GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR OMAR ATAN`S RELEASE

ALOR SETAR (Malaysia), April 3 (Bernama) -- There appears to be a glimmer of
hope for businessman Omar Atan's release from prison in Laos.

This follows the Umno (United Malays National Organisation) Youth Community
Complaints Bureau presentation of relevant documents to the Punthong Prison
authorities in Vientiane to secure his freedom.

Bureau chairman Muhd Khairun Aseh said after three days of holding
talks with the Laotian Government last week, they were convinced that Omar, 59,
would be freed.

He said the Laotian Government appreciated the move as previously no
quarters had taken the initiative to defend Omar.

"I will give them more proof that he is innocent...I believe he is a victim
of circumstances," Muhd Khairun said when met by reporters here Saturday.

He said a group from the bureau would return to Laos in two weeks to
bring additional documents which might facilitate a speedy release, adding that
a letter was also sent to the Laos prime minister to seek his help.

In May last year, Omar was detained after he had gone to Laos as a
translator for a friend who was believed to be there to recruit foreign workers.

He was put in the prison without any prosecution being conducted.

On March 20, this year, Omar was granted permission to return to Malaysia
for 10 days to visit his wife's grave before being sent back to prison.
-- BERNAMA