LEADERS, friends, admirers and former students have taken to social media to convey their condolences to the family of renowned historian Dr Khoo Kay Kim, who died this morning at the age of 82.

PKR president and Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim, a former student of the Universiti Malaya emeritus professor, said he hopes Khoo’s family stay strong.

“The contributions and sacrifices of my former lecturer are always fresh in my mind.

“He played an important role in drafting the Rukunegara, and this will surely be remembered by the rakyat and nation,” he said on Facebook.

Following the May 13, 1969 racial riots, Khoo was roped in to draft the declaration of Malaysia’s national philosophy.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, in a statement, also conveyed his condolences to Khoo’s family.

He lauded the historian who had done much for the nation, including drafting the Rukun Negara and educating the young.

“He will surely be remembered for all he did for the country,” he said.

Khoo testified in Mohamad’s Bukit Kepong defamation trial in Butterworth, Penang, four years ago. 

Mohamad had allegedly said Mat Indera, who led the 1950 Bukit Kepong communist attack that killed 25 policemen and their families, was a national hero for fighting the British during a ceramah in Tasek Gelugor on August 21, 2011.

Mohamad was found innocent in July 2015 after the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against the politician.

Former prime minister Najib Razak, in his message of condolence, said: “His passing is indeed a loss to us. A great historian and a true Malaysian.”

He honoured Khoo for his contributions to Malaysia, including drafting the Rukunegara, and passion for Malaysian football.

“He also had a strong interest in football, often providing valuable insights into the development of our national team.

“He will be missed. May his soul rest in peace.”

Moderation advocate Anas Zubedy, in a tweet, honoured Khoo as a great Malaysian and “one of (the) most balanced and serious historian(s) we ever had”.

Praba Ganesan said Khoo truly believed in Malaysia, and the country could use more leaders like him.

Another Twitter user, Sufi Khirul Bahri, described Khoo as a great teacher, wise historian and incredibly funny man.

“We will surely miss the days he was in class, giving lectures to new generations of young Malaysians. Rest In Peace Prof Khoo Kay Kim.”

Reporter Elida Bustaman thanked the late academic for all the knowledge he had shared.

“He was truly a teacher, even to a reporter like me.

“Prof Khoo Kay Kim carried within him the history and spirit of our nation. May his essence continue to live through us all.

“My deepest condolences to Puan Sri Rathi, Eddin & Mavin. Hugs to @rubinkhoo. May time ease your pain. I sincerely share your sadness,” she tweeted.

Others remember Khoo for his human values, like Zim Ahmadi, who said a large part of Malaysia’s spirit “has gone” with Khoo’s death.

“One of my heroes in humanities. He will be missed.”

TV personality and actor Nazrudin Rahman tweeted: “Died as he lived. With quiet dignity. Malaysia mourns the loss of a great historian and humanist.

“Find your peace, rest now Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim.”

Former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan, too, conveyed his condolences to Khoo’s family.

“A real historian and a loss to the nation. May your soul rest in peace.”

Several Pakatan Harapan leaders, including Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad, and Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar, tweeted their condolences as well.

On Facebook, Khoo’s son, Eddin, who had worked with his father on the latter’s memoir published in 2017, titled “I, KKK — The Autobiography of a Historian”, posted a quote by Buddha.

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.

“Every day, in the deepest part of my heart, I will miss you: every single day. Rest in peace, my Pa.”

Khoo leaves behind three children – Eddin, Rubin and Mavin. – May 28, 2019.