A file photo of Tan Sri Kuek Ho Yao with Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. Pix: The StarJOHOR BARU: Tan Sri Kuek Ho Yao, a renowned figure in Johor's development, passed away at the age of 96 yesterday.

Kuek, a cousin of Asia's sugar king Tan Sri Robert Kuok, passed away at 10.10pm of lung infection after he was admitted to the Johor Specialist Hospital on October 5. 

Kuek, who was deeply involved in charity work, especially in education, was kidnapped twice in the 80s, for 66 days from May 24, 1984 and 74 days from June 13, 1987. 

Among those who paid their last respects to Kuek at his residence in Taman Maju Jaya here today were Johor Bahru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Samad, Home

Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.

According to Kuek's youngest daughter, Siew Yin, his remains were scheduled to be cremated at the Fo Guang Shan Crematorium in Taman Sutera, Perling here at 1pm on Wednesday.

- Bernama