Tears and cheers for selfless journalist

WONG Chun Wai’s heartfelt article “Farewell, my dear friend Ewe Jin” (Sunday Star, Nov 20) has moved many readers to pay their own tribute to Soo Ewe Jin. > WE often hear of a great man but when we read about the great man through another man’s sharing, we would come to know that great man even better.

Wong Chun Wai shared with us the inside story of Soo Ewe Jin in his column. That made me, a stranger to Ewe Jin, come to appreciate the great man (Ewe Jin) better.

I always agree with what Wong shares with us in his regular Sunday column. This time, I came to know about his relationship with Ewe Jin better. Wong wrote that Ewe Jin edited his articles, which was why I, an English language teacher for three decades, found Wong’s expressions excellent and flawless. I always thought Wong wrote everything on his own without getting a second opinion. Surely two minds always work better than one.

In his column, Wong once or twice mentioned that he is a Christian. Now I know that Ewe Jin was the dear brother who helped him on the difficult way to become a believer.

What impressed me deeply was the fact that Ewe Jin always brought his colleagues together for fellowship and prayers; a great Christian for all believers to emulate indeed.

And despite his illness, he went out of his way to help those in need and in pain and suffering. He faithfully believed that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” He practised his faith in his daily life.

Ewe Jin left a valuable reminder to all of us: “When you visit hospitals, you will discover that everyone is the same. The colour of your skin no longer matters, we are one and the same.” (Sadly, when we are healthy, we forget that life is only temporary, and we keep on attacking one another as if life is everlasting!)

My uncle, Wan Hong Fee, a veteran journalist with Sin Chew Daily, passed away due to lung cancer in the mid-80s. He was not as great as Ewe Jin but Wong’s article reminded me of my dear late uncle too. What and how my dear uncle suffered before his death was very similar to the difficult journey Ewe Jin endured.

It is my fervent prayer that Ewe Jin and my dear uncle are now resting in peace in a better world prepared by our loving creator, God.

They were both great journalists and they travelled their journey in a very loving and worthwhile way. A. Y. Yong, Ipoh

> YOUR column today brought tears to my eyes and in my heart.

I enjoyed reading both Mr Soo’s and your column during the weekends; it has become as habitual as my weekend morning practice of sipping from a steaming mug of coffee, munching butter pancakes, slowly enjoying my morning while reading both columns, then flipping to the weekend comics section. Yes, he will be dearly missed and if I can make a humble request, please honour his legacy. Do not let it fade into the unknown. Chooi Yew Tzen Seremban

> MY condolences on the passing of Ewe Jin. I will miss his weekly column which I look forward to every Sunday.

Please convey my condolences to his wife and sons. May he continue to bring joy to those in need from where he is now, a better place for him. Loyal reader Stephanie

> I HAVE just read your article on Ewe Jin and am sad to hear of his passing. I have only met Ewe Jin a few times and that was 30 years ago through his wife Angeline.

Although it was a fleeting acquaintance (we have not met since I moved to Singapore), I know Ewe Jin as a good and friendly person as you so aptly described him today.

We need more people like Ewe Jin in this world. Please convey my condolences to Angeline. Michael Huang

> PLEASE convey my deepest condolences to Soo Ewe Jin’s family. I love to read his column; makes me reassess my own values and human weaknesses.

He is really the icon for the man on the street. Doreen Loke

> AS I read your article, I cried as though I have known Ewe Jin personally as my friend. But, as you said, as readers of The Star, we all feel as though he was also our friend. His articles are so digestible and refreshing, always tugging at the heartstrings. Yes, we will all miss him so much as he was such a part of The Star newspaper. Thanks for your fitting tribute to this “giant of a man”. I agree that every time I was done reading his column, I came away extremely grateful for our lot, as there are so many out there who don’t have what we take for granted. Cat, a fan

I AM an Australian currently living in Australia. However, I like to think of Malaysia as my second home every year when revisiting the country. I buy The Star for the variety of articles which I love to read. As a result, I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of Soo Ewe Jin who, to me, was such an inspiring man whose columns I just loved to read. I wish I could have had the pleasure of meeting him in person. I know his column will be dearly missed by not only myself but many others as well. I would like to further emphasise that he is, or perhaps I should say with a heavy heart, was, a truly inspirational and uplifting man. May I express my deepest sympathy to his wife and children. From one who loves Penang to a great Penang boy, rest in peace, Soo Ewe Jin. Barrie Payne