Kuek Ho Yao, a renowned figure in Johor's development, passed away at the age of 96 yesterday.

Kuek, a cousin of Asia's sugar king Robert Kuok, passed away at 10.10pm of lung infection after he was admitted to the Johor Specialist Hospital on October 5.       

Kuek, who was deeply involved in charity work, especially in education, was kidnapped twice in the 80s, for 66 days from May 24, 1984 and 74 days from June 13, 1987.       

Among those who paid their last respects to Kuek at his residence in Taman Maju Jaya, Johor Bahru today were Johor Bahru MP Shahrir Samad, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Deputy Education Minister Wee Ka Siong.     

According to Kuek's youngest daughter, Siew Yin, his remains were scheduled to be cremated at the Fo Guang Shan Crematorium in Taman Sutera, Perling in Johor Bahru at 1pm on Wednesday.       

- Bernama