KUALA LUMPUR: Historian and academic figure, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Zainal Kling, died at 4:30 am today at Shah Alam Hospital. He was 80.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, he was a former holder of the Malay Rulers Chair at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) at Universiti Malaya (UM). His son, Reza Safri Zainal, stated that his father’s remains are currently being managed at Surau Seksyen 3, Shah Alam, for funeral arrangements.

Reza further explained, ‘(He was treated for) three days at Shah Alam Hospital. He was brought there after his health deteriorated due to diabetic complications. The remains will be buried at the Islamic Cemetery in Seksyen 21, Shah Alam after the Zuhur (midday) prayer today.’

Zainal began his illustrious career in academia as a teaching staff member at UM in 1967, later becoming an Assistant Lecturer in February 1974. His academic journey saw him rise to the rank of Associate Professor from December 1977 to 1992, eventually becom
ing a full Professor in 1992.

Throughout his career, Zainal held several significant positions, including Director of the National Integration Research Centre at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and Head of the History Cluster at the National Professors Council (MPN). Before his passing, he was also serving as the deputy chairman of the Board of Malay Civilisation (ADAB).