Tributes have poured in for beloved author, cartoonist and academic Professor Ġorġ Mallia following his death aged 68, with people remembering him as a man whose work influenced generations of readers, students and media professionals.

Prime Minister Robert Abela paid tribute to Mallia, describing him as a respected academic who left his mark on both Maltese media and literature.

"Saddened by the passing of Ġorġ Mallia, a respected academic who made a lasting contribution to Maltese media and literature, also inspiring generations of children to discover the joy of reading," Abela said, expressing his sincere condolences to his family.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Mallia belonged to a group of people whose work had become woven into Malta's national identity.

"There are people whose work becomes part of the fabric of a country. Ġorġ Mallia was one of them. Through his cartoons, his writing, his teaching and his unmistakable sense of humour, he made generations of Maltese smile, think and sometimes see ourselves a little differently."

She also reflected on Mallia's ability as a cartoonist to communicate complex messages through relatively simple illustrations.

"His pen had a way of saying a lot with very little. Malta and Gozo will be poorer without his wit, his creativity and his voice. My thoughts are with his family, friends, students and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. May he rest in peace. Thank you Ġorġ," Metsola said.

The University of Malta, where Mallia spent decades teaching and helping develop the study of communications, said it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of a much-valued member of its academic community.

"Throughout his years at UM, Prof. Mallia touched the lives of many students and colleagues through his teaching, creativity and dedication. His contribution to the UM community will be remembered with great respect and affection," it said.

The university extended its heartfelt condolences to Mallia's family, friends, colleagues and students.

Speaker of the House Carmelo Abela also paid tribute to Mallia, placing particular emphasis on his contribution to communications education in Malta.

Abela said Mallia had been instrumental in strengthening communications studies at the University of Malta and in the formation of numerous students and professionals who went on to work within the sector.

He extended his condolences to Mallia's family, colleagues and students, as well as all those who had known him.

The Nationalist Party also paid tribute to Mallia, describing his death as a loss to Malta's arts, culture and communications sectors.

"Ġorġ Mallia was an author, cartoonist, illustrator and academic who made an outstanding contribution to culture, literature and the field of communications," the PN said.

"His passing is also a loss to the arts, culture and communications sectors in our country," it said.

The party said Mallia's influence had reached generations of people through the different areas in which he worked.

"Through his creativity, knowledge and work, Ġorġ Mallia touched the lives of generations and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered."

The PN also recalled Mallia's contribution outside the academic, literary and artistic worlds, noting that he had served as a member of the Nominations Committee for Ġieħ ir-Repubblika after being nominated by the Opposition.

PN leader Alex Borg, together with the party's leadership, extended condolences to Mallia's wife Shirley and his entire family.

Borg also issued a personal tribute to Mallia on social media, remembering the professor for his contribution to Maltese culture, art and communications over the years.

He said Mallia had made an important and distinguished contribution to the country and had left a lasting mark through his work as an author, cartoonist, illustrator and academic.

Borg said he joined Mallia's family in mourning, together with all those who had been fortunate enough to know and work with him.

Veteran Maltese author and illustrator Trevor Zahra also paid an emotional tribute to Mallia, describing him as one of his "greatest and dearest friends."

"My friend, you were always there to bid farewell to those who raised their sails and sailed away. You saluted them with your gentle art. But today, who will draw you?" Zahra wrote.

"I wish it could be me... but my hand trembles and my heart trembles even more. Even if, with great difficulty, I managed to draw your likeness, I could never capture your kindness, your gentleness, your enthusiasm and the heart of a child which you were never ashamed to acknowledge and show," he said.

Zahra said that while those mourning Mallia were bidding him farewell "with our heads bowed", many would be waiting to welcome him "on the other side of the shore".

"Keep drawing caricatures of the angels, my friend. Keep bringing them joy and inspiring them, because even heaven needs your smile," Zahra said.

Several former students also took to Facebook to express their sadness at Mallia's death and offer condolences to his family, with many recalling their experiences being taught and mentored by him at the University of Malta.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) also expressed sadness at Mallia's death, highlighting his decades-long contribution to Maltese media and communications.

The institute recalled Mallia's work as a professor and head of the University of Malta's media department, where he mentored hundreds of students over the years.

It also described him as a familiar figure in Maltese newsrooms, particularly through his socio-political comic strips, noting that his most recent strip had appeared in print only last Sunday.

The IĠM extended its deepest condolences to Mallia's wife, children, family, friends, colleagues and students.