Ong Yoke Lin
Omar Yoke Lin Ong (born 23 July 1917, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) is a Malaysian politician. Born Ong Yoke Lin, he began schooling at the Pudu Girls' English School. He then continued at the prestigious Victoria Institution. He finished his School Certificate in 1932 at the age of 15.
He was a founding member of Malaysian Chinese Association and was one of those instrumental in the formation of the Alliance, present-day United Front (Barisan Nasional). He was in the multi-party team that negotiated the independence of Malaya from Britain.
In 1955, he was in Malaya's first Cabinet. He was appointed Post and Telecoms Minister, and the following year, Transport Minister.
From 1962 to 1972, Yoke Lin was Malaysia's ambassador to the United States and Brazil, Permanent Representative to the United Nations and High Commissioner to Canada. He was, until 1973, Minister without Portfolio. He relinquished his diplomatic appointments in November 1972 and resumed his Ministerial post until February 1973 when he was unanimously elected President of the Senate. He served in this position until December 31, 1980.
He has since embraced Islam and took on the name of Omar Yoke Lin Ong. He was awarded a Tunship for his services to Malaysia.