Mohamed ‘OK’ Zahir, a prominent figure in the political sphere as well as a veteran businessman, has passed away.

Zahir passed away in Sri Lanka, on Friday, while receiving treatment at Asiri Hospital for a prolonged illness.

He was 76 at the time of his death and had been residing in the neighboring country for a while.

Having played a pivotal role in the formation of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Zahir served as the president of MDP’s Laamu atoll Fonadhoo constituency.

Zahir also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thilafushi Corporation during the administration of former president Mohamed Nasheed in 2008.

He was a well-known figure who was in business for a long period and received the National Award of Honor for his immense contributions to the development of the island nation’s economy, back in 1993.