New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday condoled the death of Kerala Governor M.O.H. Farook, saying he will be remembered for his administrative abilities and strong bond that he had with the people whom he represented.

In a condolence message to his son Farook Shahjahan, Manmohan Singh said: "I learnt with deep sadness of the passing away of M.O.H. Farook, who was serving as the Governor of Kerala."

"In the passing away of Farook the country has lost a veteran politician and leader of the people. He was one of the senior most politicians of the country and served in public life for five decades in different capacities," he said.

"He served thrice as the chief minister of Puducherry and was also a member of the Union Council of Ministers in the early 'nineties. Farook upheld the highest traditions of public service during his long and distinguished career," the prime minister added.

The 75-year-old leader died Thursday night at a private hospital in Chennai due to multiple myeloma - a cancer of plasma cells. A seven-day state mourning has been declared in Kerala. The funeral is slated for later Friday.