BEIJING Nov. 5  -- Tan Kah Kee, a well-known patriotic overseas Chinese leader, was remembered on his 140th birth day in Kuala Lumpur Monday.

The ceremony was jointly held by the Tan Kah Kee Science Prize Foundation and the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang said, as China and Malaysia mark the 40th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic ties this year, the two countries should not forget the heroes for their sacrifices and contributions.

Tan Kah Kee had dedicated his life to social development and progress in Malaysia and the friendship between the two countries, the ambassador said.

In times of national crisis, Tan Kah Kee invested hugely in the country's education.

His patriotic spirit moved large numbers of people and should be carried on, Huang Huikang noted.

"It has already formed a tradition in the education of overseas Chinese. It has made a miracle," the ambassador said.

Tan Khai Hee, co-chairman of Tan Kah Kee Science Prize Foundation, said Tan Kah Kee was the pride of the Malaysian Chinese and overseas Chinese. In the country's time of need, Tan Kah Kee stepped forward bravely.

During the Anti-Japan Aggression War, he organized thousands of overseas Chinese machinists from southeast Asian countries to build a lifeline on which bulk strategic materials were delivered to the front line under Japan imperialist blockade.

"We should carry on the spirit of Tan Kah Kee and make fresh contribution to friendship between the two countries and to peace of this region," he said.

Huang Huikang donated on behalf of the Embassy 20,000 ringgit (about 6,048 U.S. dollars) to the Tan Kah Kee Science Prize Foundation.