Outpouring of grief over death

KUALA LUMPUR: Many took to social media to express their condolences to the family of Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay who died yesterday.

Among them was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who said Yeoh had contributed much to Malaysia and that he would be missed.

In his Twitter post, Liow said: “My deepest condolences to TS @FrancisYeoh333 n family on their loss.

“The late TS YTL contributed much to Malaysia and will be missed dearly.”

Maybank Group head of global banking Datuk Muzaffar Hisham also tweeted: “Our deepest condolences to the family #YTL”.

Former YTL Hotels employee Mohd Firdaus Abdullah said in a Facebook posting that Yeoh was fondly known as “Tan Sri Papa” by his staff.

“He is the greatest businessman and I still remember the first time I saw him.

He was still in the office even though he was already retired.

“Even though his successful children and family could handle all his companies, he was still passionate about making YTL Group go bigger and stronger.

“Rest In Peace Boss,” he added. Another Netizen, John Lim, said: “An inspiration to many, steadfast in pushing boundaries of our limitations doing the will of God, now you return home God’s precious child.

“May Mercy and Peace be with the Yeoh family.”

Yeoh is survived by his wife Puan Sri Tan Kai Yong and seven children, including Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, who now heads YTL Corporation Bhd.

Francis, who is Yeoh’s eldest son and YTL Corp managing director, said under his father’s illustrious leadership, the group expanded from its base in Malaysia to encompass operations and projects around the world.

“His work ethic was exemplary and his humility was testimony to the great man and leader that he was.

“We will miss him greatly,” he said in YTL’s corporate statement.