Former Nationalist minister Alexander Cachia Zammit has passed away, 12 days short of turning 90.
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PN leader Simon Busuttil tweeted this morning: "Farewell to dear Sandy Cachia Zammit, PN Żejtun stalwart and former minister in the Gorg Borg Olivier government."
Dr Cachia Zammit, a family doctor, successfully contested the elections for the first time in 1955. In 1962, he was elected from two electoral districts and appointed Minister for Labour and Social Services.
Following the 1966 election, Dr Cachia Zammit was appointed Minister of Health.
After the 1971 election, which the PN lost, Dr Cachia Zammit and his late brother Lawrence were accused of stealing government documents and made to face a trial by jury. The jurors unanimously returned a not guilty verdict. They were represented by late President Guido de Marco and President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami.
Dr Cachia Zammit retired from politics in 1987 and was nominated Ambassador to the Holy See that same year. In 1992, he was made officer of the National Order of Merit.
He was also president of the Beland Band Club.
In a statement, the Nationalist Party said Dr Cachia Zammit would be remembered for his work within the party at the most difficult times for the country. The party expressed its condolences with the family.
Condolences were also expressed by the Labour Party.