KUALA LUMPUR — Leaders across the Malaysian political divide yesterday expressed their condolences to the family of the late Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) spiritual adviser Haron Din, who died from a heart complication in the United States.

Haron who succeeded the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat as PAS spiritual adviser in March last year, died at 10.10am Malaysian time yesterday at the Stanford University Hospital in California.

The 76-year-old opposition politician was undergoing treatment there for a heart problem.

“DAP expresses its sympathies and condolences to the family of Allahyarham Datuk Dr Haron Din on his passing this morning,” opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said in a statement.

Mr Lim said DAP still recognises Haron contributions as an important political leader despite political differences.

“Although there are times of differences in terms of politics, DAP recognises his role as an important figure in the political field and dakwah (proselytising) in the country.”

DAP and PAS are at odds over the implementation of the Islamic penal code, or hudud in Kelantan state.

Punishment under hudud law includes the cutting off of hands for theft, and death by stoning for extramarital sex.

President of PAS splinter party Amanah, Mr Mohamad Sabu, also extended his condolences, saying Haron’s death is not just a loss for the dakwah (missionary work) movement in the country but a loss for all Malaysians.

“Throughout his life, he had served the community specifically in the aspects of dakwah and the field of alternative medicine,” he said in a statement.

“Despite our differences in terms of approach and political parties now, I believe the whole of Amanah, on the values of humanity and Islamic brotherhood, also feel the loss of the late Haron.”

Opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president and Selangor Chief Minister Azmin Ali posted on Facebook a photo of their last meeting, a day before Haron left for the US, saying Muslims have lost a great contributor to Islam.

“Muslims have lost an ulama (cleric) that has greatly contributed to the thinking and development of the ummah (community of Muslims) as well as the establishing of a true Muslim identity,” he said.

On his part, Prime Minister Najib Razak wrote on his Facebook page that Malaysia has lost a leading Islamic scholar whom he respected. “Personally, my family and I have lost a close and beloved friend,” he said.

“Even though we had our political differences, we both wanted the same thing, an Islamic Malaysia that is prosperous and peaceful.”

Mr Najib noted that the veteran leader had made significant contributions to the county.

“May he be placed among the righteous in the highest place in paradise. Al-Fatihah,” Mr Najib said.

The Prime Minister had previously visited Haron at Malaysia’s National Heart Institute (IJN) in April, where he had sought treatment.

Haron was reported to be in a critical condition earlier and went into a coma about 2am Malaysian time yesterday, and was later placed on life support.

He is survived by his wife Khatijah Din and five children.

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said Haron’s family has decided that he will be buried in the US. “Just spoke to the family ... The family is unanimous for the burial to be in San Francisco. The funeral prayers will be at the Annur Mosque there,” Mr Zahid tweeted. MALAY MAIL ONLINE