At the villa, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and Genting Group deputy chairman Tun Hanif Omar were among eight people who delivered eulogies.
The main prayer table was filled with an array of food – two trays of crabs, a tray of cockles and dumplings, 20 plates of fish and chicken, five trays of oranges, four trays of apples, six trays of siu bao (roasted buns), four trays of peach-shaped kuih, one tray of angku kuih and 15 roasted pigs.
It was made known to visitors of certain Chinese zodiac signs and biological ages (Dragon – ages seven and 31; Rabbit – age 20; Rat – age 35; Tiger – age 57, and Pig age 60) that they should not look at the casket.
About 5,000 representatives from various invited non-profit organisations, schools and employees of the Genting Group joined the procession.
These included Genting Group, Genting International, eGenting, Asiatic Land Development Sdn Bhd, Beautiful Gate, Utar, and SJK (C) Bukit Tinggi.
The procession was led by several musical bands, a group of Taoist priests and Buddhist monks who played traditional Chinese musical instruments while chanting prayers.
The hearse displayed a large photo of the deceased, the frame decorated with white roses. Four of Goh Tong's grandsons carried a paper sedan chair, which according to Chinese custom, serves as transport for the soul of the deceased.
Goh Tong's three sons – Tee Keong, Kok Thay and Chee Wah – walked behind, their hands placed on the hearse.
The other children and grandchildren, as well as relatives, followed closely behind.
Goh Tong's widow, Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, 79, joined in the procession in a buggy. Hanif walked beside her buggy.
Members of the public lined the road.
The hearse arrived at the Gohtong Memorial Park at 11.25am, where the family members briefly prayed, and proceeded to Genting Hotel after a short stop at Chin Swee Caves Temple.
The rain and misty atmosphere did not prevent scores of Genting staff, who wore black armbands, and visitors from coming out to pay their respects to Goh Tong in front of the hotel.
The procession returned to the memorial park where the family gathered for a private burial at 1.18pm.
Last respects: The hearse carrying Goh Tong’s body departing the villa on its way to the Memorial Park.
