Wan Mohd Zahid dies at age 82

SHAH ALAM – A man well-known in the country's education industry, Tan Sri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin passes away at the age of 82 earlier today.

The news of his passing had circulated on social media platforms, with many prominent figures expressed their condolences to the former Education Malaysia Director General who was reported to breathe his last at at his residence in Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya at about 10am.

It was learned that the final rite were held at Kg Tunku Mosque, Petaling Jaya at about 4pm.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki expressed his condolences to the family of Wan Zahid following his passing, and said that he was saddened to hear the news of the man who had contributed so much to the country’s education system.

“He has provided great service to the national education system and was even appointed as the National Education Advisory Council chairman.

“I always came across him at Kg Tunku mosque for Subuh prayers.

“No wonder, it has been a long time since I've seen him there.

"May God have mercy on the soul of the deceased,” he said in his Facebook post, today.

Meanwhile, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) in a posting said Wan Zahid’s dedication and commitment to the foundation over the years was admirable and greatly appreciated.

“We are saddened to receive news of the passing of Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, YSD’s former Governing Council Member of more than 10 years.

“He was an instrumental member of our foundation in the setting up of our five pillars, and especially his immeasurable contribution towards our Education pillar. It is an honour and privilege to have worked alongside him.

“From all of us at YSD, we express our deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time,” they posted on their Facebook page.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) also expressed their condolences and sent their prayers for the deceased.

“May Allah SWT shower mercy on the soul of the deceased, accept his good deeds, forgive all his sins and place him among the good people,” they said.

Wan Mohd Zahid held several chairman posts at renowned institutions such as UiTM’s, Kolej Teknologi dan Pengurusan Lanjutan Sdn Bhd chairman, Management and Science University and FEC Cables (M) Sdn Bhd before he passed away.

Prior to that, he was the Berger International Ltd in Singapore chairman and International Bank Malaysia Berhad deputy chairman.

Starting his career as a teacher, he moved up to the principal level and eventually held various positions in the Education Ministry before his retirement as Education Director General.

Following his retirement, he became an advisor with special functions to the Education Minister and also an advisor to Teikyo Language School.