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Yang Berbahagia Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr.

Khoo Kay Kim

PSM DPMP DPMS JSM
邱继金
200802KhooKayKim.jpg
Khoo Kay Kim speaking at a small public discussion in February 2009
Born (1937-03-28)28 March 1937
Died 28 May 2019(2019-05-28) (aged 82)
University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nationality Malaysian
Alma mater University of Malaya
Occupation Historian, academic
Spouse(s) N. Sri Rathimalar (1966–2019)
Children 3 sons, including Mavin Khoo Eddin Khoo
Parent(s) Khoo Soo Jin (Father)
Chuah Gaik See (Mother)

Khoo Kay Kim (simplified Chinese: 邱继金; traditional Chinese: 邱繼金; pinyin: Qiū Jiājīn; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Khu Ke-kim; born March 28, 1937 – died May 28, 2019) was a very important Malaysian historian and university professor. He was of Chinese descent.

He was known for his deep knowledge of Malaysian history. The University of Malaya gave him the special title of Emeritus Professor in 2001. This means he was a retired professor who still kept his high rank because of his great work. In 2011, he was also appointed Chancellor of KDU University College. Malaysia's Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, said that losing Khoo Kay Kim was a huge loss for the country.

Early Life and Education

Khoo Kay Kim was born in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia. This was on March 28, 1937. His parents were Peranakan Chinese. This group has mixed Chinese and Malay cultures.

He went to an English school in the mornings. Then, he attended a Chinese school in the afternoons. He studied at the University of Malaya. There, he earned three degrees. These were a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1959, a Master of Arts (MA) in 1967, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1974.

His Important Research

His PhD research was called The Beginnings of Political Extremism in Malaya 1915-1935. This was a very important paper. It looked at how political ideas started to change in Malaya. His professor, Kennedy G. Tregonning, helped him with this work.

Khoo Kay Kim also helped write the Rukunegara. This is Malaysia's national guiding principle. It sets out the country's goals and beliefs. He was highly respected for his ideas. He often shared his views on local sports and social issues.

Family Life

Khoo Kay Kim was married to N. Sri Rathimalar. They had three sons together. Their sons are Eddin Khoo, Rubin Khoo, and Mavin Khoo. Eddin is known for promoting traditional arts. Mavin is a famous dancer.

His Passing

Khoo Kay Kim passed away on May 28, 2019. He was 82 years old. He died from lung failure. This happened at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Special Recognitions

Khoo Kay Kim received many special awards and titles. These were given to him for his great work and contributions to Malaysia.

Malaysian Honours

  •  Malaysia :
    • He received the Companion of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (JSM) in 1983.
    • He was given the Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (PSM) in 2008. This honour also gave him the special title of Tan Sri. This is a very high title in Malaysia.
  •  Perak :
    • In 1987, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Perak State Crown (DPMP). This honour gave him the title of Dato' in Perak.
  •  Selangor :
    • He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Selangor (DPMS) in 2009. This also gave him the title of Dato' in Selangor.

Awards and Achievements

  •  Malaysia:
    • In 2017, he was named the 10th "Tokoh Akademik Negara". This means "National Academic Figure". It is a top award for academics in Malaysia.
    • In 2018, he won the Merdeka Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award celebrates Malaysians who have made amazing contributions to the nation.

Places Named After Him

After he passed away, the state government of Selangor decided to honour him. In July 2019, they renamed a street in Petaling Jaya. The street was called Jalan Semangat. It is now called Jalan Prof. Khoo Kay Kim. This was done to remember his important contributions to the country.

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