SHAH ALAM, June 15 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin today extended their condolences to the family of national education figure Tun Arshad Ayub, who died yesterday.
In a post on the Selangor Royal Office official Facebook page, Sultan Sharafuddin said the late Arshad was greatly admired for his efforts, vision and foresight, besides having the stance that success could be achieved with hard work and continuous commitment.
Arshad had held several key positions in the government and was a pioneer of the MARA Institute of Technology which is now known as Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
“Arshad had devoted his energy and life to the development of UiTM that was established to provide education opportunities to underprivileged students, especially from rural areas.
“The vision and planning of the late Arshad had produced many professionals and scholars who are recognised internationally,” read the posting.
The posting informed that in appreciation of Arshad’s efforts in developing UiTM which main campus is located in Selangor, the Sultan of Selangor has conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Kelas Pertama, Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (S.P.M.S.) award which carries the title of Datuk Seri on Arshad.
“The country has lost a pioneer of national educational and administrative innovation who is irreplaceable,” it said.
Their Royal Highnesses hoped that the family of the late Arshad would remain strong and prayed for his soul to be placed among the faithful.
Arshad died in hospital at 2.06 am and was reported to have been under treatment at the intensive care unit since last Tuesday over health issues. He was 93.
He was the first director of ITM from 1967 to 1975.
Arshad is survived by his wife, Toh Puan Zaleha Mohd Arshad and seven children.
