A veteran leader of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ruling United Malays National Organisation (Umno) party, Sulaiman Ninam Shah died at the age of 83 from leukaemia, the official Bernama news agency said today.

Bernama said Sulaiman, who had held the post of Umno permanent chairman for the past 28 years, died early today at a private hospital.

Burial today

Sulaiman, who joined Umno in 1947, a year after its founding, would be buried later today, in his birthplace Muar in Johor.

"He had a full life. He worked until his last days practically," Mahathir told reporters after paying his last respects at Sulaiman's residence.

Mahathir said Umno would always cherish the services Sulaiman had contributed to the party.

"He is almost an institution in Umno, being the longest-serving permanent chairman of the party," he said. - AFP