Rep's autopsy shows heart attack, family surprised as he was active

The police said an autopsy conducted on the late Ayer Kuning assemblyperson Ishsam Shahruddin found the cause of death to be a heart attack.

“An autopsy conducted at the Penang Hospital Forensic Medicine Department which began at 9pm last night found that the Ayer Kuning assemblyperson died of acute coronary syndrome,” said Northeast District police chief Abdul Rozak Muhammad.

Also present at the Forensic Medicine Department were Ishsam’s wife, Rozlita Abdullah, 55, and their son, Isrul Imadi, 32.

Izrul, who was interviewed, said the family was shocked by the incident because Ishsam was an active person and did not have any health problems.

The eldest of four siblings, he said his father checked his blood pressure and sugar at home every day and often jogged.

“I was in Ipoh and got a phone call informing me that my father had passed away after playing football here (Penang), we were very shocked and immediately came to the hospital to find out the exact cause of the incident.

“My father is indeed a person who takes care of his health and he also practices a healthy lifestyle, that’s why we are surprised because the deceased did not have any health problems including heart disease or anything,” he said.

Born on Aug 31, 1966, the Tapah Umno chief was a former national footballer and spent most of his career playing for Perak, winning the FA Cup with the team in 1990.

Ishsam reportedly passed out at about 5.20pm yesterday while shaking hands with other players during the Penang Chief Minister Cup tournament held in Stadium Bandar Raya, George Town, Penang.

He was sent to the Penang Hospital at about 5.40pm after being given emergency aid near the field. However, he was pronounced dead at Penang Hospital at 6.28pm.

Ishsam won the Ayer Kuning state seat in Perak in the previous general election.

He won the seat in a five-way battle, garnering an over 2,000-vote majority against his closest contender, Bersatu’s Nazri Hashim.

Funeral arrangements

Also at the Forensic Medicine Department last night was Perak Umno and BN executive secretary Mohd Salleh Mat Disa.

He said Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad was informed of the death and instructed him to assist with funeral arrangements.

“I was informed that the body will be bathed and shrouded at his home in Ipoh and the burial will be completed at 10am tomorrow (today) at the Rapat Setia Islamic Cemetery in Ipoh.” he said.

He accompanied Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who had just arrived from Japan, to convey his condolences to the family of the late Ishsam.

Chow said he represented the state government to express condolences to the family of the late Ishsam.

Ayer Kuning rep passes away due to heart attack