KUALA LUMPUR: Actively engaged in the endeavour to uplift and advocate for Bahasa Melayu, the late Datuk Dr Firdaus Abdullah epitomised a deep-seated affection for Malaysia's rich literature and culture.
Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan highlighted his efforts in dignifying the language through initiatives like the Budi Utama Group (KUBU) led by the late Asraf Abdul Wahab and later the Coalition of National Writers Associations (GAPENA).
"At the fourth Malay Language and Literary Congress in 1984, he, Asraf and I, authored a paper on the regional unification of the Malay language.
"He also made significant contributions during his tenure as the Director-General of the National Language and Literature Institute (DBP) from 2005 to 2008, and prior to that, as a member of the DBP Management Board for several years.
"I also recall his role as a Peace Corps instructor for US officials in the 1970s, during his PhD studies there. He was quite prolific in writing poetry as well," he told Bernama today.
Awang, who is also the former DBP Management Board chairman, said he heard the news of Firdaus' passing early this morning, revealing that he had been admitted to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital a few days before the end of Ramadan for blood cancer treatment.
Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, also conveyed his condolences to the late Firdaus' family and informed that the burial will take place at Masjid Kampung Baharu after Zohor today"Innalillahi wainalillahi rajiun.
It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the return of a friend and mentor in the field of writing to Allah's mercy at Kuala Lumpur Hospital this morning, 2 Syawal 1445 corresponding to April 11, 2024.
"We last met on Sept 7, 2023, when he visited my office at UDA to present his books 'Cermin Belakang' and 'Warkah Kepada Sang Sapurba," he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, and the staff of the ministry also conveyed their condolences on the passing of the renowned language figure via their official Facebook.
"Innalillahi wainna ilayhi raji'un. Indeed, from Him we come, and to Him, we return.
"We received the sad news of Datuk Dr. Firdaus Abdullah's passing, who returned to Allah's mercy this morning, April 11, 2024, corresponding to 02 Syawal 1445," the post read.
Fadhlina stated that the late Firdaus was a resilient intellectual and cultural figure in the struggle to promote knowledge among the Malaysian society, and prayed for his soul to be blessed and placed among the faithful.– Bernama