Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has described the sudden demise of Deputy Education Minister Razali Ismail as a great loss to Umno and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

According to Bernama, Abdullah commended Razali as a talented leader who has carried out his duties well and in a very responsible manner.

“He had proven himself as a deputy minister and was able to understand government policies well. I had placed high hopes that one day he could become education minister, but what to do. Fate has intervened,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Investment Banking Association's 29th annual dinner last night

razali ismailAbdullah added that he was shocked to hear the news. “I was shocked to hear of his death. I never knew he had any illnesses or heart problems."

Razali, 59, had collapsed while playing badminton at the teachers training college, Aminuddin Baki Institute, in Genting Highlands at about 6.30pm yesterday..

He was at the college for a Terengganu Umno retreat. His body was subsequently brought to Hospital Bentong.

King visits Razali's family

Last night, Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein described Razali’s death as a great loss for his ministry.

kuala terengganu parliament seat 291108"Very sad ... it's a great loss," he told Malaysiakini via the short messaging system (SMS)

Razali was laid to rest at 2.30pm today at the Tanah Perkuburan Sheikh Ibrahim, near the iconic Kuala Terengganu mosque, Masjid Sultan Zainal Abidin (Masjid Putih).

This morning, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin were among those who paid their last respects to Razali at his home in Kampung Batu Burok, Kuala Terenggan.

Tuanku Mizan arrived at 10.45am, spending 10 minutes offering his condolences to Razali’s family members.

Razali leaves behind wife Noraini Lob Yusoff, 51, and five sons, Muhammad Nurzali, 30, Asrul Shah, 27, Khairul Amar, 23, Khairul Anuar, 21, and Khairul Ariff Razali, 15.