King expresses condolences over passing of Dr Khoo Kay Kim

PETALING JAYA: The King has expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim (pic).

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah also recognised the tremendous contribution by the renowned historian to the nation.

"Professor Tan Sri Dr Khoo was a prolific and well-respected Malaysian who has dedicated his life's work to Malaysia.

"A true patriot, his role in nation-building, be it through his teaching, research, writings and his involvement in the drafting of the Rukun Negara, must be honoured and acknowledged," said a statement from Istana Negara issued by the Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin on Tuesday (May 28).

It said Dr Khoo's passing was a great loss to Malaysia.

Dr Khoo, widely regarded as Malaysia's national historian, died of lung failure on Tuesday morning at the University Malaya Medical Centre at the age of 82.

Born in 1937 to Peranakan Chinese parents in Kampar, Perak, Dr Khoo started out wanting to be a football player, but eventually chose to go to university.

In modern Malaysia, he will be remembered as one of the instrumental figures in the drafting of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) to foster national cohesion, following the aftermath of the 1969 race riots.