Large crowd turns up at Ananda Krishnan’s wake to pay respects

PETALING JAYA: A large crowd turned up in Brickfields to pay their last respects to the late tycoon and philanthropist T. Ananda Krishnan, who passed away last week.

The wake, which is being held at his residence in Jalan Berhala Brickfields is open to the public from 5pm to 9pm.

However, by 4.30pm, there were already dozens of people queuing up patiently despite the light drizzle.

Staff dressed in black and grey were seen guiding the long lines that snaked along the road.

There was a sign forbidding people from taking photographs or videos inside.

Although the media has been asked not to cover the event to give his family privacy, this did not stop some outlets from turning up and interviewing some of those who came. Some even put up a livestream.

Members of the family, said the obituary, have also requested that the wake be a quiet affair and that no wreaths, flowers or garlands be sent.

“He was famous around the world, made Malaysia proud. We have come here to pay our respects to him and the life he lived. May he rest in peace,” said a man, known only as Maran.

Over on social media, where pictures and photos of the wake were posted, people online commended Ananda for his contributions to the society and country.

“He was person with big heart n have help many in need without any publicity,” wrote Rajender Singh on Facebook.

“May his soul rest in peace my deepest condolences to his family and friends, he is an inspiration to many Malaysians,” said Govindan Krishnan.

Ananda, who was born in Brickfields, passed away at the age of 86 in Switzerland on Thursday (Nov 28).

Estimated to be worth US$5.8bil (RM25.7bil), Ananda often made it to the annual Forbes list of wealthiest people, being ranked as the third richest person in Malaysia.

He founded his flagship investment company, Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, in 1984.

His other companies include TGV Cinemas, Maxis Bhd, Astro Holdings, Bumi Armada, Measat Satellite Systems, and Tanjong Plc.

Ananda’s funeral is on Wednesday (Dec 4).