Family always came first for patriach, says son

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay was a humble man who always focused on his family.

Datuk Mark Yeoh said in his eulogy that his father was a selfless man, who had taught him and his siblings to put their family first.

“The last time I met him was when we had dinner last Thursday.

“He told me to take care of myself. He always took care of everybody else and made sure that we maintained our health,” said Mark at his father’s wake on Thursday.

“What I have learned from him is how important our family is.

“I have felt so much love from my siblings,” the youngest of seven children said.

Mark noted that his father’s passing came as a surprise to the family, but he took comfort that his father was in a better place now.

He said his father often spoke fondly of his friends and valued their friendship.

The late billionaire’s youngest daughter, Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng, said he had taught his children humility and resilience.

“He never treated us, daughters and sons, any differently. He always cared for us equally. He allowed me to take up engineering because I wanted to pursue it,” she said.

Her father, she added, was unique as he only allowed his children to lead his company with him assisting them from behind the scenes.

She also said her father took his job seriously, especially as a philanthropist.

“Dad has touched many hearts. He fulfilled his public duties and attended events until we had to stop him due to his deteriorating health,” she said.

Family, friends and acquaintances had come to pay their last respects to the late founder of YTL Group Bhd at the wake service at the family’s residence in Damansara Heights here.

Many spoke highly of the business mogul and prominent philanthropist, sharing stories of his humility and contributions to society.

Federation of Malaysia Yang Association deputy president Datuk Yang Tian Pei said the passing of Yeoh was a great loss, but his spirit would always be with them.

“The late Tan Sri was a very humble man. He cared greatly for the Chinese community, especially when it came to education.

“He was a role model and contributed so much to society despite his busy schedule,” Yang said.

YTL Communication chief executive officer Wing K. Lee said his late employer was a cheerful man, who often checked on his employees.

“He was friendly towards his employees. He was dedicated and always stressed the importance of the company’s impact on society.

“He was also a great mentor. “According to him, not everything was about money. We were treated with humility and he never failed to ask me about my family,” he said.

Lee said Yeoh often reminded him of the importance of hard work.

The wake will be held until 8.30pm tonight. The funeral will be held tomorrow.