IPOH: Condolence messages started to pour in for Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin (pic) as soon as news of his passing during a football match in Penang was reported.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the first-term assemblyman, a former football player, had fallen unconscious at about 5.20pm yesterday after participating in the game at City Stadium in Penang.
According to ACP Abdul Rozak, the 58-year-old Umno leader was shaking hands with other players on the sidelines during the Four-Cornered Chief Minister’s Cup Football Championship when he collapsed.
“He was rushed to Penang Hospital but was pronounced dead at 6.28pm,” he said.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said he had received the sad news of his friend late yesterday evening.
“May Allah, the Almighty, forgive his sins, have mercy on him, and accept all the good deeds he performed in this world.
“Let us all pray that his soul is showered with blessings and placed among the righteous,” he said in a Facebook post.
Before getting into politics, Ishsam, who was born on Aug 31, 1966, was a professional player and had spent most of his career with Perak FA.
He was also part of the Perak football team when the state won the FA Cup in 1990.
Upon retirement, he ventured into business and later became active in politics.
In the 15th General Election in 2022, the Tapah Umno chief won the Ayer Kuning state seat with a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered fight.
Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said he and Ishsam had known each other during their bachelor days.
“He was a known football player, and later he got into business together with my father and me.
“It’s a personal loss for me. He was a dear friend and a very nice person,” said the former Perak mentri besar.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and MP of Tapah, under which Ayer Kuning is one of the state constituencies, said he was shocked and saddened by the news of Ishsam’s demise.
“I extend salam takziah to his family and hope they will stay strong,” he said.
Ishsam leaves behind a wife and four children – two sons and two daughters.
His remains were brought back to Ipoh and the funeral is expected to be held at 11am today.
