Former Nationalist MP Sandy Cachia Zammit has died, The Malta Independent is informed.

He was to celebrate his 90th birthday next month.

Born on 11 August, 1924, Alexander Cachia Zammit, affectionately known as "It-Tabib Sandy", was an MP for the Nationalist Party between 1955 and 1987.

He held the post of Minister of Labour and Social Welfare between 1962 and 1966, and Minister of Health between 1966 and 1971.

When he retired from politics in 1987, he was nominated Ambassador to the Holy See.

His biography was published late last year.

Writing on his Facebook page, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said: "Farewell to dear Sandy Cachia Zammit, PN Zejtun stalwart and former Minister in the Gorg Borg Olivier government."