Shafie contributed much to Malay economic development - Ahmad Zahid

SEPANG, Sept 11 -- Former Higher Education Minister Tan Sri Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh was a very friendly person and contributed much to Malay and Bumiputera economic development, said UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said he knew Shafie since UMNO Youth days as they both had often been fighting over issues faced by the people.

According to Ahmad Zahid, in the 1970s Shafie conducted studies on the structure and socio-economic problems of the Felda settlers and his research had been the basis in developing the standard of living of the Felda settlers.

"The empirical study is still being employed when making studies on socio-economic issues of the Felda community," he said when met by reporters at Al-Makmur Mosque in Kampung Ginching, Salak Tinggi here today.

Shafie, 73, who was also National Chief Scout died at the Selayang Hospital at 9.30am today due to abdominal complications.

Meanwhile Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed described Shafie as a straight forward and honourable man.

"We both started off as diplomatic administrative officers and later served as lecturers at the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN).

"He became the first Minister of Higher Education in 2004 and I took over the portfolio in 2006. I learned a lot from him," he said.

Shafie leaves behind wife Puan Sri Prof Emeritus Mizan Adilah Ibrahim and their three children.

He served INTAN as research centre chief for five years, was later appointed as under-secretary in the Human Resource Ministry and subsequently served as research secretary in the Policy Analysis Section of the Malaysian Centre for Development Studies in the Prime Minister’s Department.

-- BERNAMA