Malaysian Nanban chief group editorial adviser and Indian Progressive Front (IPF) deputy president Athi Kumanan died at the Pantai Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur early today.

According to a Bernama report, Malaysian Nanban general manager M Periasamy said Athi, 55, died at 12.10am following blood clot complications from the legs to the hip.

"We're going to miss him...he was a dynamic journalist, always willing to help others," said Periasamy, who had known Athi for more than 30 years.

Athi's remains was taken to his house at No 55, Jalan 6/18B, Taman Batu Permai in Jalan Ipoh and will be taken to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall crematorium in Cheras at 4 pm tomorrow, he added.

Brave leader

IPF secretary-general V Senggutuan said Athi was a brave leader who never failed to highlight the interest of the community through his writings.

"He had a large following because of his sharp and in-depth newspaper articles," he added.

Athi started his career as a sub-editor with Tamil Malar in 1972, a year after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Annamalai University of India.

He moved to Tamil Osai in 1981 before leaving for Malaysian Nanban in 1990 to become its editor-in-chief.

He was then made its chief managing editor in 2000 and promoted to his current post in 2002.

Athi leaves behind wife B Indravathi, 47, and a son, Arun Kumar, 22.