KUALA LUMPUR: Harun Jusoh, who helped Malaysia rule Asian football in the 1970s, died today at the age of 75.
The mercurial left winger, who also played in the Munich Olympics in 1972, passed away at his home in Batu Burok, Terengganu.
Harun was bedridden for the last five years due to arthritis.
Harun's wife, Sharifah Azizah Syed Omar, 72, said he developed nerve damage after retiring from football. His condition worsened after being diagnosed with arthritis.
"Our four children and I were by his side as he took his last breath," she said.
Harun's remains were buried at the Atas Gong cemetery, Baru Burok, here tonight.
In his days of glory, Harun played alongside greats like the late Mokhtar Dahari, Santokh Singh, Soh Chin Aun, Ali Bakar, Abdullah Ali, Shukor Salleh and R. Arumugam as Malaysia tussled with South Korea and Japan for Asian football supremacy.
Harun was also part of the national team that stunned English giants Arsenal 2-0, and drew 1-1 in two friendly matches in 1975. He also played a part in Malaysia winning bronze at the 1974 Tehran Asian Games.