The 71-year-old served as president from 2017 to 2022, capping decades of involvement in the political and armed struggle that led to the independence of the small Southeast Asian nation.

Dili ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in public buildings, including at embassies and consulates, the government said in a statement on Monday.

Guterres's body is expected to arrive back in Timor Leste's capital on Tuesday, his brother Domingos Guterres told reporters, adding that funeral arrangements are still being organised.

Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, who defeated Guterres in the 2022 presidential election, said in a statement that his former rival was a "great patriot", adding that his passing was "a great loss for the nation".

The government also extended its "deepest condolences" to Guterres's family, the Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor Leste(Fretilin) party he formerly led and to the people of East Timor.

Guterres's family asked for privacy as supporters paid tribute to the beloved former leader.

"We ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this difficult time, as we join in prayer and pay tribute to his memory, his legacy, and his dedication to the Timorese people," his family said.

Guterres had humble beginnings, fighting for Timor Leste's independence from Indonesia that was achieved in 2002 after a brutal 24-year occupation.

He won the 2017 presidential election to become the nation's sixth president after securing more than 57 percent of the votes.

Guterres ran for reelection in 2022 but was defeated in a run-off by Nobel laureate Ramos-Horta.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was "saddened" by Guterres's passing and extended his condolences to his family and the people of Timor Leste.

"Malaysia mourns his passing alongside the Timorese people. He will be remembered here with respect and affection," Anwar said.

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