Veteran newscaster Raymond Goh has passed away at age 62 this morning.
According to a statement from his family, Goh passed away at 10.40am today after being in critical condition from a stroke on August 30.
He was sent to Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya immediately and continued receiving treatment until his death.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond Goh whose Muslim name is Muhammad Zaman Goh Bin Abdullah who touched the lives of thousands of people in the country,” the statement said.
“Raymond passed away peacefully this morning after bravely battling the effects of a stroke. Once again, the family of Raymond would like to express our gratitude to his friends and supporters for the outpouring of love and support during this trying period.”
Goh was known for being the news anchor for TV3’s Nightline news.
With 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry, Goh was known as the ‘man with the golden voice’ and also trained and coached individuals on how to speak well.
Goh was remembered by his past and present TV3 newscaster colleagues as a “friend to all” who never had an unkind word.
Money Matters host Zahir Kelvin Ong Abdullah described Goh as his dear friend and mentor who was serious at work but humorous, witty and friendly off camera.
“I had known Raymond since 1992 when I joined TV3, and he was among the first newscasters whom I became friends with and we kept in touch over the years, even after I left in 2000.
“When I returned to TV3 in 2020, he remarked that when I left, he was still with the station, and likewise when I returned,” said Ong, who described Goh’s death as a great loss to broadcasting.
“Raymond will always be remembered as a great newscaster, emcee and broadcasting icon. Malaysia has lost a great man.”
Goh’s fellow Nightline newscaster Tengku Elida Bustaman said that she kept in touch with him over the years and their last conversation via social media was during her recent birthday.
“He wished me many happy returns, as he always does. It’s sad that we didn’t get to meet after that,” she said.
Newscaster and Money Matters co-host Azaria Tagaya said that Goh coached her as a newscaster when she joined TV3 a decade ago.
“He gave me lots of useful advice and was always cool and patient. While he looked serious, he was very cheerful, positive and happy-go-lucky. He used to call me Miss Tagaya, and I regret not recording that,” she said.
Former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said that she had known Goh since 1986 as they were from the same batch of newscasters.
“Raymond was a great friend to be with as he exuded positivity all the time. He was great in Malay and English, dedicated and passionate about his work, and always caring towards his colleagues,” she said, adding that Malaysia had lost a broadcasting icon.
Former Majalah Tiga host Wan Zaleha Radzi described Goh as an outstanding broadcaster who was kind, humble, friendly and passionate about English.
“We worked together hosting the English language proficiency contest Spell It Right about a decade ago and had a great time. Raymond was always a gentleman and he will be missed.”
Media Prima Television Networks news and current affairs deputy group editor Azhari Muhidin described Goh as a dedicated professional, mentor and role model to everyone in the broadcasting industry.
“He gave 100 per cent to his profession and set a high benchmark for all newscasters and emcees,” he said.
Goh is survived by his widow Faridah Teh.
Funeral prayers for Goh were held at Masjid At-Taqwa, Taman Tun Dr Ismail at 4pm and he was laid to rest an hour later at the nearby Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conveyed condolences to Goh’s family.
In a posting on Facebook, Anwar prayed for the family to remain strong in facing this moment of grief.
“He will be sorely missed by the entire broadcast fraternity and of course, his deeds and contributions will always be remembered. Al-Fatihah,” he said.