KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of family members, community leaders, politicians, organisation representatives and close friends came to pay respects to the late Tun Michael Chen, a prominent MCA figure.
The former party deputy president had passed away peacefully on July 26 at the age of 92.
At 10am on Wednesday (July 31), there was a final viewing, followed by the sealing of the casket and prayer services.
The funeral was held at Nirvana 2 in Bukit Seputeh and began on Saturday (July 28).
MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong delivered a message via a recorded video in which he expressed his condolences and apologised for not being present at Chen’s funeral, as he is currently attending his daughter’s graduation overseas.
“Please accept my sincere apologies for my absence during these poignant times,” said Dr Wee.
Dr Wee said Chen led a remarkable life as the nonagenarian had made significant contributions, among them his efforts in establishing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China in 1974.
He credited Chen’s diplomatic skills and the use of “ping-pong diplomacy” for navigating Malaysia through the complexities of establishing ties with China.
“Even in later years, Chen remained an unwavering pillar of support for MCA. Despite his advanced age and reliance on a wheelchair, his loyalty to the party has never faltered,” said Dr Wee.
Dr Wee said Chen had constantly shown up at MCA events offering encouragement and support to party leaders.
“His demonstration of profound dedication inspired all. Chen’s passing is a tremendous loss to our party, nation and people. His legacy of dedication and service will always be remembered and his spirits will forever remain in our hearts,” said Dr Wee.
Speaking at the sidelines of the funeral, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said that Chen would always spend the first day of Chinese New Year at MCA’s annual open house.
“His son told me that on the first day of Chinese New Year, he is not the first one to see him but we are the first ones,” said Chong.
Chong also said MCA had wanted to interview Chen in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties, but it could not take place due to Chen’s ailing health.
“As a former MCA veteran who served in various ministerial roles, as well as the president of the Senate, he is a very experienced statesman. We don’t see many of them these days,” said Chong.
Chong said MCA’s flag will be draped across Chen’s casket – the highest respect accorded by the party.
“Finally, the party’s flag will be folded and given to his family as a remembrance,” added Chong.
After the funeral rites conducted by family members and a public memorial, the draping of the coffin was led by Chong and five MCA central committee members.
Accompanying the casket on Chen’s final journey were Chong, the five MCA central committee members, his two sons, two daughters, grandchildren, and relatives.
Chen, who served in various ministerial roles during his political career, began his foray into politics by contesting the Damansara parliament seat in the 1964 general elections, of which he won against the People’s Action Party.
Despite losing the elections in 1969, Chen returned in 1972 after winning the Ulu Selangor parliament seat against DAP.
Chen was subsequently appointed as the Special Functions Minister in charge of Nuclear Energy Research and Environment in 1973, and he was made Housing, Local Government and New Village Minister in the following year.
Chen also contested the Beruas parliament seat in the 1982 general election under Gerakan’s banner and he won. He served as the Beruas MP for a term until 1986.
In 1984, he also served as the Port Klang Authority chairman for 16 years and held various director posts in several private companies.
Between 1997 to 2003, Chen served as a member of the Senate and he was also the Senate president from 2000 to 2003.
In Sept 2017, Chen was among the three who were conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) award by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, which carries the title “Tun”.
