Latest update 5.10pm: The sudden death of Bukit Gantang MP Roslan Shaharum is a big loss for PAS and the people of Bukit Gantang, its information chief Mahfuz Omar said today.

Mahfuz told Malaysiakini that although Roslan was a first term MP, he was an active member who has contributed a lot to the party and people and would not shy away in asking other politicians for guidance.

roslan shaharum al fatihah "His commitment to the party and people was very high. He always put the public interests above self. He was also a traditional Islamic healer subscribing to Darus Syifa, the organisation headed by PAS deputy spiritual leader Haron Din in giving treatment to the people including non-Muslims.

"Having return from Gaza less than two weeks ago, Roslan accompanied PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in rendering assistance and aid to the Palestinians using his own fund following the Israeli incursion. His death is a big loss to PAS and for me I have lost a personal friend," said the Pokok Sena MP.

mahfuz omar 01 Mahfuz is currently on his way to Roslan's funeral at Changkat Lallang scheduled at 6pm.

Roslan was a political science graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia who also held a masters in Human Resource Management.

Bernama reported that Roslan had sent his car for a car wash when he suddenly complained of having chest pains. He borrowed a bicycle to get to the nearest pharmacy but fell after riding a short distance.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Batu Gajah Hospital.

Bernama also quoted Roslan's daughter Norfatimah Zahra, 21, as saying that the family had been in Cameron Highlands for a family outing over the weekend.

Fatimah said her father received a call last night from ousted Perak menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin asking him to attend a meeting at the MB's residence.

"He was there until 1.30 in the morning, and left home for the car wash at 10 this morning," said Nurfatimah.

"My father was healthy but the cardiac arrest could be due to stress and lack of rest," she said.

His wife Safiah Harun, 50, said Roslan had collapsed once about a month ago while on an official visit to Taiwan because of a heart problem.

Early reports 12.30pm, 4.46pm : PAS member of Parliament for Bukit Gantang Roslan Shaharum passed away this morning. He was 50.

PAS Info chief Mahfuz Omar told Malaysiakini that Roslan was out cycling near his home in Changkat Lallang, Batu Gajah, when he suddenly collapsed.

Mahfuz said that the party is now gathering details of his death before issuing a statement. By 1.30pm, the party confirmed that Roslan suffered a heart attack

He leaves behind 10 children. His body is now in the Batu Gajah Hospital

Roslan was formerly the human resource director of Perak Economic Development Corporation, and last July was named chairperson of Perak’s education foundation, Yayasan Perak.

In last March's election, Roslan defeated Umno treasurer Azim Zabidi by a majority of 1,566 votes. Bukit Gantang is a Malay majority seat with 27% Chinese and 10% Indian votes.

The by-election which must be held within 60 days will be a referendum on the political situation in Perak. It comes at an awkward time for Umno, with the Umno general assembly due in late March.

bukit gantang parliamentary seat 090209 The parliamentary constituency of Bukit Gantang includes the state seat of Changkat Jering which was won by PKR's Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu who recently threw his support behind BN.

PAS is prepared

Meanwhile the Election Commission (EC) said that it was waiting for a notice from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia on the vacant Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat before taking any action.

"The speaker must give an official notice to the Election Commission chairman before we call for a special meeting to decide on the by-election," EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar told Bernama.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Nasaruddin Mat Isa said the party was prepared to face either a by-election or snap election.

"PAS state election director Asmuni Awi has informed me that the party's machinery has been deployed to face either possibility," he added.

In Ipoh, state DAP chief Ngeh Koo Ham suggested that ousted Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin is allowed to contest for the seat, adding that it would be a good referendum on what the people think of the removal of his state government.

However he said that he would leave it to PAS to decide on who should contest for the seat.