25 November 2010

Ex-Penang CM Lim Chong Eu dies...

Former Penang chief minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, 91, died at his home in Tanjong Bungah, here, at 9pm today.

Lim had earlier been warded at the Penang Hospital for almost a month following a stroke and was brought back to his residence this evening. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon when contacted, confirmed Lim’s demise and said an official announcement would be made.

Lim was the second Penang chief minister, for 21 years from 1969 to 1990, and held the Gerakan presidency from 1971 to 1980.

Born in 1919 in Penang, Lim studied at the Penang Free School and was the King's Scholar in 1937. He obtained a degree in medical and surgery from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in 1944.

Prior to joining Gerakan, Lim was MCA president from 1958 to 1959, during a time when the party was facing one its most tumultuous times. In December 1960, Lim left the MCA and formed the United Democratic Party in 1962. He was among the key figures who formed Gerakan just before the 1969 general elections.

He continued on as Penang chief minister, he eventually retired from politics after he was defeated by DAP strongman Lim Kit Siang in his Padang Kota state seat at the 1990 general election. Following his retirement from politics, Lim became a businessman and was awarded the Tunship.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, also expressed his “deep sorrow” upon hearing of Lim's demise and extended on behalf of the Penang government hi deepest condolences to Lim's son Chien Cheng and his family.

source:bernama/malaysiakini

RIP Tun. The rakyat will always remember your contributions...

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