Lim Keng Yaik facts for kids

Tun Dr. Lim Keng Yaik (Chinese: 林敬益; Mandarin Pinyin: Lín Jìngyì; Jyutping: Lam4 Keng3 Yik4; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Lîm Kèng-ek; April 8, 1939 – December 22, 2012) was an important Malaysian politician. He was a former Minister of Energy, Water and Communications in the Malaysian government. He was also the third president of a political party called Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan). He led the party from 1980 until he stepped down on April 8, 2007. Before he passed away, he was one of only four living Chinese Malaysians who held the special title of "Tun."

Background

Lim Keng Yaik was born on April 8, 1939, in Tapah, a town in Perak, Malaysia. He grew up with fifteen brothers and sisters. His father worked in mining, and his mother managed their home.

He went to school at St. Michael's Institution in Ipoh from 1947 to 1957. After that, he traveled to Northern Ireland in 1958. He studied at Queens University in Belfast. In 1964, he earned his medical degree.

After returning to Malaysia, he worked as a doctor in government hospitals. Later, he opened his own clinic in Chemor. People there called him 'sor chai yee sang,' which means 'madcap doctor.' He was known for making sick children laugh during their visits. He was a very popular doctor and often treated poor patients for free.

He married Wong Yoon Chuan, and they had three children. Their son, Lim Si Pin, later became a leader in the Gerakan Youth party.

Political Career

Lim Keng Yaik started his journey in politics in 1968. He joined a party called the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA). In 1969, he ran for a state seat in Perak but did not win.

In 1971, he became the head of MCA in Perak. The next year, he was appointed as a senator in the Dewan Negara, which is part of Malaysia's Parliament. He also joined the federal government as a minister in 1972. However, in 1973, he was asked to leave the MCA. This happened because he disagreed with the party's president at the time. In the same year, he joined a different party, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan).

He quickly rose through the ranks in Gerakan. In 1974, he became the head of Gerakan in Perak. By 1976, he was the party's deputy president. In 1978, he resigned as a senator. He then ran in the Perak state elections and won a seat. He served as a state executive council member until 1986.

In 1980, Lim Keng Yaik became the President of the Gerakan party. He successfully defended his position in every party election for many years. In 1986, he ran for the Beruas Parliament seat and won. He continued to win this seat in later elections, including his last one in 2004.

Cabinet Position

Lim Keng Yaik first became a minister in the Malaysian government in 1972. He was a Minister with Special Functions, working on New Villages and emergency tasks. However, he resigned from this role a year later. This was a protest against how some leaders were treated in the MCA. After this, he was removed from the MCA and joined Gerakan.

He returned to the Cabinet in 1986 as the Minister of Primary Industries. He held this important position until 2004. During his time, Malaysian palm oil became very famous around the world. Malaysia became the largest palm oil producer. Even today, palm oil is a major source of income and jobs for Malaysia. He is remembered for bravely defending Malaysian palm oil. He debated with big soya bean producers in the United States. They had tried to stop Malaysia's palm oil from being imported.

He also helped the timber industry grow a lot. He worked hard to create the Malaysian Timber Council. He also convinced countries in Europe to buy timber from Malaysia. He helped turn raw materials like rubber and cocoa into valuable products. For example, rubber was used to make furniture, and cocoa was used for chocolates. He played a huge role in opening up global markets for Malaysian products. Under his leadership, these industries became strong and competitive.

In 2004, Tun Lim Keng Yaik became the Minister of Energy, Water and Communications. He focused on making sure that services like telecommunications and water supply were good for the people. He pushed companies to improve their services. He also helped develop information and communication technology. He successfully reorganized the country's water industry.

Retirement

On September 2, 2005, Lim Keng Yaik announced his plan to retire. He said he would step down as party president on April 8, 2007, which was his 68th birthday. He also retired from his government minister position before the 2008 general election.

After retiring, Tun Lim Keng Yaik was appointed as the second chancellor of Wawasan Open University (WOU) on May 9, 2011. He took over from the late Tun Lim Chong Eu.

Death

Tun Lim Keng Yaik had been unwell for over a year. He passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, December 22, 2012. He was 73 years old. He was surrounded by his family at his home in Petaling Jaya. The Malaysian government gave him a state funeral. This was to honor his many years of great contributions to the country. He was one of the longest-serving ministers and a highly respected leader.

Honours

Honours of Malaysia

•  Malaysia :
  • Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (SSM) – Tun (2008)
•  Perak :
  • Commander of the Order of Cura Si Manja Kini (PCM) (1976)
  • Knight Commander of the Order of Cura Si Manja Kini (DPCM) – Dato' (1981)
  • Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Perak State Crown (SPMP) – Dato' Seri (1989)
•  Penang :
  • Commander of the Order of the Defender of State (DGPN) – Dato' Seri (1997)
•  Pahang :
  • Grand Knight of the Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang (SSAP) – Dato' Sri (2005)
•  Sarawak :
  • Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PNBS) – Dato Sri (2008)