PUTRAJAYA: The demise of Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin is a big loss to the country's journalism industry.
Former Utusan group deputy editor-in-chief Datuk Zaini Hassan said Zainuddin was a top journalist in the country who contributed greatly to the media industry.
"When he held the post of Utusan editor-in-chief, he was a strict man with strong principals.
"He didn't dance to any political tunes. He must be remembered by all.
"Young journalists must learn from him and he must be taught in journalism schools," he said after visiting Zainuddin's home to pay his last respects at Presint 10, here, today.
Zaini said he had known Zainuddin from the latter's time as a practical student in Utusan in 1987.
"I have so many memories with Zainuddin and have been on many programmes with him.
"Last month, he donated 500 books in his collection to Universiti Islam Malaysia (UIM) as he had intended for a very long time to donate his books," he added.
Meanwhile, Special Officer to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Roslan Othman said Zainuddin was a very cooperative person.
"I knew him when he was serving Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was the fourth prime minister then.
"He was easily contactable for information. He was an invaluable gem that must be remembered," he added.
Also seen paying their last respects were Media and communications advisor to the Prime Minister Datuk A Kadir Jasin and Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Abu Bakar Yahya.
Zainuddin passed away at the Serdang Hospital yesterday evening from a heart attack.