Penang MIC chairperson PK Subbaiyah was cremated at the Berapit cemetery in Bukit Mertajam this afternoon.

The 63-year-old died of a heart attack in his sleep yesterday.

He is survived by his widow, Vallini, and children Gowri and Ganesh.

The former state exco member and Prai assemblyperson for two terms was appointed senator in April last year.

Meanwhile, Penang MCA chairperson Dr Ng Yen Yen, who visited Subbaiyah’s family, described his death as a loss for the Barisan Nasional (BN) component party leadership.

“He was very committed as a people’s representative and it’s a loss for BN, but I believe his spirit will remain strong in every MIC member,” she said when met by reporters in Butterworth.

Ng, who is also tourism minister, said despite the loss of a people-friendly leader, she was confident the MIC, especially in Penang, remained prepared to serve the public.

“BN will work together to make his hopes for victory in the 13th general election come true,” she added.

- Bernama