Malaysian Indian leader dead

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 23 : Former Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) vice president and philanthropist S.O.K. Ubaidulla Kadir Basha died Thursday after prolonged illness, a media report said Friday. He was 93.

Ubaidulla quit his studies in Chennai, India, 70 years ago to join the family business and politics here.

He had been MIC's vice president and at one stage permanent chairman, New Straits Times said.

He was also the founding president of Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce (All Malaysian Indian Commercial Body) 1950-82 and the Dewan Negara deputy president 1980-81.

He was also active in Islamic religious activities.