NIBONG TEBAL: Pas' Sungai Bakap assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff died at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Hospital Seberang Jaya (HSJ) this afternoon.
He was 56.
He was admitted to the HSJ late last month due to an inflammation of the stomach. He had been partially sedated to allow him to rest.
Penang Pas Commissioner Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff told the New Straits Times that he rushed to the HSJ after receiving a call about 12.30pm.
He had earlier attended the opening of the state legislative assembly sitting.
"YB Sungai Bakap, however, breathed his last at 1.38pm.
"His death is a great loss, especially to the party. He is well liked by all and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to just about anyone," he said.
Fauzi, who is state opposition leader and Sungai Dua assemblyman, said Zamri was an active social activist, who was always involved in welfare missions, especially during any disasters.
Meanwhile, Pas' Penaga assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah said Zamri showed the highest commitment in whatever he did.
"He likes to joke with us and is an avid sportsman," he added.
Zamri joined Pas in the late 1990s.
He first contested under the party's banner for the Sungai Acheh state seat in the 2018 general elections but lost to then PKR's Zulkifli Ibrahim.
He again contested in the 2023 state elections for the Sungai Bakap state seat and won against PKR's Nurhidayah Che Rus with a 1,563 vote-majority.
Prior to that, he worked as a quality controller in a factory before starting his own business.
Earlier, Zamri's remains were brought from the HSJ to his home in Sungai Acheh for the locals to pay their respects.
His remains were later carried to the Masjid Jamek Sungai Acheh for prayers, before burial at the cemetery next to the mosque.
Accompanying Zamri on his last journey was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and members of his administration and the Pas leadership.
Also present to pay his last respect was Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
Also present was Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.