KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Abu Samah Wahab has died.
Abu Samah, who had been battling prostate cancer, breathed his last at a hospital in Melaka tonight. He was 82.
The news of Abu Samah's demise was confirmed by MNCF vice president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss and highlighted Abu Samah's monumental contributions to the sport.
"He had been battling cancer but had it under control for some time. Unfortunately, it got worse recently," said Amarjit when contacted.
"I visited him at his home in Melaka on Friday and although he was weak, he was still able to talk.
"His condition, however, deteriorated and he was hospitalised on Sunday.
"It is a very sad day for cycling, Abu Samah dedicated over 40 years of his life to the sport not only in Malaysia but also internationally."
Abu Samah had held the MNCF president post from 1990 and was also president of the Asean Cycling Federation from 2001 until earlier this year.
He was also secretary-general for the Asian Cycling Federation from 1993-2005.
An emotional Amarjit said Abu Samah was a mentor and father figure to him.
"Personally, I am really going to miss him. I knew him very well," said Amarjit.
"He was more than a mentor to me, he was also a father figure who helped guide me as I came up the ranks.
"He was very knowledgeable about the sport yet was very humble. He always listened and never raised his voice.
"He was always calm and took whatever challenges that came his way in his stride."
Amarjit's father Tan Sri Darshan Singh Gill had served as MNCF president (1988-1990) prior to Abu Samah taking office.