Legendary anchorman, emcee and entertainment personality Datuk Mahadzir Lokman passed away in the early hours of Friday morning (Aug 3).
The 61-year-old television icon passed away at a hotel in Kota Kinabalu where he was for work. His cause of death is still not known, but it is understood that he completed his dawn prayers shortly before he died, the Malay Mail reported.
It is also understood that Mahadzir’s sister, Ida Lokman, is on her way to Kota Kinabalu to handle funeral arrangements and to bring his remains home to Kuala Lumpur.
On Sept 24, Mahadzir was hospitalised after he was found unconscious at home by family members. He was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Malaya Medical Centre because of lung and kidney complications. He was in a coma for four days.
Mahadzir suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes.
Popularly known as Dale to those close to him, he began his broadcasting career in TV3 in 1984, presenting the news in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
He hosted entertainment programmes such as ‘Melodi‘ and morning talk show ‘Sekapur Sirih‘, as well as ‘Malaysia Hari Ini‘.
He is also known for his knowledge of cultural etiquette.
The son of a diplomat, Mahadzir was well-known for his linguistic skills and was fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia and French. He also spoke close to 10 other languages, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Japanese.
He was a much sought-after emcee at functions both locally and internationally, as well as at social, corporate and government events.
Earlier report:
Sept 30, Mahadzir Lokman Transferred to Normal Ward
Sept 27, Mahadzir Lokman Regains Consciousness
Sept 25, Well-Known Emcee Mahadzir Lokman Critically Ill in UMMC