FORMER Kedah menteri besar Syed Razak Syed Zain died at 10.30am today. He was 79.

His former press secretary, Boon Som Inong, said Syed Razak passed away while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Sungai Petani.

Boon said he would always remember Syed Razak as a leader who wanted to be close to the people.

“He once said our office is where the people are,” he said in Alor Star.

Kedah Umno chief Jamil Khir Baharom described the death of Syed Razak, who was menteri besar from 1999 to 2005, as a great loss to the people in Kedah.

“His deeds and contributions as the Kedah menteri besar could not be questioned because he was indeed a dedicated leader with so much grit and enthusiasm. My condolences to all members of the family,” he said.

Another friend, Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is also a former Kedah menteri besar, said the passing of Syed Razak truly affected him as they were best friends.

“I have known him even before he entered politics. His love for Umno was so great,” he said.

“He was unwell during the November general election, but he still went down to the ground to campaign for the party in Kuala Kedah.

“He was a great man and will be remembered as a leader with a clear mission and vision to develop Kedah.  He will surely be missed.” – Bernama, March 8, 2023.