PUTRAJAYA, Feb 3 — Malaysia’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Datuk Mohd Zulkephli Mohd Noor died in Berne, Switzerland today, according to the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra).

In a statement here today, the ministry said Mohd Zulkephli, 57, died at 6.38am local time. (1.38pm Malaysian time)

He leaves behind wife Datin Anna Amalia Imam Baweh and five children.

“The Malaysian Embassy in Berne with the help of Malaysia’s permanent representative in Geneva is in the process of arranging for the remains to be brought home to Malaysia,” Wisma Putra said.

Mohd Zulkephli joined the civil service as an Administrative and Diplomatic officer in 1984.

Prior to his appointment as ambassador to Switzerland, he was Malaysia’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan.

Mohd Zulkephli who also served as Malaysia’s Ambassador to Libya from 2009 to 2011, was directly involved in an operation to evacuate Malaysians from Libya when a civil war broke out there.

In addition, he had worked in other Malaysian Missions and had served as  Malaysian Consul-General in Los Angeles and Malaysian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

“He was a dedicated officer who gave his full commitment in every assignment during his service with the Foreign Ministry.

“We will always remember his kind deeds and the sacrificeS made for the sake of religion, race and country throughout his 32 years of service,” said Wisma Putra. — Bernama