KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has extended condolences on behalf of the ministry over the demise of legendary national golfer M. Ramayah today.
Yeoh had the opportunity to visit the late top golfer, who was diagnosed with stage four spinal cancer, last month when he was receiving treatment at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, Cheras.
“On behalf of the Youth and Sports Ministry, my condolences to the family of the late M. Ramayah.
“I was able to visit him while he was receiving treatment at the hospital. He was still able to talk then, and I managed a brief conversation with him.
“I also want to thank everyone who donated to the deceased, and I believe Yakeb (National Athletes Welfare Foundation) will discuss with the family members to see how they will utilise the funds they have collected to help his family members or accommodate any last wishes from him,” she said.
Early this month, Yakeb, together with the Malaysian Golf Association and Professional Golf of Malaysia Tour, announced they would organise a charity golf event for the 13-time-world cup golfer.
It was scheduled to take place on March 18 at The Mines Golf Resort, where the proceeds will be channelled to help with Ramayah’s treatment.
However, Yakeb president Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed said so far, they have yet to confirm whether the charity event would continue.
“We have tried our best to help him by organising a charity event for him.
“The original plan was to channel the donation to help cover the cost of his treatment, but he expressed his desire to give the money to underprivileged children who dream of playing golf instead.
“Unfortunately, he has passed away. So, we will discuss with his family how to proceed with the collected donation.
“Ramayah was a hero and a legend. I am truly saddened by the news of his demise,” he said.
Noorul was met after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Genting Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Lee Thiam Kit and DHS Hospitality Academy group founding director S. Sri Kumar.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Yeoh.
The collaboration between the three parties provides opportunities for former athletes to participate in a short-term course of seven months in hospitality, as well as to monitor former athletes registered under Yakeb and their family members continuing their careers with Genting. – The Vibes, March 6, 2023
