KUALA LUMPUR: Former Education Minister Tan Sri Musa Mohamad passed away on Saturday (8 June) night. He was 81 years old.

Serving in the Mahathir and Badawi administrations from 1999 to 2004, Musa was known for sound policy-making, good governance and continuous improvement.

He also holds the distinction of being the first non-politician to helm the Education Ministry. He is credited for laying the groundwork for Malaysia’s rise as a global education hub.

Musa joined UCSI Group shortly after concluding his time at the Ministry. He served UCSI with distinction as University Council chairman, Group chairman and later as Group advisor.

Receiving the untimely news in Canada, UCSI executive chairman and founder Dato’ Peter Ng said that he was shattered to hear of Musa’s passing.

“Musa was a dear friend to me and other senior members of the UCSI community,” he said. “He has been an ever-present source of sage advice and he helped make UCSI, particularly the University, what it is today.

“Musa has impacted so many of us. He always kept UCSI close to his heart and we will never forget his many contributions.

“All of us at UCSI mourn his passing and our thoughts go out to his family in these trying times. He has been my best mentor. I will dearly miss his mentorship and friendship.”

UCSI University vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir said that Musa’s passing was a huge loss for the nation.

“It is well-known that Musa was a great influence in the lives and careers of many of Malaysia’s foremost academics,” she said.

“Today, we have lost a thought leader who shaped Malaysia’s education and higher education landscapes for the better.”

Prior to his tenure as Education Minister, Musa served as Universiti Sains Malaysia vice-chancellor from 1982 to 1998.

He spent more than two decades in teaching and academic administration at USM, holding a number of other positions like foundation dean for the Pharmacy school and deputy vice-chancellor (Academic Affairs).