His son, Ivan, confirmed his father’s passing, saying the latter died of old age.

Fernandez served as the assemblyman for Rasah from 1974 to 1978.

In 1980, he quit DAP after 14 years, citing differences with the leadership.

He however rejoined in 2000, and went on to serve as the Seremban MP for a single term in 2008.

Fernandez, who was a lawyer, again resigned from the party in 2013 to stand as an independent to defend the parliamentary seat.

He was reported to have said that his decision to quit DAP for the second time, stemmed from the “marginalisation of Indians”.

However, Fernandez lost after securing 221 votes in the contest which saw current DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook elected as the constituency’s representative.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Ng and four children.