SHAH ALAM – Datuk Baharuddin Abu Kassim, the esteemed chief architect behind Malaysia's iconic Masjid Negara, passed away today at the age of 95.
The news was shared by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Professor Sarly Adre Sarkum who expressed his condolences.
He praised Baharuddin for his significant contributions to architecture, particularly in Malaysia.
"We have lost a leader who was deeply respected in the architectural community," Sarly said.
He added that Masjid Negara, one of Baharuddin's most notable works, continues to inspire architects and Malaysians alike.
"We pray that he is granted the highest Heaven and that his family is blessed with patience and strength during this difficult time. Al-Fatihah," he added.
Baharuddin was also the architect of Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam, which remains in use today.
The construction of Masjid Negara, which began in 1963 and took three years to complete, was a collaborative effort between Baharuddin, Hisham Albakri of the Public Works Department (JKR), and British architect Howard Ashley.
The mosque was built on a 5.2-hectare site.
It is reported that Baharuddin drew inspiration for Masjid Negara from mosques in Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan.
Baharuddin was also honoured with a gold award from PAM and served as a consultant architect for High Commission projects in New Delhi, India, and Islamabad, Pakistan.