Thina (as he was popularly known) graduated with an LL.B (Hons) degree from the
Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic and was a member of Lincoln's Inn. He was called
to the Malaysian Bar on July 28, 1984.
He did his pupilage in the chambers of Messrs Cheang Lee & Ong. He worked as a
Legal Assistant with a number of firms in Ipoh and Teluk Intan before joining
Messrs Lalchand & Nawawi, Ipoh as a Partner on July 1, 1992. He was
instrumental in setting up the branch office in Teluk Intan, his hometown.
Thina leaves behind his beloved wife, Mrs Kamala Mahlini Jeganathan, also a
member of the Perak Bar and three beautiful children, two daughters, Kavena aged
14, Keshana aged 12 and a son, Daksheshkaran aged 5.
He was a Chairman and Committee Member of the Investigating Tribunal, Advocates
& Solicitors Disciplinary Board. He was also a Committee Member and later the
Chairman of the PIBG Tarcisian Convent, Ipoh where his girls are studying.
Thina lived an amazing life. He was an extraordinary partner, colleague, friend
and mentor. He never failed to be available to anyone who needed him. Thina
always had his family, firm and friends close to his heart.
What is it that we remember of Thina?
With almost a quarter century in practice to his credit, his dedicated service
and solution- oriented professional attitude encouraged confidence not only in
his clients, but also his office mates and colleagues at the Bar. Yet his
humility and consideration for the other’s feelings would not permit him to
embarrass or put down anyone even when he knew that they were wrong. His
attitude of quiet professional commitment was an effective lure for clients both
in Ipoh and in Teluk Intan where he successfully and unobtrusively built up the
firm’s business. He reflected an increasingly rare trait of being aware of
commercial realities without ever compromising his principles for them.
Thina was an active Court going lawyer. He built up a reputation as a formidable
litigator in civil matters representing banks, financial institutions and
corporate clients. He was also an accomplished conveyancing lawyer.
Outside the work place, his kindness made him an obvious focus for people with
problems who needed wise counsel. His ever listening ears combined with his
‘thinaesque’ assurance “Don’t worry lah. Things will be alright” made him a
treasured confidante. He had a ready sense of humour which came with an
infectious laugh that touched all those who came into contact with him.
That is what we will truly miss about Thina. He could make us laugh and
especially in the face of difficulties. With a cheery smile, he’d give a
comforting pat on the back and gently remind us that behind every cloud there is
a silver lining.
Thina loved sports. He played badminton twice a week for more than twenty years
and futsal once a week for more than five. During his years in practice, he had
on numerous occasions represented Perak Bar in its annual games in Perak, Penang
and Kuala Lumpur. He was so looking forward to the Penang/Perak Bar games that
fateful weekend as he was involved in futsal (his favourite sport), Badminton
and Darts and not to mention the fellowship that traditionally follows.
At 49, Thina was too young to leave his family and friends As we struggle to
come to terms with his passing, it is slowly dawning on us that Thina lived his
life wonderfully and to the fullest. He was an excellent time manager and made
the space for his work, and his commitment to family and friends, without
compromising his hobbies. His attitude and respect for all typified his
dealings. In this he has left a legacy to be cherished by his friends and one
that his family, especially his children would be proud of - to be honourable,
fair and loving to all people at all times.
We are privileged and honoured to have known this gem of a man and to have been
a part of his life. All that we have shared with him will forever be held dear
and remembered. Even as we grieve our loss for our irreplaceable friend and
partner, we shall also celebrate his life because Thina continues to live in our
hearts.
And we know that some day we will meet Thina again, where in all probability
he’ll be there to greet us at heaven’s doors with a twinkle in his eyes, a great
big smile and a giant hug. On that day we shall laugh together again.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Kamala, Kavena, Keshana and Daksheshkaran
.
We feel your loss and share your pain.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Perak and Penang
Bar especially the futsal teams who administered immediate aid and CPR on Thina
during his final moments. A special thanks to our dear friend Dr. Anoop Kumar
who came to the Sports Centre immediately after being informed and continued
with the necessary aid right up to the Emergency Room at Pantai Putri Hospital.
WE LOVE YOU THINA AND WE SALUTE YOU.
Rest in Peace dearest friend.
Your family at Lalchand & Nawawi,
Ipoh and Teluk Intan
To my dear friend and partner at the badminton court written by Loong Chet Siean,
Thursday, July 24 2008 06:34 pm
I would always miss your company. Rest in peace.
Loong Chet Siean
My friend , my partner....now my brother written by Purshotamdas Nathermal Thadani,
Thursday, July 24 2008 09:22 pm
To a friend and a partner who was so near and dear......all those great memories and moments in badminton (20 yrs), futsal (6 years) darts (20 yrs), drinking a couple of beers (20 yrs) and not forgetting the wonderful partnership (16 yrs) will be fondly remembered daily.....in my heart.
Rest in Peace, mate.
Purshotamdas Nathermal Thadani
MISSING YOU THINA written by Kamala Nathan a/l Munisamy,
Friday, July 25 2008 12:40 pm
It is hard to believe that you are not with us anymore. I share all the words said in memory of you by M/s. Lalchand & Nawawi as I was also part of that family. You will be in my memory for a long time as my boss and friend. I pray that your soul rest in peace in heaven.
Kamala Nathan a/l Munisamy
Farewell to my former Master , my friend. written by Sheanna Shanta A/p Kenneth Velu,
Friday, July 25 2008 03:09 pm
I have the honour of being Mr.T's (as I've always called him) one and only chambering pupil, back in 1996. Of course I've often joked with him that his experience with me must have been pretty traumatic as he never officially took anyone else under his wings since! He was a true gentleman who treated the younger members of the Bar, with kindness, respect and consideration. Your passing has left a huge void in your circle of friends. We are still numb and haven't fully come into terms with your loss. You will always be in our hearts and I know that every time your pals get together, you will be remembered with love. Good bye Mr.T. You were such a sweetheart and I will miss you. Till we meet again, rest in peace.
Sheanna Shanta A/p Kenneth Velu
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I would always miss your company. Rest in peace.
Loong Chet Siean