A condolence

Tan Sri Eric Chia has passed away this morning at 9am in Sungai Petani. According to reports, he had difficulty in breathing and died in the hospital.. Eric Chia dies in hotel he owns

Chia, who had faced corruption charges relating to Perwaja Steel contracts, on June 26 last year was acquitted and discharged of committing criminal breach of trust involving RM76.4 million by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court without his defense being called.

Throughout the trial, which began on Feb 10, 2004, Chia had health problems and had to be brought to court in a wheelchair.

Chia told reporters after his acquittal that he had practically lost everything because of the charge. His family was ashamed to be associated with him and his son and daughter became distant. Hence his eventual court vindication was a hollow victory.Chia also said at his peak he had many friends, most of whom had deserted him because of the case.

Condolence. Condolence. Condolence.

-_-