KUALA LUMPUR – Former Mr Universe and Malaysian Body Building Federation (MBBF) president Datuk Gan Boon Leong, 85, died at 1.30am today.
Gan, dubbed Malaysia’s father of bodybuilding, was former Melaka MCA leader and state exco member. He was also credited as the founder of Jonker Walk, where a statue of him is currently located.
He first won the Mr Asia title in 1956 in Jakarta and was awarded honorary Mr Universe in 2000, also winning Mr Malaysia and Mr Melaka titles.
He continued his contribution in the sport of bodybuilding by serving as MBBF president and was also former president of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation.
According to the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Gan was also involved in organising the Asian Bodybuilding Championship in 1987, 1993 and 1994, the Men’s World Championship in 1990 followed by the Asean Pro Am Classic Championship in 1992 and the first Commonwealth Bodybuilding Championships in 1998 and Mr Universe in 2000.
He leaves behind wife Datin Chong Kin Yock and their seven children. – The Vibes, August 15, 2022
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