Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysian golf has lost one of its most influential figures with the death of Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.
A champion of Malaysian arts, culture and heritage, Tun Ahmad passed away at the age 82 due to complications arising from Covid-19.
A report in ParGolf described Tun Ahmad as one of Malaysia’s most respected civil administrators, having served as Chief Secretary to the Government from 1990 to 1996, and the driving force behind the formation of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour in 2010.
As Chairman, he was also instrumental in establishing a partnership between the PGM Tour and the Asian Tour to create Asian Development Tour and PGM Tour joint-sanctioned events in Malaysia, allowing local professionals to earn Official World Golf Ranking points.
In 2016, Tun Ahmad was appointed as Patron of the Asian Tour.
A statement from the Asian Tour said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid ‒ our popular and beloved Patron. A true advocate of the game of golf in our region, he was an inspirational leader who helped push the boundaries for our sport. He will be sorely missed, and we will continue to work hard to represent his cores values.”
Among Tun Ahmad’s other major contributions to golf was the establishment of the EurAsia Cup, a Ryder Cup-style match between Asia and Europe which ran biennially at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club in Malaysia from 2014 to 2018.
He also served on the Board of various corporations and institutions, including as Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Chairman of the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia.
On his Facebook page, current Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali paid homage to his predecessor, describing him as a very respected administrator.
“He was the former Chief Secretary to the Government from 1990 to 1996 and a highly respected and respected Public Service administrator during his service.
“His passing is a great loss for the country through the services and devotion that have been poured over the years,” he posted.
The PGA of Malaysia issued a message, saying: “Through the years, Tun has contributed immensely to professional golf in Malaysia. The PGM Tour was Tun’s brainchild and his passion. Tun played a major part in implementing the Official World Golf Ranking through the PGM Tour which led to Malaysia’s participation in the 2016 Olympics.
“Tun’s legacy will forever be embedded in the lives of professional golf in Malaysia.”
Tun Ahmad is survived by his wife and five children.
