Zainal was a former holder of the Malay Rulers Chair at Universiti Teknologi MARA and deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs) of Universiti Malaya.

His son, Reza Safri, said Zainal’s remains are currently being managed at Surau Seksyen 3, Shah Alam, for funeral arrangements.

“(He was treated for) three days at Shah Alam Hospital. He was brought there after his health deteriorated due to diabetic complications.

“The remains will be buried at the Muslim cemetery in Seksyen 21, Shah Alam, after Zuhur (midday) prayer today,” he said.

Zainal’s academic career began in 1967 when he joined Universiti Malaya as a teaching staff member. He became an assistant lecturer in 1974, was promoted to associate professor in 1977, and achieved full professorship in 1992.

He also held several other prominent positions, such as director of the National Integration Research Centre at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris and head of the history cluster of the National Professors’ Council.

Before his death, he was also serving as deputy chairman of the Board of Malay Civilisation.