Philanthropist Kuek dies at 96

JOHOR BARU: Philanthropist and prominent figure in the Johor community Tan Sri Kuek Ho Yao (pic), who died at the age of 96 on Saturday, was a quiet and reserved person.

Kuek, who was Sugar King of Asia Robert Kuok's cousin (their fathers were siblings), spent most of his life dedicating his time to charity and initiating education programmes, especially in Johor Baru.

Despite being kidnapped twice in the 1980s, Kuek continued to live life the way he did without any changes to his personal security arrangement or routine.

He was first kidnapped on May 24, 1984 for 66 days and again three years later on June 13, 1987 for 74 days.

Retiree Yap Chun Lim, 74, who was best friends with Kuek's eldest son since they were little boys, said there were “anxious moments” when Kuek was kidnapped.

“Even after he was kidnapped, he remained the same. I admired him for never living in fear despite the circumstances he faced,” he said at the wake.

Leaders who visited his home along Jalan Cermat 5 in Taman Maju Jaya here for the wake yesterday included Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Hishammuddin, who paid his last respects along with his wife Datin Seri Tengku Marsilla Tengku Abdullah, said Kuek was a family friend for three generations.

“His loss will be felt by many as he was a sincere, courageous and dedicated man who always had the best interest of Johor's education and community developments at heart,” he said.

Dr Wee, who met Kuek for the first time when he was a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student, said that he had never met such an influential leader who remained humble.

“One lasting impression that I have of him is that he was always punctual for functions or events,” he said.

Two of the many posts held by Kuek were as Foon Yew High School's director from 1982 to 1988, 1990 to 1992, 1996 to 1997 and director for all five Foon Yew primary schools from 1971 to 1986.

He was also one of the founders of Southern University College.

He leaves behind two sons, three daughters and 15 grandchildren.

Kuek will be cremated at 1pm on Wednesday at the Fo Guang Shan centre in Taman Sutera, Perling.