Fiji's information minister, Ahmed Ali, has died while receiving medical treatment in Australia.
Reports say Mr Ali said he developed liver problems after an official visit to India and went to Australia for treatment about two weeks ago.
The prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, appointed the unelected senator to his cabinet last year during a reshuffle, replacing a minister who faced charges related to the 2000 coup.
Mr Ali had served as a minister in governments of the 1980s and later became a senior adviser to then president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
The Fiji government says in line with Muslim rites, he was buried at the Lakemba Mosque in Sydney within 24 hours of dying.
