RIP

Ex-Australian PM Malcolm Fraser Dies

He was 84.

Former prime minister of Australia Malcolm Fraser died Thursday after a "brief illness," according to a statement from his office. He was 84. Fraser was a revered politician, sworn in as Australia's caretaker prime minister in 1975 during a constitutional crisis. He went on to win three elections as one of Australia's longest-serving prime ministers and the leader of the Liberal Party. Fraser is remembered for his work on human rights, embracing multiculturalism and championing land rights for Australia's indigenous Aboriginal people. He also condemned racism, campaigning for the end of South Africa's apartheid, and opened doors to thousands of Vietnamese refugees. Fraser remained active on Australia's political scene, later becoming a critic of his former Liberal party, which he quit in 2010. He also wrote a column for the Australian and was a prolific Twitter user until two days before his death.