IPOH, June 4 (Bernama) — Corporate figure and prominent community leader Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam died of old age at his residence on Jalan Tun Dr Ismail here at 7.34 am today. He was 101.
His passing has been described as a great loss to Perak and the nation, given his significant contributions to community development, social welfare and equestrian sports.
Perak Turf Club (PTC) chairman Datuk John Lim Ewe Chuan extended his condolences to the late Jeyaratnam’s family and described him as a respected leader who left a lasting legacy for the community.
“Tan Sri Jeyaratnam was a highly respected figure in Perak’s corporate and community landscape. His leadership, vision and commitment to serving society have left a lasting impact on many.
“On behalf of the Perak Turf Club, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the late Jeyaratnam’s family and friends on the loss of such a devoted individual,” he told Bernama when contacted today.
John said Jeyaratnam, who served as PTC chairman from 1983 to 2018, was well known for his active involvement in the development of equestrian sports and various community welfare initiatives.
“His association with the Perak Turf Club began after he accepted an invitation from the club’s then chairman, Datuk Yeoh Cheang Lee. After serving for 14 years as a committee member and having held the position of acting chairman, he was appointed full chairman of the club in 1983.
“He subsequently led the Perak Turf Club for 35 years, making him the longest-serving chairman in the history of any horse racing club in Malaysia,” he said.
He said under Jeyaratnam’s leadership, PTC not only strengthened its position as one of the country’s leading horse racing institutions but also expanded its role through various community and charitable programmes.
“Beyond sports, he also played an important role in Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah (YSIS), which focused on empowering education and providing social assistance to those in need.
“Throughout his long and distinguished career, he received widespread recognition for his leadership, philanthropy and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community, particularly in Perak,” he said.
Jeyaratnam is survived by his three children, Jeyarajah, Jeyamalar and Ratnamalar, as well as two grandchildren, Shankar and Jeyanthi. Wake prayers will be held at 8.45 pm tomorrow at St Michael’s Catholic Church on Jalan Gereja here.
— BERNAMA