Tun Omar dies at 93

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA founding member Tun Omar Yoke Lin Ong, 93, was laid to rest at the Warriors’ Mausoleum at Masjid Negara with full honours of a state funeral.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former MCA president Tun Ling Liong Sik, president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, ministers, deputy ministers and members of royalty joined hundreds of people to pay their last respects and extend their condolences to Omar’s wife, Toh Puan Dr Aishah, 65.

Omar died in his sleep at his Persiaran Duta residence at 8.15am yesterday.

“Tun left peacefully in his sleep about two hours after having his early morning tea at 6am,” said Omar’s private nurse Rani Belu.

Omar’s youngest child, Mohamed Taufik, 31, managed to fly back from Hong Kong before the funeral was held at 6.05pm.

Two other children, Ariffin, 35, and Dr Rohani, 33, were still in London and would only be arriving today.

Omar has four grandchildren.

Omar’s brother Yoke Leong, 73, was sad but thankful to his brother for all the help he had given his family.

“Tun was always there during our times of need,” he added.

Omar was praised as a genuine politician who had the country’s best interest at heart.

Najib, who went to Omar’s residence in the morning before attending the funeral, said he felt the loss as Omar was close to the family.

“He was an important figure in the fight for the country’s independence,” he said after the funeral.

Muhyiddin paid tribute to Omar’s contributions, saying: “He was one of the first few Cabinet Ministers who served under the first Prime Minister.

“All his contributions to the country are appreciated. He was loved by everyone because of his humility.”

Dr Chua described Omar as a politician who embraced all races and a man who was accepted by all Malaysians.

“Although Tun was seldom present at MCA’s functions due to his health condition, he was one of the very few veterans who still kept in close contact with the party,’’ he said.

The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who was unable to attend the ceremony, issued a statement praising Omar’s contributions.

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