KUALA LUMPUR – The death of Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF) president Datuk Gan Boon Leong has left behind heavy hearts among the national sporting fraternity.
Gan passed away at 1.30am today due to old age. He was 85.
Born on August 25, 1937, Gan had won the Mr Universe, Mr Asia and Mr Malaysia titles during his career. In 2000, he was awarded honorary Mr Universe, dubbing him as Malaysia’s father of bodybuilding.
Former national bodybuilder Sazali Abdul Samad said it was sad to hear about Gan’s passing as he was someone that inspired him.
“I am deeply saddened with the passing of Datuk Gan who has been inspirational throughout my bodybuilding career. I wish my deepest condolences to his family.
“He is a good person and is always ready to help fellow bodybuilders reach greater heights. He was the father of Malaysian bodybuilding and a true son of Melaka.
“I have known him for the last 30 years and learnt a lot from him. He lives for bodybuilding and will always be an example to the young and upcoming bodybuilders in Malaysia,” said the 2006 Asian Games silver medallist when contacted by The Vibes.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria also extended his condolences to Gan’s family.
“It is a big loss to the sporting fraternity especially to the bodybuilding sporting family.
“Our deepest condolences to the family of Datuk Gan. He will be missed by all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, OCM secretary-general Datuk Mohammad Nazifuddin Mohammad Najib said Gan was a renowned figure in bodybuilding, not just in Malaysia but around the world.
“His hard work in bodybuilding has brought numerous competitions in Malaysia and has won so many awards.
“He will be missed in the sports world and condolences to his family.”
During his time as MBBF president, Gan played a role in organising various world and international championships such as the Asian Bodybuilding Championships in 1987, 1993 and 1994.
He also organised the 1990 Men’s World Championships, as well as the 1992 Asean Pro Am Classic Championships, the first Commonwealth Bodybuilding Championships in 1998 and Mr Universe in 2000.
Besides serving as president of MBBF and the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation, Gan was also a former Melaka MCA leader for 12 years and a state executive councillor.
Gan is also credited as the founder of Jonker Walk, where a statue of him is currently located. – The Vibes, August 15, 2022
.JPG)
