EX-KL MAYOR ELYAS BURIED
Former leader was credited with much development in federal capital
THE remains of former Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Elyas Omar, 81, were buried at the Jalan Ampang Muslim Cemetery here at 11.35am yesterday.
More than 300 people comprising his family members and close friends were at the burial ground including Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
Elyas, who was born on Nov 16, 1936 in Penang, died at 7.15pm on Tuesday due to health complications.
The University of Malaya graduate began his public sector career when he was appointed assistant director in the Public Service Commission in 1963, before becoming an assistant director of Federal Establishment Office Malaysia and assistant director of the Administrative Development Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department in 1966.
He served as National Institute of Public Administration director between 1973 and 1978. He later became the director-general of the Public Service Department (1978-1981).
His last public service posting was as Kuala Lumpur mayor (1982-1992).
On Nov 17, 1992 Elyas was succeeded by Mazlan Ahmad.
During Elyas’ tenure as mayor, he was credited with the development of the federal capital, including its beautification.
He was credited with the introduction of the Light Rapid Transit System and the integrated public transport system, which saw the consolidation of the existing bus companies, as well as their integration with taxi, monorail and pedestrian walkways.
His beautification efforts saw the creation of Orchid Park, Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Deer Park, Taman Bandar Tun Razak and Taman Tasik Permaisuri.
He planned the privatisation of urban development, such as Bandar Baru Wangsa Maju and the joint-venture development between Kuala Lumpur City Hall, private developers and landowners of squatter areas here.
Elyas was involved in the development planning of the Bukit Jalil sports village complex, which is incorporated with Technology Park.
He had also been appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia president and during his tenure, Malaysia won the Thomas Cup in 1992.
Elyas was also Kuala Lumpur Football Association president when it won the Malaysia Cup three times in a row from 1987 to 1989.
He was the chef-de-mission of the Malaysian contingent to the 1982 Barcelona Olympics, where the nation secured it first Olympic medal through the exploits of Razif and Jailani Sidek in badminton.
Elyas was also appointed Youth and Sports Ministry sports commissioner from January 2005 until April 2008.