MCA, in an announcement on Facebook today, said Neo died on March 5. He was 81.

Party president Wee Ka Siong said Neo, a former Muar MP who held several positions in the government and party, was a “straight forward” individual.

“He had contributed significantly to the party and nation.

“Dr Neo’s passing is a great loss to society and the country,” he told FMT when contacted.

Wee said the party observed a moment of silence at the central committee meeting today.

The academician-turned-politician was elected to MCA’s central committee in 1973 before being made the party’s deputy secretary-general.

In 1974, he was elected the Muar MP and was appointed parliamentary secretary to the resources, technology and research ministry.

Neo served as the party’s secretary-general between 1975 and 1979.

He was also appointed as the deputy culture, youth and sports minister and the deputy finance minister in 1975 and 1978 respectively.

He was re-elected as the Muar MP in 1978. A year later, Neo was appointed as the housing and local government minister.

He was also elected the MCA vice-president in 1979.

In 1983, Neo was named the acting MCA president after Lee San Choon stepped down from the post.

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