Message of Condolence on the demise of Yip Kok Choong

The CCM is saddened by the news of the recent demise of Yip Kok Choong, who succumbed to illness in Hong Kong on 31st October 2008.

Kok Choong and I have had a friendship that has lasted for many years. First, with the activities of the Student Christian Movement when he was in the University of Malaya in the early 70’s. 

Then I was his pastor in my first appointment to Teluk Intan in 1978, where he was working as a teacher in a secondary School.

We worked together in Youth Leadership Development in TRAC churches when he served as National Youth Director.

When he moved to Kuala Lumpur to take up the position of General Secretary of the YMCA K.L., we worked together on many ecumenical programmes when I became the General Secretary of the Council of Churches from 1995.

The CCM complimented him when he succeeded to the position of General Secretary of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of the YMCA. He made Malaysia proud, and he carried out significant work with his wealth of experience and leadership skills.

Kok Choong will always be remembered for his friendly demeanor, inexhaustible energy, creative mind and excellent organizing skills. He also enjoyed great respect and admiration from church leaders and friends.

CCM mourns the loss of an honourable and devoted servant of the Gospel, who gave his life for the cause of ecumenism and the transformation of society.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kok Choong’s family, particularly his wife Lucy.

May God console them in their grief, and grant them the grace and strength to face the future.

With deep sympathies,

Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary
Council of Churches of Malaysia

5th November 2008