Final send-off for slain Datuk (Updated)

GEORGE TOWN: Shouts of “tai lou” (big brother) filled the air as thousands gathered to pay their last respects to Datuk Ong Teik Kwong, 32, who was gunned down last Thursday.

Mourners, clad in black and white, came as early as 8am for the funeral at the Bandar Baru Air Itam funeral parlour.

They sang popular Hokkien songs including “Hao Xiong Di” (Strong Brotherhood) and “You Nan Tong Dang” (Enduring Hardship Together) with many in tears as the final rites were administered by Buddhist priests.

As the coffin was placed in the hearse to bring the remains to its final resting place at the cemetery in Relau, some could be heard shouting “We will be brothers in the next life!”

Datin Vivian Cheow, clad in a white t-shirt and sunglasses, remained calm and held her composure during the funeral for her husband.

She did not speak but a pre-recorded message was played where she expressed her sadness over the death of her husband and vowed to continue his charitable works.

“I love you forever,” the recording played while she and family members paid their last respects. A close friend of Ong, Jason Mah, 45, told reporters relatives came from as far as England.

The 7.30pm incident also resulted in the death of florist M. Senthil, 38, and entertainer Choi Hon Ming, 32 while five others, including RTM cameraman Mohd Amirul Amin Amir, 27, were injured and are currently warded at the Penang Hospital.

The scene at the Batu Gantung funeral parlour meanwhile was different for the funeral of Choi where his friends in the clown industry lightened the sombre mood with their magic tricks and juggling skills.

Laughter could be heard as D. Ravindran or Mr Coconut and his colleague, Soon Choon Keat or Mr Potato, amused well-wishers with their performance in honour of Choi.

In her farewell speech, Sun Siew Chin, 32, Choi's fianceé, said she regretted not being able to grow old with him and described her fiancé as a kind man who treated everyone well, including friends, family and strangers.

"I love you Hon Ming," she sobbed as she fought to control her emotions.

His sister, Poh Peng, 37, had earlier needed help to stand after her emotions got the better of her when friends and family sung four Chinese classic songs in honour of his memory.
She said she will miss him calling her "jie jie" (big sister in Mandarin) and that his 32 years of life had brought joy to many.
When met at the Penang Hospital ICU, Mohd Amirul said he was recovering but could only take a liquid diet of porridge for now.

Recounting what happened, he said he stopped after noticing a man by the roadside and went there to help.

“Suddenly my friend (a reporter with a Malay language publication who was with him then) shouted ‘Gun!’ and I felt something hit my shoulder.

“I never thought I was going to get shot,” he said.