Billionaire donated money with condition his name wasn't mentioned
Former Malaysia Hindu Sangam president A Vaithilingam (picture, top) said tycoon Ananda Krishnan placed great importance on education and economic growth, donating to both generously. Bernama Picture |
A long-time friend of billionaire Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan who died at the age of 86 on Thursday 28 November 2024 says the tycoon would only agree to donate if his name was not mentioned publicly.
Speaking to Malaysia's official news agency, Encik A Vaithilingam recalled how Ananda started supporting the Malaysia Hindu Sangam during his tenure as president of the representative body for Hindus in Malaysia.
“Please don’t mention my name for any contributions.
“Mention that the contributions came from MCEF (Malaysian Communities Educational Foundation), not from Ananda Krishnan,” quoted by FMT, Vaithilingam recalled in an interview with Bernama.
He said only after these terms were agreed upon did Ananda begin contributing to the Hindu body and other foundations.
Vaithilingam described how, year after year, from 2003 to 2009, the Malaysia Hindu Sangam presented detailed reports and plans, which were carefully reviewed by certified accountants.
“Each time, Ananda would praise their thoroughness, focussing on the impact of the work rather than seeking any personal credit,” Vaithilingam said.
Vaithilingam first met Ananda in 1946 in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur and their friendship grew stronger over the years, evolving from childhood companions to close adult friends.
Ananda, Vaithilingam noted, placed great importance on education and economic growth in the country.
“He was always willing to consider contributing when it came to both,” he said.
Recalling their earlier days, Vaithilingam mentioned how they used to study the Tamil language together at the Vivekananda Ashram.
Camera-shy
“He was always camera-shy and reserved, much like his mother,” Vaithilingam said.
“Ananda’s mother would often visit my family and we would bump into each other at the temple. Like her son, she always avoided the limelight, sitting quietly in a corner, and that humility was passed on to him.”
Ananda, who died in Switzerland, is survived by a son, who later became a Buddhist monk, and two daughters. His wake will be held at his residence on Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, today, Tuesday 3 December 2024. It will be open to the public from 5pm to 9pm.
Regarding his son’s decision to pursue a spiritual path despite the vast fortune he would have inherited, Vaithilingam said Ananda was happy and supportive of his son’s journey, accepting it with grace.
FMT said, Ananda had a close attachment to Brickfields as he grew up there.
He rose up to be one of Malaysia’s most prominent business figures and was listed among the country’s wealthiest individuals.
A Harvard Business School graduate, Ananda started Usaha Tegas and later founded Maxis Communications and Measat Broadcast Network Systems.
According to Forbes’s real-time billionaire list, Ananda’s net worth stood at US$5.1 billion as of Nov 27, 2024, ranking him as the 667th richest person in the world.
Meanwhile, the children of tycoon Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan have said the billionaire spent his final months reflecting on the people he met and the lasting goodwill he received throughout his life, Malay Mail reported on November 30, 2024.
The founder of Maxis Bhd and Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd died on Thursday at the age of 86 after battling a progressive lung disease.
In a statement, his three children described their father as a private man who was never one for sentimental farewells.
“So, as his children, we would like to take this chance to say a farewell to you on his behalf, with gratitude for your part in his journey. And now, he is moving on,” they said.
The family also invited friends and acquaintances to share memories, anecdotes, photos, or video clips in tribute to their father.
“He never wrote his memoirs, and there must be some great untold stories there,” they added.
In the months before his death, the statement said, Ananda remained active, enjoying time on his boat in Turkey and continuing to work on various projects.
However, after returning to his home in Switzerland, it became clear that his condition was rapidly worsening.
Ananda is survived by a son and two daughters.
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