RIP, Soo Ewe Jin!

I read in the Star today about the passing on of Soo Ewe Jin, Star’s executive director. A few months ago, I bought his book “Sunday Starters”, a compilation of articles he wrote in his weekly column Sunday Starters. I enjoy reading the book and his articles strike a chord with me as he focused on ordinary people and day-to-day issues. And I admire his simple style of writing which was effective in conveying his message to his target audience – ordinary people. It is little wonder that his column in the Star was on the “Best Read” list every weekend.

Sunday Starters by Soo Ewe Jin

Ewe Jin succumbed to cancer at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital at 5.20pm on November 17 with family members and close friends by his side. He was first diagnosed with nose cancer in 1999 and seven years later, he had a lump in his lymph nodes. Another relapse came in March 2011. His 17-year battle with cancer was a tough one with chemotherapy taking its toll but he remained a fighter and continued working.

He urged ordinary Malaysians to do small things with great love and to touch lives in extraordinary ways. For cancer patients and caregivers, he prayed that they will find strength for the journey and hope to light the way. And for the peacemakers, he encouraged them to build bridges that connect and to bring down walls that divide. He used his articles to try to lift others up, urging his readers to pause and look at things with their hearts and not just with their eyes.

The hallmark of his articles is the theme that love overcomes fear, hatred and dissension. In life, he was known to be generous with his time and money and going the extra mile to bring light to dark places. The royalties that he earned from his book Sunday Starters were donated to charities.

Despite battling cancer at every stage, he still found the time and resources to help others fight their own battles, offering kind words and support to other cancer patients, visiting them at their hospital beds. He penned a book, Face To Face, which was distributed for free to share his cancer journey and encourage fellow cancer patients.

Ewe Jin, I am glad that your book caught my attention a few months ago when I visited Popular Bookstore in Miri. Your messages resonate with me and I thank you for planting the seed in me about pondering over the deeper meaning of life.

Rest in peace, Ewe Jin!