Malaysian Football Mourns the Passing of Two Legends: Moey Kok Hong and Khalid Ali
A Double Blow to Malaysian Football
Malaysian football is in mourning once again as it copes with the loss of yet another former star player. Moey Kok Hong, a football icon hailing from Butterworth, passed away today at the age of 56 due to heart complications. This tragic news comes on the heels of the recent death of Khalid Ali, leaving the football community in shock and grief.
A Glorious Career Cut Short
Moey Kok Hong, who had previously undergone a heart bypass operation, succumbed to health issues at 6.32 am at the Hospital Seberang Jaya. His wife, Ang Chooi Choon, revealed that he was not feeling well in the morning, and despite quick efforts to seek medical attention, he passed away two hours later. Kok Hong leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife and three daughters – Shih Teng, Shih Ying, and Shih Wen – along with four grandchildren.
Tributes Pour in from Football Community
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Penang Football Club (Penang FC) have extended their heartfelt condolences to Kok Hong’s family. FAM highlighted his contributions, mentioning his participation in the 1988 friendly against Arsenal and his representation of Malaysia in the 1998 Tiger Cup. Penang FC, on its Facebook page, paid tribute to Kok Hong as a pillar of the Penang team in the 90s, recalling his crucial goal in the 1998 Premier League 1 title win against Selangor. Former Penang captain Yong Woon Seang remembered Moey Kok Hong as a skilful player proficient in both attack and defence. Emphasizing his heading skills, Yong Woon Seang described Kok Hong as a true fighter who cared deeply for his teammates. The late legend’s notable achievement includes scoring Penang’s equalizer against Selangor in the memorable 1998 Premier League 1 title victory.
A Journey Beyond Penang
Moey Kok Hong’s football journey extended beyond Penang, showcasing his talents with states like Perak and Negeri Sembilan in the Malaysian Premier League. His club-level contributions were widespread, representing various teams such as Chinese Recreation Club, Butterworth City, Bintang Biru, and Northern Telecom. Kok Hong’s versatility and dedication made him a respected figure across different football circles.
A Multifaceted Legacy
Former national player C. Nadarajah, acknowledging the loss to Malaysian football, praised Kok Hong’s talents and coaching contributions. Despite not playing together, Nadarajah recognized Kok Hong’s venture into coaching, where he obtained a ‘D’ license and made significant contributions to the Penang FC team. Moey Kok Hong’s legacy extends beyond the field, encompassing both his playing days and his impactful coaching role. In conclusion, the Malaysian football community is grappling with the profound loss of Moey Kok Hong, a legend whose impact resonates on and off the field. As tributes pour in, his memory will endure as a symbol of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Malaysian football history.
