LATE TUN OMAR A GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTER - MALAYSIAN PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama)-- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak
in paying tribute to the late Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin described him as a great
freedom fighter who played an instrumental role in helping the nation gain
independence besides making immense contributions to the country.

"Even as a member of Malaya's pre-independence Cabinet, he was at the
frontline in fighting for Malaysia to be out of the yoke of colonialism.

"He made untold contributions towards nation-building post-independence...
his passing is a big loss to the nation," he told reporters after attending
Omar's funeral at the Warriors Mausoleum here Thursday.

Omar died at home at 8.15am today due to old age. He was 92.

Also present were former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,
Chief-Scretary to the Government Sidek Hassan, Inspector-General of
Police Musa Hassan, Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister
Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and several former cabinet ministers.

Nong Chik said Omar's contributions were far too many to mention and that
was why he had been honoured by being laid to rest at the mausoleum.


Earlier, the coffin bearing Omar's remains which was draped in the national
flag was brought from his residence in Persiaran Duta to Masjid Negara and
placed at its Dewan Syarahan Utama (Main Debate Hall) at 3pm to enable the
people to pay their last respects.

The burial was conducted after the afternoon prayers.

His remains were buried besides the grave of former home minister Tun
Ghazali Shafie.

He leaves behind wife Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong and four children, three boys
and a girl.

-- BERNAMA



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