By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP life advisor
On December 16th, about 10 DAP members attended Fan Yew Teng’s funeral, which was held at the Church of the Redeemer in Bangkok. Sdr Lim Kit Siang, Sdr Fong Kui Lun, Sdr Lee Kow and Dr Chen represented the DAP. Five other, members from Selangor drove all the way from KL to Bangkok for the funeral.
There was also a second service, this time in a Buddhist Wat. Fan Yew Teng found the chants, prayers and psalms very soothing when situations were stressful. He requested for buddhist rites, according to his wife, this service was well attended.
At both services, there were crowds of people. Among those present were Thais and members of the diplomatic corps representing countries of the world. You could say that Sdr Fan Yew Teng had a funeral fit for a king.
And rightly so, as Fan was a champion of the poor and oppressed not only of Malaysia but also the countries of the world through his participation and links with international socialist organisations.
It is also well known that his wife, Noeleen Heyzer shared his enthusiasm to save the world. Her work as a United Nations Under Secretary General all these years had helped many countries to take the road to peace and prosperity.
Sdr Fan must have been a very happy man to have a lifetime companion who share his ideals and hopes. They would have mutually encouraged and inspired each other in the task to achieve a better world.
True to character, Fan does not abandon his ideals or unfinished business. Although he has gone, he has left us a legacy which will ensure that his lifetime work is left to posterity. His work will live on through the FAN-HEYZER FAMILY — his wife Noeleen and daughters Lilian and Pauline.
Noeleen was a champion of human rights and justice in her own right. While quietly pushing for peace, security and progress in the poorer and less developed countries. She has achieved international recognition for her work. she won a Fulbright scholarship in her youth. To day she holds the post of the Chief Executive of United Nations ESCAP (Economic Social Commission Asia Pacific), headquartered in Bangkok.
He also left a legacy of two very bright daughters, Oxford scholars Lilian and Pauline who think and speak in the fashion of their late father. Maybe they might become the future Fan Yew Tengs also?
#1 by danieltkb on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 - 8:29 pm
he had made good legacy.
#2 by monsterball on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 - 8:31 pm
From one Freedom Fighter respecting a dead and gone…. separated by years of different roads and achievements…LKS have shown he does value true friends…wherever they may be.
To read the late Fan Yew Teng have so many dear friends..remembering him is a joy to know.
Recalling the corrupted ones respecting their dead seems to look so shallow and hypocritical…as crooks do not have sincere feelings at all…just for show only.
Fan lived and died a poor man…but so rich in reputations that money cannot buy.
He will not be forgotten by those who know him well.
#3 by ALtPJK on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 - 9:29 pm
“He also left a legacy of two very bright daughters, Oxford scholars Lilian and Pauline who think and speak in the fashion of their late father. Maybe they might become the future Fan Yew Tengs also?” – Dr Chen
May they one day soon, like how their father did during his days in the DAP, champion and fight for human rights and justice in Malaysia.
#4 by House Victim on Tuesday, 21 December 2010 - 10:11 pm
A good example of Brain Drain, in the Political area. Same seed different soils give different fruiting!!
A TRUE Politician beyond Parties & Countries!! Cultivating with hard working and not by hard shouting!!
Shame for those who claimed to fight for People but care for themselves first!!
Any more of HIS kind in Malaysia?
A Human Soul to find His rest outside Malaysia!!
RIP!!
To be memorised by all Human with a Heart!!
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/tributes-pour-in-for-fan-yew-teng
#5 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Wednesday, 22 December 2010 - 12:32 am
Hi Lilian and Pauline,
I know this is a time of grief. And I know your dad has a size of shoes few can fit in. Maybe, in this moment of reflection on what your dad’s achievements are, you may want to think how you can continue your dad’s legacy when you have a little time for further reflection.
Pakatan Rakyat needs you in this hour, your talent, expertise and drive, if you can.
Maybe, you would want to think about that. Take all the time you need at this moment of grief. the Fans bury their dead but not their talents.
#6 by House Victim on Wednesday, 22 December 2010 - 1:08 pm
Hi Lilian and Pauline.
Politics should seed from Humanity to allow those wealthy and capable to give affectionational to those poor and less capable or disabled. To provide justice for the common and to take care the need of each and every people in the society. To cultivative the human nature of kindness and to suppress the evil of greediness and classes.
I believe Malaysia has been the reverse and sorry that your dad (and many Malaysians) had experiences the latter. I believe it has been a great effort for your Dad and Mom to find you the soil to propogate. Be in the land of Human and continue the good work of your Dad together with your MOM. To work for Human and not for Party or position,
Go to where you feel comfortable to promote Human Rights. Not to a country who cannot even stick to rules and regulations for an official Human Rights fighter. A country who would honour only Kings or Dato’s but not the humble servant!! Or to be praised as King after RIP!!
Kind people belongs to the World and not to be trapped in the Bureaucratic, hypocritic political circle in the power corridor – Malaysia, with ignorance of the basic of Human Rights, Rules and Regulations. People have their lights only during election!!
Whereever you and your MOM go, the blessing of Human from Malaysia will be with you. The Honour of a real Human being allow people to go anywhere in the World. Unfortunately, Malaysia has not provide the Malaysians the honour or being respected everywhere as Corruption and Bureaucratic are already related to Malaysia!!
Go to any place where your talent have a freedom and fair chance to be expressed!