The Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, sent a similar message over the football legend’s death.

In a post on Istana Negara’s Facebook page, the King and Queen said they were saddened by Shebby’s death, and hoped his family would remain patient and strong.

“The King and Queen greatly appreciate his services and sacrifices to the country. His passing is a big loss to Malaysian football,” the post said.

It said Shebby, who was 61, was an outstanding defender in the national team from 1982 to 1991 and had played in the Asian Games in 1982, 1986 and 1990.

Shebby was also in the victorious 1989 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games squad and had represented Pahang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Perak.

After his retirement as a player, he was appointed the global adviser of Blackburn Rovers in 2012.

Shebby died while out cycling at Sunway in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.