Former DAP Johor chairperson Ahmad Ton, aged 70, has passed away early this morning in Batu Pahat, Johor.

The current DAP Johor chairperson Liew Chin Tong described Ahmad as a "DAP stalwart and warrior" who joined the party in 1975, a time when very few Malays would have thought of joining DAP.

"He told me during one of our chats that he was impressed by DAP's commitment to non-racial politics.

"But his family did not support his entry into DAP, so he had to wait till the passing of his father to join DAP," Liew said in a statement today.

Ahmad had contested in elections for the DAP since 1982 up to 2008, Liew said.

"Ahmad fearlessly contested the most difficult seats, including former BN strongholds Tanjung Piai and Labis.

"Those years were the darkest hours for DAP but Ahmad firmly stood by the party," he said.

DAP's journey in Johor, which was formerly a BN's stronghold, has never been easy for the party veterans, Liew said.

For Ahmad, being a Malay in DAP contesting in Johor must have been doubly hard, he said.

"It was Ahmad's strong will and a warrior's pursuit of the permanent struggle for a better Malaysia that paved the way for Pakatan Harapan to finally win nationally and in Johor in 2018.

"My deepest condolences to Ahmad's family for their loss. And, on behalf of DAP, I am deeply grateful to Ahmad for his loyalty, service and sacrifices," he said.

Ahmad was the Johor DAP chairperson from 2004 to 2005, then the vice-chairperson from 2005 to 2014, as well as a long-time state committee member.

He was also the DAP national deputy secretary-general (2004 to 2008) as well as a central executive committee (CEC) member from 1982 to 2012.

Johor DAP publicity secretary Sheikh Omar Ali told Malaysiakini that Ahmad passed away at the Batu Pahat Hospital.