weighed other Asean countries before picking Malaysia
Political stability drew Google to Malaysia, says Anwar
Former wife of Datuk Seri Najib, Tengku Puteri Zainah, passes away at 70
Melaka polls: Claims of Barisan rejection in four seats come from political rivals, says Ab Rauf
Cops seize RM70,000 in untaxed alcohol, arrest man in Slim River raid
Subang Jaya cops seek public's help to locate missing man

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read