Royalty, leaders pay tribute to Yeoh
YTL founder praised for his immense contributions to society and nation
KUALA LUMPUR: Business tycoon Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay’s success in building a business empire and his contributions to the society earned the respect of the royalty and government leaders.
Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he knew Yeoh for many years and had witnessed his success in building his business empire, YTL Group, from humble beginnings.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he would never forget Yeoh’s unbridled courage, generosity and graciousness, and everyone who knew him would miss him dearly.
“Tengku Permaisuri Selangor and I wish to convey our sincere condolences to his beloved wife Puan Sri Tan Kai Yong, his family and all his children, and offer our heartfelt sympathies,” Sultan Sharafuddin said, adding that for Yeoh’s determination and great contribution to the industry and society, the Selangor Palace conferred Yeoh with the Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Selangor (DPMS) title in 1983 and the Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (SPMS) title in 1996.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also paid tribute to Yeoh on Twitter, saying that he contributed greatly to the country’s Chinese community and education.
He tweeted: “TS Yeoh Tiong Lay built a successful business empire and made a huge contribution to Msia’s Chinese community, incl education. Rest in peace.”
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong wrote on Facebook that Yeoh’s demise was a great loss to the nation, especially the Chinese community.
“I am saddened by the passing of one of the country’s greatest entrepreneurs and most generous philanthropists.
“I had met and discussed with Tan Sri matters pertaining to Chinese education and SMEs.
“He was always insightful in sharing his wise views. Along with many people, I truly admire his selfless efforts in helping others, especially in the areas of education and business,” Dr Wee wrote.
Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon said Yeoh contributed immensely to the country’s growth and development.
Former Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim wrote on his Facebook page that he was a young student in a special Malay class in Kampong Kuantan, Kuala Selangor, where Yeoh would give out awards to the best students in school.
He said the awards remain a sweet memory of his childhood and what he learnt from Yeoh was that success and respect must be earned.
“These awards are just one example of the philanthropic nature of the YTL Group.”
Family and friends may pay their last respects at 2 Lorong Buloh Perindu 1, Damansara Heights, here.
Wake services for Yeoh will continue to be held today and tomorrow at 8.30pm, while the funeral will be held on Sunday at 10am.