KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s Mahkota assemblywoman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain has died today at the age of 63.
Her death was confirmed by Johor Speaker Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi in a Facebook post.
Earlier, she was in critical condition, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
She had been undergoing treatment at Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang since Tuesday for internal bleeding. Sharifah, who was Kluang Umno women’s head at the time of her death, had formerly led Johor Umno’s Wanita chapter.
She won the Mahkota seat in the 2022 Johor election with a 5,166 vote-majority in a four-way fight against Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional and Warisan. She garnered 16,611 votes in total.
Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi expressed his condolences upon learning of Sharifah’s death as the late assemblywoman, fondly known as Umni, was a beloved and approachable leader.
“Her contributions to Johor, especially for the Mahkota seat, will not be forgotten. My condolences to her family members and may God place her soul among the righteous.”
Sharifah’s death is expected to trigger a by-election for the Johor seat, which would be the fourth this year following polls in Kuala Kubu Baharu (Selangor) in May, Sg Bakap (Penang) in July, and the upcoming Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan on August 18. – August 2, 2024