Sim Moh Yu, 87, deserves not only Malacca state recognition in the award of Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka, but the highest possible state award in Malacca with the title of "Datuk Seri". In fact, he has long deserved even the highest national recognition and awards for his indomitable spirit and great contribution to education in Malaysia and national development - such as a Tan Sri’ship or even being conferred a "Tun"!
I find it very sad however that the conferment of the Malacca Datuk’ship award to Sim Moh Yu was omitted in the list of title receipients reported in the New Straits Times or the Berita Harian, for Sim Moh Yu should be honoured not just as a Chinese but as a great patriotic Malaysian.
Although Sim never held public office, and was in the sixties expelled from MCA, Sim had made greater contribution than many Ministers, Deputy Ministers and political leaders to education and the important process of nation-building in Malaysia.
Sim and I were detained during Operasi Lalang in 1987 and together with other detainees, we were incarcerated in Kamunting Detention Centre.
There should be proper state and national recognition of Sim’s great contribution to the nation-building process. It would be very sad if Sim’s award is not a recognition of him as a role model for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, but merely to make an impact on the Chinese community.
(16/10/99)