KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — In a farewell note, Chin Peng expressed his regret that he had been not been able to be present for his children as they grew up.

The Star reported the former Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) secretary-general’s sentiments that were part of a memorial booklet, titled “In Everlasting Memory: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Sacrifice”.

The letter, among other things, revealed Chin Peng was introduced to his children when they were adults, by which time he was a stranger to them.

“Ever since I joined the CPM and eventually became its secretary-general, I have given both my spiritual and physical self in the service of the cause that my party represented, that is, to fight for a fairer and better society based on socialist ideals.

“I draw immense comfort from the fact that my two children are willing to take care of me, a father who could not give them family love, warmth and protection ever since their birth.

“I could only return my love to them after I had relinquished my political and public duties, ironically. only at a time when I have no more life to give them as a father,” said Chin Peng in the letter.

He left behind the letter after rumours of his death circulated in October 2011.

Former CPM members denied knowledge of the note’s origin and would not comment on the whereabouts of Chin Peng’s two children, believed to be in their 60s.

Chin Peng also regretted being unable to pay his respects to his parents buried in his hometown of Setiawan and return to the country ‘that my comrades and I had fought so hard for against the aggressors and colonialists”.

The former Communist party leader’s body will be cremated in Bangkok on Monday evening.