KUALA LUMPUR — Former national and Perak footballer Ishsam Shahruddin passed away today at the age of 58 after collapsing during a football match at Stadium Bandaraya in George Town, Penang.
The Ayer Kuning assemblyman and Tapah Barisan Nasional (BN) division chief was reported to have fallen unconscious before being pronounced dead, according to Sinar Harian.
Ishsam was a key figure in Malaysian football during the 1980s and 1990s, playing alongside national greats such as Azizul Abu Haniffah, Mohd Nidzam Adzha Yusoff, and Roafandi Yusoff.
His talent earned him the nickname blue-eyed boy from then-Perak FA deputy president Datuk Seri Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar.
After retiring from football, Ishsam transitioned into politics, inspired by Raja Ahmad’s path. He joined Umno and built his political career in Tapah, eventually rising to become the constituency’s BN chief.
In the 15th General Election (GE15), he contested and won the Ayer Kuning state seat.
Born and raised in Tapah, Ishsam once shared that his motivation for entering politics was to serve his hometown.
Holding a degree in management from Open University Malaysia (OUM), he initially ventured into business before being encouraged by local Umno leaders to return and contribute to his community.
His passing marks a significant loss to both Malaysian football and politics. — February 22, 2025