Published: Monday October 26, 2009 MYT 8:09:00 PM

Body of Msian student flown back from US

By SHAUN HO

shaunh@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: The body of a Malaysian studying at the prestigious Cornell University, who was found dead in his room, has been brought back home.

Lim Boon Jim, 18, was found dead on his bed in his university residential hall last week by a resident adviser.

His body arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12.15pm Monday and was received by Malaysian ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis, who then released the body to Boon Jim’s family.

Boon Jim, from Kuala Lumpur, was reported to have died of natural causes and was only two months into his four-year course at the university.

His father Lim Ken Ang, 55, said Boon Jim, the youngest of four siblings, was on a Public Service Department scholarship to study economics but was aiming for another degree in engineering.

Ken Ang, a senior police officer in Bukit Aman, added that Cornell was Boon Jim’s first choice and that he had sent his application only to the Ivy League university.

Speaking to reporters at Boon Jim’s memorial service at the Xiao En Centre in Cheras on Monday, Ken Ang said his son was a hard-working and competitive student who excelled at chess and loved taking part in debates and public speaking competitions.

He also represented his secondary school, St John’s Institution, at the national level of the National Science Challenge.

“He loved the university and chose it because he said he could learn a lot there,” said his mother, who did not want to be named and is also a senior police officer.

“Boon Jim has always wanted to study in the United States. He said he was going to do his best there and come home to serve his country,” she added.

Dr Jamaludin presented a contribution to Boon Jim’s family.

Boon Jim’s burial ceremony will take place at 10am on Tuesday at the Shah Alam Memorial Park.

His parents thanked everyone who offered assistance and support.

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