THE late Datuk Hishamuddin Aun, former Group Editor-in-Chief of The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP), was laid to rest at the Sungai Sekamat Muslim Cemetery near Kajang at approximately 1.30pm today.
Hishamuddin, 67, passed away yesterday evening at Hospital Sultan Idris Shah in Serdang due to complications from Influenza A.
Earlier in the day, his body was brought to the nearby Sungai Sekamat Mosque for final rites, where it was bathed and shrouded in accordance with Islamic tradition. About 100 mourners, including family members, friends and former colleagues, attended the funeral prayer before accompanying the burial.
Among those present to pay their last respects were National Journalism Laureate Datuk Abdul Kadir Jasin, Berita Harian Group Editor Zulkifli Jalil, Deputy Group Editor M. Thilinadan, Karangkraf founder Datuk Husamuddin Yaacub, former NSTP Group Editor-in-Chief Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan, and former RTM Director-General Datuk Ibrahim Yahya.
He is survived by his wife, Datin Noorlinda Abd Talib, four children and two grandchildren.
His eldest son, Mohd Shahidan Hishamuddin, 37, recalled that his father began showing signs of illness on 31 August and later lost consciousness before being diagnosed with Influenza A. He had been in hospital for over a month.
“About two weeks ago, his condition worsened and he was placed under sedation. When he regained consciousness, he seemed stable and was transferred to a regular ward from the ICU. But after just two days, he passed away,” Shahidan told reporters at the mosque.
“We accept his passing. He was a loving and responsible man. Before being sedated, he told me to take good care of my mother and younger siblings,” he added.
Hishamuddin’s journalism career began in 1979 and spanned more than four decades. He held several key editorial roles, including Editor of Harian Metro and Group Editor of Berita Harian. He also served as a sports editor and later as an editorial advisor for Astro Awani and Astro Arena.
Until his final days, he remained active in media commentary, writing columns on national affairs and sports across various news portals.
In July this year, he was honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the SAM-100PLUS 2024 Awards, presented by the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM), acknowledging his lasting impact on sports journalism in the country. - October 2, 2025
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