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Friend reveals Kean Siew’s last three big passions |
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Tuesday, 02 October 2007 08:04am |
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Penang legal icon dies
©The
Star (Used by permission)
PENANG: From politics to Chinese culture and art – these were the things
that the late Datuk Lim Kean Siew often reminisced about.
His friend of almost 40 years Tan Kim Hong, 65, said that when he met Lim three
months ago, they talked about politics, Chinese tea and teapots, and Chinese ink
paintings.
Tan, a local historian, said Lim also described himself as a “Renaissance Man”
because he was well versed in Western classics and Eastern philosophy.
Tan said he thought Lim still cherished the dream of reviving the Labour Party,
which was declared illegal in 1972, as he was a man who was steadfast in his
ideology and struggle for the downtrodden and poor.
Lim died of a heart attack at a private hospital in Penang on Sunday. He was 85.
A political stalwart of the 1960s, Lim was the founder and chairman of the
Labour Party and known for his fiery oratory skills.
He joined the MCA in the early 1970s after leaving the Labour Party and was
Penang MCA liaison committee chairman from 1979 to 1984.
He was MP for Datuk Keramat in Penang for two terms, in 1959 and 1964. He also
held the Pengkalan Kota state seat.
In Kuala Lumpur, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said Lim’s death marked
not just the passing of a former party leader but also a chapter in history.
“Lim was known for speaking up for the grassroots and the underprivileged
without fear or favour. History will remember him for championing causes,” he
said.
He said Lim had served the country and society during his years in politics.
“Lim was a respected leader who played an active role in serving the people,” he
said.
Ong also expressed his deepest condolences to Lim’s wife Pamela Ong and family
members.
A long-time friend of 35 years, lawyer and poet Cecil Rajendra described Lim as
an all-rounder.
“Unlike the batch of lawyers nowadays, he was a little bit of everything – from
poet and politician to wine connoisseur and writer.
“He was a colourful character who was full of opinion. When he argued his stand,
he was fiery and passionate,” he said.
The cortege will leave the funeral parlour for the Batu Gantong crematorium at
11am on Thursday.
The family has requested that in lieu of money contributions and flowers,
donations be made to the National Stroke Association of Malaysia. 
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Circular No 297/2008
I always admired the late Mr Lim Kean Siew as a Hero of the masses.
Today, again, he is my hero, of 'life-long learning'.
My condolence,
Ding Chu Teck