Malaysians grieve: Rukun Negara co-creator dies at 82
Malaysians are disheartened by the loss of national historian and
prominent academic Professor Emeritus Tan Sri
Khoo Kay Kim who died today at the age of 82.
While reports by the MalayMail stated that his passing was due to heart complications, The Star reports that Khoo had died of lung failure on early Tuesday morning at the University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
A graduate of Universiti Malaya, the well known author and scholar remained an esteemed figure in academia for over 50 years, well throughout his retirement.
“Education is not based on theories. It must be learnt by going out of the classroom.
“It is not about passing exam, but it goes beyond that,” he was once quoted as saying by The Star.
Khoo will forever be memorialized as one of the instrumental names in the drafting and creation of the Rukun Negara – Malaysia’s declaration of national philosophy – following racial riots in the 70’s.
(Pic Credit – thesmartlocal.com)
Malaysians across cyberspace can been seen expressing their condolences and grief at the lost of a national icon.
Prof. Khoo Kay Kim was one of our most balanced and serious historian we ever had.
We lost a great Malaysian. Peace 🙁
— Anas Zubedy (@AnasZubedy) May 28, 2019
Ucapan takziah kepada keluarga mendiang Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim.
Hari ini kita kehilangan seorang sejarawan ulung.
Terima kasih atas jasa dan bakti yang dicurahkan buat negara tercinta.
— Syahredzan Johan (@syahredzan) May 28, 2019
My deepest condolence to family members of the late Prof Khoo Kay Kim.A great loss to Malaysian history and nation. He was brave and honest .He wanted the true Malaysian spirit to rise for a better Malaysia.I will truly miss your love for the Truth Sir. Tq Prof😢@WanEmirAstar pic.twitter.com/KljqBhJ3e5
— Datin Mastura Yazid (@MasturaYazid_) May 28, 2019
Figures in the national social-political scene were also seen paying their respects to the late philosopher through social media.
Pemergian Profesor Emeritus Dr Khoo Kay Kim merupakan kehilangan cukup besar buat rakyat Malaysia.
Beliau contoh unggul rakyat Malaysia, mempamerkan bagaimana untuk menjadi rakyat yang terbaik.
Salam takziah buat keluarga mendiang dan seluruh rakyat Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/OYnevdqXNI
— Dr Wan Azizah Ismail (@drwanazizah) May 28, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family of the late Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim.
His passing is indeed a loss to us. A great historian and a true Malaysian. pic.twitter.com/3ueTWEvkWD
— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) May 28, 2019
Khoo is survived by his wife Puan Sri Rathi Khoo and three sons – Eddin, Rubin and Mavin.
