Moving eulogy at slain Malaysian hostage Bernard Then’s funeral

Slain Malaysian hostage Bernard Then. Photo courtesy of The Star Online/Asia News Network

PETALING JAYA — The funeral service of slain Malaysian hostage Bernard Then was a moving affair, which saw his family urging the government to improve the security of the nation so that no other Malaysian suffers the same fate.

“Let Bernard’s sacrifice not go in vain,” said Then’s brother Gerald Then during his eulogy at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya on Monday.

Gerald expressed his hope that the government would take the safety and security of the nation seriously “so that no other person would have to suffer the way that Bernard did and that no other family should have to endure our heartache.”

“It has indeed been a very difficult time for us,” he said.

READ: Friends, family pay respects to slain Malaysian hostage Bernard Then

Gerald said that his family had lived on the edge, fearing the worst during the 188 days when Then was held hostage in southern Philippines.

“In spite of knowing his fate, our hearts still sank every time we received updates on the progress on the recovery of his remains and the DNA tests that followed,” he added.

Then’s family also said that although it was not easy, faith had taught them to show mercy upon those who had caused them “so much anguish and anger.”

“When the day arrives we pray that God will also show mercy to the perpetrators of this heinous crime and to those who were responsible for Bernard’s suffering,” he said.

“I believe the reactions to the events that led to Bernard Then’s death have been universal. Whether you are a friend of Bernard or knew him through the press your reaction will be sad,” said assistant parish priest, Rev. Alberto Irenus, who conducted the service.

A few hundred people gathered at St. Francis Xavier’s church at 10 am Monday for the Funeral Mass.

Those attending the service gathered at the entrance of the chapel after the funeral service to pay their respects and extend their sympathies to their family.

Many were seen hugging Then’s family members, some of them with tears in their eyes.

Also visible outside the chapel were flowers bearing messages of condolences sent from various organizations, groups, and members of the public.

The 39-year old engineer from Sarawak was abducted in Sabah along with Ocean King seafood restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun on May 15 last year.

Thien was released on Nov 8, but Then was beheaded by his captors at a remote location on Jolo Island in southern Philippines on Nov 17.

Then’s remains were cremated on Friday in Manila and remains had been brought back to Malaysia on Saturday.

His ashes will be interred at Subang Lutheran Garden, Jalan U9/39 Jingga, Subang Permai, Section 9, Shah Alam.