Renowned academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Mohd Rashdan Baba died at 6.59 am today.

He was 85.

The news of his death was shared by his niece, Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid, who is Kuala Kangsar Member of Parliament, in a posting on her official Facebook page.

"I have just received sad news early today of the passing of my uncle Tan Sri Rashdan Baba. A Rembau-born who had contributed so much for the religion, the race and the nation. He was a smart, courageous and hard-working Aa Ba Ta fighter.

"Thank you Pak Ngah (Uncle Ngah) for teaching and reminding me about perseverance and sacrifices in my struggle. I will never forget it. I love you, Pak Ngah," she wrote.

Meanwhile, Mohd Rashdan's private secretary, who insisted anonymity, told Bernama that the academician breathed his last at Ampang Puteri Hospital here and his remains would be brought to Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) Mosque for the funeral prayer before being laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery later today.