Media figure Manuhua dies at 78

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Lazarus Edward Manuhua died on Tuesday at the Hikmah Hospital, where he was being treated for low blood pressure.

Manuhua, who was 78, is survived by nine children. His wife passed away in 1997.

The Ambon native founded Pedoman Rakyat Makassar daily and served as its general manager until his death.

He resigned as the newspaper's chief editor in 1997 after a stroke and was replaced by Dahlan Abubakar.

Dahlan said Manuhua was rushed to the hospital at about 6 p.m. on Monday after his blood pressure suddenly dropped.

Among the mourners paying tribute to Manuhua at his residence were top provincial police officers and a number of councillors.

The government awarded Manuhua the Mahaputra medal in 1994 for his service to the national press. -- Antara