State funeral for Chong Eu on Sunday

Public can pay respects in Dewan Sri Pinang from Friday

GEORGE TOWN: Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu's body will lie in state at Dewan Sri Pinang from Friday until Sunday for members of the public to pay their last respects. Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the funeral Sunday would be held in accordance with federal protocol in cooperation with the state government.
"The family members and funeral committee will be consulted on the matter," said Dr Koh, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, who paid his last respects at noon Thursday.
The cortege will leave for the Batu Gantung crematorium at noon on Sunday, according to funeral committee member Tan Sri Khoo Kay Por.
"The casket will be placed here (at the house) until 11am tomorrow (Friday) after which the public can pay their last respects at Dewan Sri Pinang from noon," the former Penang Gerakan chairman told newsmen at Dr Lim’s house in Tanjung Bungah here Thursday.
Dr Lim, Gerakan founder, former Penang Chief Minister and a giant in Malaysian politics, died in his house at 9.07pm Wednesday, after a stroke about a month ago. He was 91 and was earlier taken home from Penang Hospital, where he had been warded.
Rapid Penang will provide three free shuttle buses from Tanjung Club, Penang Swinming Club and Sandy Bay to the house for those wishing to attend the wake, starting at 4pm Thursday.
Dr Lim's son, Chien Aun, said the family was still waiting for the state government to provide details of the state funeral for his father.
"We have spent two to three days with him and it is only fair that we allow the state to take over tomorrow to give the public a chance to pay their respects," he said.
Funeral committee member Datuk Oon Choo Khye said a meeting would be held Thursday night for the final arrangements.
"Schools, non-governmental organisations or large groups wishing to pay their last respects at Dewan Sri Pinang must call the hotline (04-8902828) to register, due to the large crowd expected," he said.

tunku : may he rest in peace.i had a very little knowledge about Tun Lim's contributions till i read Tun Mahathir's blog about him. that is why history is very important lesson that every Malaysian should know by heart.my deepest condolence to Tun Lim's family.it is indeed a great lost for the nation.