Jakarta. Hamzah Haz, Indonesia's ninth Vice President, has passed away at the age of 84.

"Innalillahi wainna ilaihi roji’un. Hamzah Haz has passed away at 9:30 a.m. Jakarta time," said PPP politician Idy Muzayyad on Wednesday.

According to Idy, the late Hamzah Haz is currently being prepared for ritual bathing and will later be prayed over at his mosque on Jalan Nenas, Bogor, West Java. "May the deceased be forgiven for all his sins, granted intercession from Prophet Muhammad SAW, and deemed worthy of entering His paradise," Idy said.

"May his children, grandchildren, and the entire Haz family be granted patience and steadfast faith," Idy added.

A prominent figure in Indonesian politics, Haz was a key leader in the PPP, one of Indonesia's major Islamic political parties. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the party's policies and direction.

Hamzah Haz began his career as a teacher in 1960. He later worked as a journalist for the Bebas newspaper in Pontianak and served as the General Director of Harian Berita Pawau in West Kalimantan.

Hamzah Haz served as the ninth Vice President of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004. He assumed office after Megawati Soekarnoputri was promoted to the presidency following the removal of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Prior to his vice presidency, Haz held the position of Minister of Investment from 1998 to 1999 under President BJ Habibie. He also served as Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, playing a key role in legislative affairs and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare under President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Add as a preferred source on Google +