Diary 10: The Late Mr Cheah Yan Tong

The news that Mr Cheah YT of Pelawan New Village in Perak reached me one day before his funeral in Penang on 18 January 2009. I could not plan to pay my last respect due to prior commitment in Kuala Lumpur. However, I am transferring merits to him to assist his re-birth in the pure land. I will do this for the next 50 days.

He died of stomach cancer, at the age of 75, and this was not really surprise to me. He was active at the local level and hence had to attend many dinners and lunches during various occasions organized by the Chinese community. Deep in my heart, I know that many people are going to suffer and will die of various critical diseases if the Chinese society does not transform the ways of eating.

In any case, I write this note to remind myself of his kindness towards me and my family. When I conducted my PhD anthropological research in Pelawan New Village in 1984, it was he who decided to allow me to stay with his family when other villagers hesitated. He and his wife protected me even though some people felt that I was a government spy. He obtained the assistance of local informal leader when unfriendly peoples approached me. That saved me.

I went back to Pelawan New Village from time to time after completing field research in Pelawan New Village. Our encounter in 2009 in the village was interesting as he practically transformed his mind set. He moved away from traditional Chinese religion to become a buddhist. I was glad of his life transformation. He even made a special effort to join his master in Thailand in experiencing the forest living. He did not mention of his cancer for reason that he did not want friends to worry about him.

It is all gone. Life is short and we need to value every second of our lives. If we need value someone, show him or her love and care through action.

I will continue to transfer merits to him. This is the best that can be done for such a nice man- an uncle, a brother and a friend to me.

May all beings be free from sufferings!