Datuk Mohd Zain Omar, former Balik Pulau MP dies

Former Balik Pulau Member of Parliament Datuk Mohd Zain Omar died of kidney failure here early today. Mohd Zain, 71, passed away at his house in Kampung Masjid, Bayan Lepas at 3.35am after being bedridden for more than a month due to kidney problem and diabetes. His wife Datin Mahani Shahidan, 69, said his remains was buried at the Bayan Lepas Muslim Cemetary after Zohor prayers. "He was admitted to the hospital several days after Aidilfitri and was allowed to return home last week. Family members were always with him when he was bedridden until he passed away," she told reporters. Mohd Zain left behind three children Marziani, 46, Mohd Zaini, 42, Mohd Zairani, 37, and eight grandchildren. The late Mohd Zain was active in politics since the 1960s and had held positions in Umno at state and national levels. He was also a former Penang football manager and had taken the squad to victory in the Premier League in 1998. Among those who turned up to pay their last respects were former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa and several Barisan Nasional leaders.