Ho (front row, fourth from right) with other community leaders at the Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association press conference to announce the ceremony to commemorate the late community leader’s contribution.
THE Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association is commemorating the 81st death anniversary of a prominent local Chinese leader who died during the Japanese occupation decades ago.
Association president Ho Sow Tong said the ceremony was initially scheduled to take place last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Tan Hack Kiat is a well-respected leader who made numerous contributions to the Chinese community.
“He is also one of many who was killed when the country was occupied by the Japanese army.
“He was killed along with 18 other family members.
“We are collaborating with his family to organise this commemoration of his many contributions and sacrifices.
“The ceremony will also pay respects to others who died during the war,” he said in a press conference at Wisma Tiong Hua here.
He said Tan was the association’s president between 1928 and 1936.
“He is also the Johor Tan Clan association founding father, former Foon Yew school chairman and Johor Teo Chew 8th district association former president,” Ho added.
The event is taking place on Feb 2 and 3 at a Chinese cemetery at Taman Kebun Bunga, Johor Baru.
“The remains of over 2,000 people who died during the Japanese occupation have been laid to rest at the cemetery,” he said.
“Most of the remains were recovered from other areas throughout Johor before being brought to the cemetery for burial.
“We hope the ceremony gives closure to the families who lost their loved ones during the war but were unable to have a proper burial,” he said, adding that the two days’ ceremony would include Buddhist and Taoist prayers.
Ho said the association would also be hosting its first Chinese New Year celebration since movement restrictions were lifted.
“The event at Dewan Besar Wong Shee Fun (Wisma Tiong Hua) will be attended by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“We are expecting a large crowd as the event is open to all,” he said, adding that the venue could accommodate up to 700 people.
The event will be held tomorrow from 9am.
