KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians from all walks of life today came together to mourn the death of renowned academician and economist Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid.
Expressing their thoughts on social media, they said Ungku Aziz had contributed immensely to the country's development in various fields.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Ungku Aziz had played a significant role not only in education but also in socio-economic development.
"He contributed a lot to the country and all walks of life. The highest respect for his services and contributions from us, Malaysians," he said in a Facebook posting.
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted how Ungku Aziz was behind the establishment of the Tabung Haji Management Board and National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa).
"He contributed many important ideas in various fields, including education, economy and poverty eradication. I am confident that his great contribution to the nation will be remembered by the people and the country."
On Facebook, Napsiah Wan Salleh, said: "His interests had always been on the rural economy and rural poverty in Malaysia in the 1960s and 1970s.
"His books have become references for students and researchers. He was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya when I was an undergrad in UM."
Another Facebook user, Joachim Vincente Peru, said: "A sad day in Malaysian history indeed. I have read many of his writings and he is indeed a man of great wisdom and valour... God bless him and may he rest in peace."
Oon Lay Wah said: "Deepest condolences to the family of the late honourable Prof DiRaja Ungku Aziz. He had led a good life. We are proud of him and his contributions. RIP."
Lim Ah Chai said: "He is one of the most respected intellectuals we had. He is such a great man who had contributed much to the nation. His passing is a big loss to the nation. RIP Prof."
Aira Nur Ariana said: "If there is a person who can claim that he has contributed a lot to the wellbeing of the Malays, it is Ungku Aziz. Al-Fatihah."
R.H said: "Al-Fatihah to the man who set the foundation of development studies in Malaysia. No doubt his contribution is beyond academia. His dedication to the country's development in a sense of developing the human capital must always be remembered. RIP Prof Ungku Aziz."
Ungku Aziz, 98, died at the Prince Court Hospital at 4pm today due to old age.
