The news of his death was confirmed by his second son Norazman, who is also MNCF vice-president.

He said his father, 82, died after a year of suffering from Stage 4 prostate cancer.

“His health declined two weeks ago before he was admitted to hospital on Sunday,” he said, adding that his father will be buried at the Kampung Semabok Muslim Cemetary around noon tomorrow.

Abu Samah leaves behind his wife, Halimah Ali, seven children, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Abu Samah was appointed MNCF president in 1990 and received various honours, including the Asean Cycling Federation (ACF) Merit Award in May this year.

He was the first Malaysian sportsman to receive the Merit Award from the world cycling body, UCI, the Asian Cycling Confederation, as well as the ACF.