In Memory of a Good Friend: Dr Lim Boo Liat (1926–2020)

Written by Professor Peter K. L. Ng

He had been a mentor and friend for over 35 years. When I was young student running around Malaysia in the early 1980s chasing crabs, I spent a lot of time in the University of Malaya with stalwarts there like Yong Hoi Sen, A. Sasekumar, Richard Lim and Susan Lim. Early in these encounters, the name Lim Boo Liat would come up regularly in conversations as the man who KNOWS the zoology and natural history of Malaysia—The Godfather. His name is of course not new to any peon of Malayan zoology—he had written so many books and papers, both technical and layman articles that one would have to be an ignoramus not to know who he was.

Unforgettable first encounter

It was not long before I met him. And it made a lasting impression. It was over kopi and roti prata that I first met this completely unpretentious man who dressed and spoke like a “local uncle”, smoking a large pipe that was his signature. He did not look like a “Dr.”, not even a scholar; but after just a few minutes chatting with him, you realised that appearances are deceptive. Beneath his soft spoken and country-side charm was a man with an enormous knowledge. Overwhelming even. And a personality that you cannot help but be in awe of. Down to earth to the hilt. Blunt to the core but always honest and factual. His words cut to the soul without any song-and-dance or malice. He is apolitical—the honesty and integrity of the old school.

My first impressions never changed. From student, to scholar and then professor I have evolved; and a lot of water has passed under the bridge. Yet Boo Liat had remained the same, solid to his core. He is like this large tree that stands unyielding to the corrupting madness the world throws at mortals—and he stood there for the cause of zoology for over 70 years! Still, even giants bend to time… as he finally did at 94, but not before he changed the world several times.

An ever-shining beacon

As a student, you listen to his words of wisdom, you absorb it and learn. As a peer and a friend, you listen to his words of wisdom, you absorb it and learn. As a senior, you still listen to his words of wisdom, you absorb it and learn. The content changes but the wisdom in the words do not. It is not just science that you learn from the man; you learn how to be a better person, a better scientist.

He was also ever the pragmatic, ever the optimist. He did not wallow in self-pity or regret, he just does the job and moves on. He always had a listening ear for a student or colleague, providing encouraging words, critical words, blunt words… but always looking at the positive.

He of all people knew the value of getting the youth ready and empowering the next generation. He was a product of the faith placed in him by his mentor John Harrison, who pushed him to become a renowned zoologist even though the system did not made it easy. He was not ordained to be a great zoologist by bloodline, nor did he possess fantastic qualifications that allowed him to climb the ladder of academia. Harrison must have seen the passion and the humility—the goodness of the man he help create. And Harrison was spot on. Boo Liat has passed these qualities on to many generations in all his years as a scholar and researcher. He has helped me as well as so many of my colleagues and students over the years that I have lost count. He always helped and never asked for anything. And he would have scolded you if you asked to return the favour! Science is pure—it is not transactional or mercenary.

“Brimming with passion”

Dr Lim Boo Liat at the opening of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum on 18 April 2015. Photo by Tan Heok Hui

When we opened the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (successor to the Raffles Museum) in April 2015, we invited Boo Liat to witness its resurrection. I was happy he came—at 88 years of age, slightly more tired, more frail, but still sharp of mind and brimming with passion. He was happy that things had come full circle.

I have had the pleasure of his friendship for over 30 years. I have learnt much from him through his many stories and wise counsel. That honour has been mine. He will be missed.

Peter K. L. Ng

Director

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum