Abdul Rahman Dahlan, the minister for Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, called Ali a truly inspirational man “who touched the hearts of millions in every nook and cranny of the world”.

The Sabahan lawmaker went on to recall the time that Ali, who called himself “The Greatest”, defeated Joe Bugner in Malaysia in 1975, and how he cheered every time Ali’s left hook landed on Bugner’s chin.

“He was bigger than life with influence so unimaginably far reaching. He was the hero of the underprivileged. A source of strength for millions who face incredible challenges in their lives. Alfatihah to my champ. You will be forever remembered. May Allah bless your soul and grant you Jannah,” he wrote.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin kept his tribute short and simple, posting a picture of the sporting icon with the comment: “May Allah bless your soul. The greatest. Ali! Ali! Ali!”

PKR’s R Sivarasa also revealed he was privileged to have met the boxer briefly, while he was a Form 6 student in Kuala Lumpur.

Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali meanwhile tweeted: “Floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee…can’t get that out of my head. And the Rumble in the Jungle” (when Ali regained his world championship title by defeating George Foreman).

Shariah lawyer Nizam Bashir, also shared a news piece about Ali’s passing on the micro-blogging site, adding that the latter was “a sight to see in his prime.”

SEE ALSO: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali dies at 74