The Perfect Penang Baba
A Tribute to the late Dato’ Seri Khoo Keat Siew by Baba Chan Eng Thai
When I met the late Dato’ Seri Khoo Keat Siew (“KKS”) during one of his many visits to Singapore, I asked him if he had read the book “The Patriarch” by Yeap Joo Kim.
The book had won an ASEAN book award and it was about a very well-known Penang philanthropist and leader in civic society, Baba Khoo Sian Ewe.
KKS replied that not only did he read the book, he was part of it as Khoo Sian Ewe was his father!
Since the announcement of KKS’s passing yesterday in Penang, 10 June 2021, at the venerable age of 91 years, numerous tributes have been written about his life and contributions to Penang’s civic society.
To us, the Babas and Nyonyas of Singapore, KKS epitomized the perfect Penang Baba. Dato Khoo was a lawyer by training and was also the past president of the famed Khoo Kongsi among many other associations in Penang. He always spoke in a measured tone and always had a kind word for everyone.
Whenever the State Chinese Penang Association (“SCPA”), of which he was its past President for many years, hosted the Baba Nyonya Convention, KKS’ s hospitality through the members of the SCPA made the stay of the delegates to the conventions a most delightful, enjoyable and memorable one.
The Baba Nyonya Convention was KKS’s idea and since its inauguartion in Penang in 1988, the convention has been held annually and hosted by the sister Peranakan Associations of the Federation of Peranakan Associations (“FPA”) until 2019, except for the year 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the convention to be held.
Again, the idea of the various Peranakan associations of the region and Australia coming together as an informal federation, named the FPA, was also KKS’s idea!
KKS will be remembered by many, and his legacy will continue in the many associations which he helmed. But, most of all, the community will fondly cherish KKS as our “ho peng yew” in Penang!
This is a pantun I composed and recited for KKS at the launch of his book “Rebel with a Cause” on 10th December 2017
Pantun Khoo Keat Siew
Pantai cantik Batu Ferringhi
Angin kencang pohon indah,
Perbuatan baik tinggi tinggi,
Hidopan Keat Siew mula ada!
Apa datang senyum ketawa,
Tulus ikhlas tua muda,
Hidopan dia sungguh mewah,
Kerendahan hati kepada semua!
Beautiful beaches of Batu Ferringhi,
Gusty wind and swaying trees,
Good deeds of various hues,
Then and now, Keat Siew did all!
Whatever comes, he accepts with joy,
Sincere in manner to young and old,
Riches in life may had savoured,
Yet humble is he to everyone!