©The Star (Used
by permission)
PENANG: It was a heart–wrenching sight when the cortege of DAP founder
member Yeap Ghim Guan made its way to the Batu Gantong Crematorium and the
funeral band played Amazing Grace.
Family members wept openly while lawyers, friends and party members mourned the
loss of one of the most colourful and daring politicians of his time.
Yeap, who died on Monday aged 66 after a long illness, leaves behind wife Rita
Wong Su Kee, 65, and three daughters – Su Lynn, 38, May Lynn, 36, and Ai Lynn,
33.
More than 50 people, mostly lawyers and former DAP and Social Democratic Party (SDP)
members, turned up at his Brown Road home to pay their last respects.
Among them were state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who is also Tanjong MP, and
Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Boon Poh.
“Whatever differences or disagreements which took place some 30 years ago should
be forgotten and forgiven,” Chow said, referring to the feud between Yeap and
DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.
Yeap was said to have left the DAP in 1978 after a bitter power struggle with
the then DAP secretary–general Lim.
He went on to become one of the founder members of two fringe parties, the SDP
in 1978 and Malaysian Democratic Party in 1999.
Chow said Yeap was known for his aggressive style and stirring oratorical
skills.
Phee rapped the state government for their no–show at the funeral.
“There were no representatives from the state government.
“Yeap was a one–term assemblyman for Kelawei in 1969 and also Penang DAP
chairman from 1965 to 1977. He deserves respect for what he had done for the
state,” said Phee.