KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The death of Tan Sri A. Samad Ismail is a big loss to journalism in the country and the vacuum he has left behind would be difficult to fill, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.

"I believe his death will be felt by everyone in the journalism fraternity, particularly those who had been under his tutelage," he added.

Samad, fondly known as "Pak Samad" among journalists, died of a lung infection this evening at the Pantai Medical Centre. He was 84.

Ahmad Shabery said he prayed for the repose of Samad's soul and hoped that the family would find the strength to accept the loss.

-- BERNAMA