Remember past leaders and their services

IT is gratifying to note that MCA veterans and the PPP president paid glowing tribute to the late Datuk Mak Hon Kam who passed away on April 13 at the age of 76.

The two-term Member of Parliament for Tanjong Malim served as labour and health mi­nister. During the MCA leadership crisis in 1983-84, he was the acting deputy president and chairman of the party’s disciplinary committee. In 1988 he joined the PPP and was its president for a brief period.

Friends and those who had known him closely described him as a true gentleman.

Political leaders who hold public office belong to history. Their life and times have historical significance.

It is important that a memoriam be held to eulogise their contributions to the nation and well-being of the people.

Only those who die in tragic circumstances are given wide media coverage while other ministers, particularly the lesser known are simply forgotten with the passage of time.

One such a leader was the late Dr Ng Kam Poh (pic) of the MCA who was the health minister in the Tunku’s cabinet in the mid-sixties.

He was MP for Teluk Anson (now Teluk Intan) constituency in Perak.

He passed away last year and I don’t remember any memoriam being held for him.

The Prime Minister’s Department should initiate such a memoriam. A copy of the eulogy should be sent to the next of kin as well as the National Archives.

Besides giving due recognition to their services and sacrifices, eulogies bring solace and comfort to their bereaved families.

S. SUNDARESON

Petaling Jaya