A former doctor and Nationalist Party MP who served for five legislatures, John Rizzo Naudi has died aged 96.

His years in Parliament in the 80s and 90s also saw him serve on two PN Government Cabinets, as Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Parliamentary Secretary within the Social Policy Ministry.

Born in Msida and having studied abroad in the UK, Dr Rizzo Naudi was first elected to Parliament in 1976, serving for some 20 years until he exited politics in 1995.

He was a medical doctor by profession, and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. He was also a medical registrar at St Luke’s Hospital in the 60s, after he had worked for seven years in Malaysia as a medic.

A former lecturer at the University of Malta, he also served as Chancellor and founded the Haemophilia Society of Malta in 1982.

He was married and had three children.

The Opposition paid tribute to the late politician and doctor, saying the country is today still benefitting from decisions he has taken in the health sector. Opposition leader Bernard Grech described him as a “beloved politician” respected by all.