KUALA LUMPUR: Over a thousand family members, political leaders, community leaders, charitable organisation representatives and close friends came to pay respects to the late Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan, founder of the Waz Lian Group, on Friday (June 21).
Ta passed away suddenly on the afternoon of June 15 at the age of 72.
At 7am on Friday, there was a final viewing, followed by the sealing of the casket and prayer services.
Former transport minister Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, who delivered the eulogy, shared a poignant moment from his last phone conversation with Ta, about a photo taken on May 24 that showed both of them smiling brightly.
"The last time I saw him was on May 24. We took what would become our last photo together. His smile was so radiant and genuine and I will cherish that moment forever," Chan said, his voice tinged with emotion.
"In that photo, his smile was truly infectious. I told him how much joy it brought me to see him so happy.
"Ta was that kind of person; every positive attribute you could think of was embodied in him.
"From his kindness to his unwavering support, he was a beacon of light in the lives of many. I hope he finds eternal peace and joy in the Western Pure Land, living free from pain, always with that radiant smile," Chan said, holding back tears.
"Farewell, my dear friend. Your spirit and smile will forever remain in our hearts," he added.
After funeral rites conducted by family members and a public memorial, eight pallbearers comprising representatives from the political and business spheres walked beside Ta's casket.
Former Hua Zong president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah said Ta was an enthusiastic supporter of education and charity, always eager to assist.
"In addition to his passion for education, he also encouraged those around him to donate and contribute to educational causes.
“Notably, in 2013, during the construction of SM Chong Hwa Kuantan, Ta spared no effort in helping. He was a man of his word," said Pheng, who had known Ta for 15 years and dined with him regularly.
"However, in recent years, Ta's health had declined, which reduced his outings," he said.
Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies (CMCS) chairman Yau Teck Kong said he had known Ta for 12 years, and they met up frequently.
"We hit it off immediately and became good friends. He was always ready to help and if he knew you were in trouble, he would offer assistance (without being asked).
"I would describe him as heroic and chivalrous. He was a responsible and genuine individual," he said.
Yau added that Ta's passing was sudden and hard to accept, as he had been a close friend for many years.
"The last time we met was on May 16, when we had dinner together. I feel deeply saddened to lose such a good person," he said.
Bernama chairman and Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai led a group of media representatives from various organizations to pay their final respects to Ta.
Ta cultivated many relationships, leading to a massive turnout for his funeral with a large number of mourners in attendance as he was laid to rest at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih.
Accompanying the casket on Ta's final journey were his widow Puan Sri Lim Chai Yin, four sons, three daughters, and 13 grandchildren.
According to company officials, Ta, who had just celebrated his birthday last month, passed away in his sleep.
The founder of Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd, Ta also held positions in several associations, societies, and organizations locally and overseas, such as the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, the Community Chest, and the Socio-Economic Research Centre.
Waz Lian commenced operations in 1987 in club management before venturing into hotel and resort management and subsequently property development.
