Tan Sri Elyas Omar — a national sports figure
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Badminton Association of Malaysia ( BAM) president Tan Sri Elyas Omar wi l l continue to be remembered as a national sports figure who had contributed greatly towards the development of Malaysian sports, sports activists said.
The late Elyas, who was also the third mayor of Kuala Lumpur, headed the national badminton parent body for eight years from 1985 and led the national squad to forge its name globally by winning the Thomas Cup in 1992.
BAM recorded its condolences on the death of the late Elyas, 82, who had died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to health complications on Tuesday.
“Condolences to the family of former BAM President, Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
“His contribution and legacy to national sports, especially badminton wil l always be remembered and appreciated.
“His departure is a huge loss for the country.
“May his soul be placed among the believers,” said BAM president Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
Sharing the same view was one of the 1992 Thomas Cup national squad players Rashid Sidek who described him as a loving father figure.
“Like a father and his children. If we have any problems, we can directly go to see him. No need to make any appointments and so on,” said Rashid.
In addition to badminton, Elyas also served as the Kuala Lumpur Football Association president and had assisted the city’s team to win the Malaysia Cup three times in a row from 1987 to 1989.
Mohamed Razip Ismail, a former Kuala Lumpur player for 15 years beginning in 1979, said the passing of Elyas, who had been heavily devoted to sports development especially football in Kuala Lumpur, was a huge loss.
“The contributions of the late Elyas towards sports in Kuala Lumpur is truly big. He was a great leader and had a clear vision and mission.
“Many sports have succeeded in achieving success under his leadership not excluding the Kuala Lumpur football team which was at the peak of its performance due to his vision and mission,” he said.
During his tenure as Kuala Lumpur mayor from 1981 to 1992, Elyas was known for his outstanding work towards infrastructure development of the city, as wel l as his numerous social and economic contributions to city dwellers.
Elyas’ remains were buried at the Muslim Cemetery, Jalan Ampang 11.35 am yesterday. — Bernama