KUALA LUMPUR: Former national cycling coach Datuk Ng Joo Ngan paid tribute to his elder brother, pioneer Olympic cyclist Ng Joo Pong, who died on Wednesday aged 80.
Joo Ngan described his brother as both a pioneer of Malaysian cycling and the personal hero who inspired him to take up the sport.
"I was very close to him. He was a hero for me, and I started cycling to follow his footsteps," said Joo Ngan.
"He was a great competitor and a pioneer for Malaysian cycling in the 1960s."
Known as the "King of the Road", Joo Pong broke new ground as Malaysia's first cycling representative at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics before competing again at the 1968 Mexico City Games.
He also won bronze in the 10,000m mass start at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok, where both brothers represented Malaysia, before retiring from competitive cycling.
Joo Ngan said his brother was remembered for his jovial personality and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
"He had a great personality and was very jovial, so he made friends easily," said Joo Ngan.
"He had a lot of friends from different backgrounds because of his nature. People were just happy to be around him."
Joo Ngan had made it a point to visit his bedridden brother weekly, travelling from Cheras to Shah Alam to keep him company.
Joo Pong had suffered a second stroke seven years ago and was admitted to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre in April due to low blood pressure.
He had remained bedridden while battling hypertension, diabetes, and stroke-related complications.
"He would be happy whenever he saw me and smile brightly. But in the last few weeks, he looked weak and his speech became softer," said Joo Ngan.
After asking their sister to visit Joo Pong, Joo Ngan briefly held out hope when she reported that their brother seemed to perk up.
"However, he passed away after that. I am devastated by his passing. I will miss him," said Joo Ngan.
Joo Pong leaves behind his wife, Ong Beng Kin, and son, Eric Ng.
The wake will be held at Nirvana 2, 16, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Bukit Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday and Sunday.
The cortege will leave for cremation at Nirvana Crematorium in Shah Alam on Monday.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd