Many of his former students, colleagues and friends were devastated with his demise.  He had touched their lives and hearts in many different ways. I first knew him in 1987 when we were colleagues at the School of Foundation Studies, UUM. 

Professor Mahmood is no stranger in the academic world in Malaysia. He started his career as a tutor at the School of Foundation Studies,  UUM at the age of 25.  After obtaining his Masters degree in clinical psychology from Duquesne University,  Pittsburg, Pennsylvania  Mahmood was appointed lecturer in 1987 at the age of 27. He was a rising star - promoted to deputy dean a year later and then as dean at the age of 29. In 1995, Mahmood obtained his Ph.D in Psychology from the National University of Malaysia. His other academic management positions included as Director of Research and Consultancy and Deputy Vice chancellor at UUM.

 As a true academician, Mahmood carried out research which culminated in different forms of publications locally and internationally. Since 2004, his research area of interest was on substance abuse in which he succeeded in getting research funding from different agencies and ministries.

This research experience was instrumental for Mahmood to be seconded to the Malaysian Anti Drug Agency (MADA) as Deputy Director-General in 2006, a position he held for six years. He also served as the President of Malaysian Substance Abuse Council (MASAC).

After leaving MADA, Mahmood returned to academia as Deputy President of Academic and Student Affairs at CUCMS. It is here that he started the Psychology Program - from Diploma to Doctorate level. He also brought in the Post-Graduate Diploma in Addiction Science (PGDAS) with  funding from the Colombo Plan. To date, two cohorts have graduated from this program.

Mahmood’s highest academic position was as President of Asian Metropolitan University (AMU), a position he held till the middle of 2018.

Mahmood also played an instrumental role in the development of Psychology in this country. As the fourth President of the Malaysian Psychological Association (PSIMA) he diligently helped to draft the Psychology Act which is now in its final form and consistently encouraged the discipline to be outward looking and progressive.

He was also one of the founding members of ARUPS (The ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Science) in 2003 serving as a Charter President representing Malaysia at the first ARUPS council.

He leaves a legacy that will continue to have an impact in this country and this region. May Allah bless his soul and may he be placed among the righteous in heaven.

Salam Takziah