Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam died of natural causes at his residence in Ipoh at 7:34 a.m. on June 4, 2026, at the age of 101 [1, 2]. He was a respected lawyer and a leading figure in Perak and Malaysian community affairs [1, 2].
Jeyaratnam served as chairman of the Perak Turf Club from 1983 until 2018, making him the longest-serving chairman of any horse racing club in Malaysia, a position he held for 35 years [1]. He was also heavily involved in community development, social welfare, and equestrian sports [1]. His work extended to education and social assistance through his involvement with Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah (YSIS) [1].
He held key roles in multiple professional and civic organizations and was regarded as a towering figure within the Malaysian Bar [2]. Datuk John Lim Ewe Chuan, the current Perak Turf Club chairman, said, "Tan Sri Jeyaratnam was a highly respected figure in Perak’s corporate and community landscape. His leadership, vision and commitment to serving society have left a lasting impact on many." He conveyed the club's deepest condolences to Jeyaratnam’s family and friends [1].
Jeyaratnam is survived by his three children — Jeyarajah, Jeyamalar, and Ratnamalar — as well as two grandchildren, Shankar and Jeyanthi [1, 2]. His wife, Puan Sri Dr. Rajamalar Jeyaratnam, passed away in 2008 at age 78 [2].
Wake prayers were held on the evening of June 5 at St Michael’s Catholic Church on Jalan Gereja in Ipoh [1, 2]. The funeral is scheduled to take place in Ipoh on June 6, 2026 [2].
