Farewell to Lim Goh Tong

Genting Group Bhd founder Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, who died last Tuesday, was laid to rest at the Gohtong Memorial Park here yesterday.

A 10,000-strong crowd accompanied Goh Tong's family members on his final journey from Gohtong Villa, which was a hive of activity from as early as 7am. About 5,000 representatives from various invited non-profit organisations, schools and employees of the Genting Group joined the procession.

These included Genting Group, Genting International, eGenting, Asiatic Land Development Sdn Bhd, Beautiful Gate, Utar, and SJK (C) Bukit Tinggi.The procession was led by several musical bands, a group of Taoist priests and Buddhist monks who played traditional Chinese musical instruments while chanting prayers.

The hearse displayed a large photo of the deceased, the frame decorated with white roses. Four of Goh Tong's grandsons carried a paper sedan chair, which according to Chinese custom, serves as transport for the soul of the deceased.

Goh Tong's three sons – Tee Keong, Kok Thay and Chee Wah – walked behind, their hands placed on the hearse. The other children and grandchildren, as well as relatives, followed closely behind.

Goh Tong's widow, Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, 79, joined in the procession in a buggy. Hanif walked beside her buggy. Members of the public lined the road.

The hearse arrived at the Gohtong Memorial Park at 11.25am, where the family members briefly prayed, and proceeded to Genting Hotel after a short stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple. The rain and misty atmosphere did not prevent scores of Genting staff, who wore black armbands, and visitors from coming out to pay their respects to Goh Tong in front of the hotel.

The procession returned to the memorial park where the family gathered for a private burial at 1.18pm.