The BN convention, which is originally planned for this Sunday, has been postponed to next weekend as a mark of respect for the late Lim Chong Eu.

Lim, who is Penang second chief minister, died last night after suffering from a stroke. His state funeral will take place on Sunday in Penang.

NONE According to BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the convention will now be held either on Dec 4-5. This is to enable key coalition leaders to attend Lim’s funeral.

The one-day convention is expected to discuss a number of crucial changes to BN’s constitution, including direct membership in the ruling coalition from individuals and NGOs.

Adnan told Malaysiakini that the convention will kick off with a dinner on Dec 4 while the meeting proper will be on Sunday.

One-minute silence in Parliament

Meanwhile, the Dewan Rakyat has sent its condolences to Lim’s family.

Deputy speaker Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who made the announcement at the end of question-and-answer session asked members to stand in one minute's silence as respect for Lim.

"I am sad to inform that Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, former Penang chief minister, former Gerakan president and former Tanjong member of parliament died last night.

"On behalf of members and parliament, I record condolence to his widow Toh Puan Goh Sing Yeng and family members as his death is a big loss to the nation," he added.

Lim, 91, died at 9.07pm last night after spending nearly one month in Penang Hospital for a stroke.

He leaves wife Goh Sing Yeng, 85, and four children.