KUALA LUMPUR: Historian and academic figure Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Zainal Kling passed away at 4.30am Thursday (Nov 7) at Hospital Shah Alam. He was 80.
Zainal was a former holder of the Malay Rulers Chair at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs) of Universiti Malaya (UM).
His son Reza Safri Zainal said his father's remains are being managed at Surau Seksyen 3 in Shah Alam for funeral arrangements.
"(He was treated for) three days at Hospital Shah Alam... after his health deteriorated due to diabetic complications.
"His remains will be buried at the Islamic Cemetery in Seksyen 21, Shah Alam after the midday prayer today,” he said when contacted.
Zainal began his career teaching at UM in 1967 before being appointed assistant lecturer in February 1974.
He was an associate professor from December 1977 to 1992 and was appointed a full professor in 1992.
He also held other significant positions such as National Integration Research Centre director at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and History Cluster head at the National Professors Council.
He was also the Board of Malay Civilisation's (Adab) deputy chairman. – Bernama
