Executor of late Waz Lian co-founder Ta Kin Yan’s estate says will is clear, leaves no room for dispute

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The executor and trustee of the late Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan’s estate said the late businessman’s will is clear in its intent and leaves no room for dispute.

Datuk Poh Po Lian, who co-founded the Waz Lian Group with Ta in 1987, said Ta’s will — which had been kept in a bank safe — provides a clear and equitable framework for administering the estate.

The will, dated February 4, 2008, appoints Poh as the executor and trustee of Ta’s estate.

“So, I am aware of the family tension and must remain impartial. My foremost duty is to administer the distribution of assets.

“Nevertheless, I remain committed to honouring Tan Sri’s trust and carrying out his wishes.

“The will’s intent is clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for dispute,” he told Malay Mail in a brief interview recently.

On March 11, the High Court of Malaya granted probate for Ta’s estate to Poh, nearly two years after Ta’s death at age 72.

A probate is a legal document that allows the executor to manage and distribute a deceased person’s assets according to their will, ensuring the estate is handled properly.

Regarding the timeline, Poh said it was difficult for him to estimate how long the estate administration process will take because ongoing family disputes and legal proceedings have added considerable complexity.

Poh said he is currently working with asset distribution lawyers to identify Ta’s global assets, including both corporate and personal holdings, with Singapore-based law firm Allen & Gledhill appointed to facilitate the distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries.

“Trust and kindness were the foundation of his (Tan Sri’s) life and career, and he firmly believed in giving all his children equal opportunities.

“A forensic accounting review will also be conducted to ensure transparency in the estate’s assets and distributions,” he said.

Ta, who died in his sleep on June 15, 2024, was also founder of Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd and had business interests spanning hotels, resorts, manufacturing, and golf clubs across Malaysia, China, Macau, and Hong Kong.