Former Sarawak deputy chief minister Daniel Tajem died at his home in Jalan Urat Mata, Tabuan Jaya in Kuching today.

He was 82.

According to his widow, Ivy Tajem, the former deputy chief minister died about 7am after complaining of breathing difficulties.

"We are very shocked over my husband's sudden death because he never had heart-related problems. He was a diabetic but it was under control,” she told Bernama.

Tajem, a former high commissioner to New Zealand, is also survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

He was the deputy chief minister from March 23, 1981 until 1987.

- Bernama