MALAYSIA`S LAST INDEPENDENCE FIGHTER OMAR ONG YOKE LIN DIES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Omar Ong Yoke Lin, who was among those
who played a pivotal role in the country's independence and the formation of
Malaysia, died today due to old age. He was 92.

According to an aide of his wife, Hajah Dr Aishah, Omar Ong breathed his
last at his home in No. 44, Persiaran Duta, here, at 8.15am.

His remains will be buried at the Warrior's Mausoleum, next to the National
Mosque, here at 4.30pm.

He was among the country's leaders who played an important role in the
country's political arena before and after the independence.

Omar Ong had a hand in the formation of the Umno-MCA alliance and was part
of a delegation headed by Tunku Abdul Rahman to negotiate the country's
independence in London in 1957.

He had also held various cabinet posts and was one of the signatories when
the Malaysia agreement was signed in London in 1963.

Meanwhile, the National Mosque said in a statement that members of the
public who wanted to pay their last respects could do so from 3pm today at the
mosque's main lecture hall prior to the burial ceremony.

UMNO stands for United Malays National Organisation is Malaysia's largest
political party; a founding member of the National Front (Barisan Nasional)
coalition, which has played a dominant role in Malaysian politics since
independence.

While MCA stands for is a uni-racial political party in Malaysia that
represents the Malaysian Chinese ethnic, is one of the three major component
parties of the ruling coalition (National Front) in Malaysia


-- BERNAMA