Nation mourns passing of renowned economist Kamal Salih

KUALA LUMPUR: The nation was shocked by the passing of Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih at his residence in Southville City, Dengkil, Selangor, leaving behind a significant legacy in the fields of economics, regional development, and national development policy.

Former Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) chairman Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob described the late Kamal’s death as a great loss to the country, particularly in the economic sector.

“I have lost a good friend and a fellow warrior in the field of economics in our country. The late Kamal contributed greatly to the nation’s economic development, especially in regional development,” he told  Bernama today.

He emphasized that the late Kamal was a remarkable regional scientist and a respected economic thinker with significant contributions to the government and various other economic sectors.

Sulaiman, who succeeded Kamal as chairman of MIER in 2021, also recalled the late Kamal’s important role in poverty eradication, regional development, and advocating for the interests of the Bumiputera community.

Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid, an economist who previously served as a senior technical advisor to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia, a position he took over from the late Kamal, described this passing as a tremendous loss.

“He was a leading figure in economic development, and his expertise was unmatched. His insights and advice on national development were exceptionally astute, and he was very sincere in his responsibilities as an intellectual thinker.

“The country has lost a courageous economic expert, and personally, I have lost a mentor, teacher, and friend whom I greatly admired and respected. He was highly skilled, brave and always honest in every action,” he added.

It was reported that the funeral prayers for the late Kamal, 78, were held at Raudhatul Jannah Mosque after Asr prayers before he was laid to rest in the cemetery of the mosque in Kampung Sungai Buah, Dengkil. – Bernama