PETALING JAYA, Dec 14 ― Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin, a former information minister, died today, The Star Online reported.

He was 79.

Zainuddin was reported to have been admitted in the Emergency Unit of Putrajaya Hospital on November 12 and transferred to the intensive care unit the following day after doctors detected pulmonary edema (water in the lungs).

He was later transferred to the Serdang Hospital, where he passed away at noon today.

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took to Twitter to express his condolences to Zainuddin and his family.

"The time spent fighting side by side together in the party and Cabinet will forever be a memory,” he said.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also expressed his condolences.

"Condolences to Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin who has just passed away. We have lost a national treasure,” he said in a tweet.

Fellow politicians from Pakatan Harapan also conveyed their sorrow, with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail sending their condolences on Twitter.

Zainuddin, a former chief editor of Utusan Melayu Group, was information minister from 2006 until 2008.

His younger brother, Abdul Lazam, told Bernama that his body will be brought to his home in Precinct 10 here tonight.

The burial will be held at the Taman Melawati Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur tomorrow after funeral prayers that are scheduled for 9am.