Kuala lumpur: Former People's Progressive Party (PPP) president S.I. Rajah died last night due to pneumonia at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL). He was 86.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PPP president Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan confirmed the news, acknowledging the passing of the late leader as a significant loss to the party. He noted that S.I. Rajah was a respected leader who played an important role in ensuring the continuity and growth of PPP during a challenging period in its history.

'The late S.I. Rajah was a committed leader who served the party with dedication and upheld its founding principles of multiracialism and service to the rakyat,' Loga Bala stated. He emphasized that S.I. Rajah's leadership and guidance helped steer the party through key transitions and internal challenges, leaving behind a legacy remembered by party members and leaders.

S.I. Rajah, a prominent lawyer, held the position of PPP president from 1978 to 1982 and remained influential within the party even after stepping down from active leadership. His wake service was held today at the KL Funeral Services Parlour in Puchong, Selangor, followed by cremation at the Hindu Crematorium in Loke Yew at 3 pm.

Meanwhile, MIC vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah, who paid his last respects to the late party leader, stated that S.I. Rajah was an instrumental figure in shaping the PPP into what it is today.