Perak-based tycoon Koon Yew Yin has met former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) chief Chin Peng in Bangkok and reports that he was not critically ill as claimed in the press.

NONE“The two photos (top and right) prove that Chin Peng is far from dying,” said Koon in an emailed statement today.

Koon said he was on holiday in Bangkok with his friend Yap Lim Sen, who happens to be an old family friend of Chin Peng.

Upon learning about reports of Chin Peng’s health, Yap arranged for a dinner with the former at the Novotel Hotel on Sunday.

Koon reports that Chin Peng is still yearning to return to Malaysia to spend his twilight years and that he was very up-to-date with current affairs back home.

“Under the 1Malaysia policy, Chin Peng hopes the government will allow him to return to the country to show that there is no bitterness towards the MCP since both sides were fighting against a common colonial power enemy.  

“It would also show that the government is serious about the truthful portrayal of the history of Malaya which is one in which all races have contributed.  

“This would also help in getting rid of the misunderstandings and distortions that have plagued our understanding of the past and lay the groundwork for racial unity and solidarity,” said Koon.

Growing racial polarisation

Koon expressed worry at the growing racial polarisation and hoped that the government will show compassion and statesmanship by allowing Chin Peng to return to the country of his birth.

“(This) is an important building block for our race relations and will also help in putting right the historical record,” he said.

Koon is the founder of IJM Corporation, Gamuda Bhd and Mudajaya Group Bhd and is a philanthropist.

He had once attempted to donate RM30 million to Utar for the construction of student hostels but this could not proceed because the university could not agree to some terms.