IGP: Chin Peng has never been a Malaysian citizen

Former secretary-general of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) Chin Peng has never been a Malaysian citizen, despite being born here.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Chin Peng would be happier if he were to be burried in a place where he had stayed long.

"Even though he was born in Sitiawan, he was never a Malaysian citizen. He had obtained Malaysian citizenship when he joined CPM," he told Astro Awani.

Khalid also defended his statement on Twitter.

Chin P is not a M'aian citizen. He never took up c'ship when he joined CPM. I think he is happy to be buried where he spent his time most...
— Khalid Abu Bakar (@KBAB51) September 16, 2013

According to AFP's report, former Thai military commander General Pisarn Wattanawongkiri said Chin died because of cancer.

Meanwhile, various reactions were generated through Twitter including from DAP Advisor Lim Kit Siang.

Lim, in his Twitter post described Chin Peng's death marks the end of an era.

He said whether one agrees or not with his struggle, his place in history is assured.

No matter how much Malaysians hate Chin Peng, the ex-Communist leader, let's not make his death as if a joyful celebration. Not our culture
— Tan Keng Liang (@tankengliang) September 16, 2013

Bangkok Post reported today that Chin Peng or his real name, Ong Boon Hua, was pronounced dead this morning at 6.20am.

The man has been living in exile in Thailand, as he was not allowed to return to Malaysia