KUALA LUMPUR: The passing of 2014 National Journalism Laureate Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee Mahmud Isa Arbee, who was also former Berita Harian Group Editor, has been described as a massive loss for the country's journalism industry.
The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd (NSTP) Group Managing Editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, who is also Berita Harian Group Editor, said the late Ahmad Rejal was a dedicated and caring leader.
"I am truly affected by this loss as Allahyarham was someone I looked up to both in journalism and in terms of leadership during my days as a reporter.
"I was fortunate enough to be able to work with him twice, first in Bernama (Malaysian National News Agency) in 1984, before working in Berita Harian in 1991," said Ahmad Zaini, who also extended his condolences to Ahmad Rejal's wife and family.
Ahmad Zaini said Ahmad Rejal did not distance himself as a leader, and was known for his propensity to work together with editors and reporters at the editorial desk to produce a news piece.
"His leadership style made him a favourite among many, especially his own staff. It also saw his earn the National Journalism Laureate award for his excellent contributions to the field of journalism," he said.
Ahmad Rejal died at 2.10 am at the Shah Alam Hospital today due to old age.
He was laid to rest at the Section 21 Muslim Cemetery in Shah Alam.
He was 83.