Moses Lim, beloved comedian and Singapore personality, passed away yesterday (February 11) at the age of 75.

He was well-loved by both English and Mandarin-speaking audiences during his years in MediaCorp. His most-lauded roles were as half of a comedic duo with Jack Neo on the Channel 8 variety show Comedy Night (搞笑行动), and the long-running Channel 5 sitcom Under One Roof, in which he played the loveable father, Tan Ah Teck.

He went on to sign with Hong Kong TV station CETV in 1997, and hosted food shows with Hong Kong celebrity Lydia Sum. He was also a well-known food critic.

Moses is survived by his wife Monica, their two daughters and four granddaughters.

“He was an exemplary Christian”

Moses and Jack Neo were an iconic pair in ‘90s television, particularly on Comedy Night.

Speaking to Salt&Light, Jack shared his memories of his friend and collaborator. 

“Although Moses didn’t explicitly tell others that he was a Christian, but based on how he carried himself, whether in his speech or interaction with others, he was an exemplary Christian,” said Jack in Mandarin.

“We had such great chemistry,” said Jack Neo (right) of his old friend and comedic collaborator. Photo from Jack Neo’s Facebook page.

“For example, Moses would treat others with respect and help them. He didn’t like to quarrel, neither was he loud. When he faced situations that he was unhappy with, he wouldn’t argue or fight with you. Rather, he was the type to walk away silently. So the entire crew found Moses to be someone easiest to work with.”

Jack remembered how Moses treated the then-young cast of 梁家班 (Liang Family Class), the comedy act centred around the popular character Liang Po Po. 

He told Salt&Light, “Moses also helped Mark Lee, Henry Thia and Patricia Mok, who were newbies at that time. As a senior artiste, he did not throw his weight around but rather, helped them in their acting.

“So the Comedy Night team had great energy, because everyone worked together and helped one another out.”

Jack expressed his deep respect for Moses and appreciation for the special bond they had as a duo.

“My fondest memory of Moses was when we were on stage together. We were in musicals for a period and learned many different performing techniques,” he said.

“During performances, there was no pressure or stress. We had such great chemistry that when I said something, he already knew what was coming next.”

“Truly a warrior for God”

A second-generation Christian, Moses began sharing his testimony at churches in 2005, and in his lifetime, spoke at over 300 churches in Singapore, Borneo and West Malaysia.

He became a mentor to younger Christians in the entertainment industry who are part of PTL, a Christian artistes fellowship in Singapore. Some in this cell group shared their thoughts about Moses with Salt&Light.

Chew Chor Meng (in white) and his wife Deon (far left) remember Moses (in hat) as someone who truly loved God. Photo courtesy of Chew Chor Meng and Deon

Fellow actor and cell group mate Chew Chor Meng said this of him: 

“大哥是一位很爱主的人。

为了福音，全人摆上，毫无保留。”

“Big Brother was someone who really loved God. To share the Gospel, he would dedicate himself wholeheartedly with no reservations.”

Chor Meng’s wife Deon told Salt&Light: “I will always remember Brother Moses as a kind-hearted and God-fearing man. He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loves his family. Despite his declining health, his retirement goal was to reach as many people for Christ as possible. He is truly a warrior for God.”

Actor Zhu Houren said to Salt&Light:

“林益民大哥

我们大家都很敬爱的一位大哥. 他风趣、幽默又有爱心、我很怀念和他一起在 PTL团契里、还有在教会里一起服侍的美好时光、他常常提醒，不是一定要做很大件的事、才能荣耀神。

如经上所说：路16:10 人在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也忠心；在最小的事上不义，大事上也不义。

所 以 “勿以恶小而为之，也勿以善小而不为之”

这才能真正的讨神喜悦。

“Brother Lin Yimin, a big brother that we all respect very much. He is funny, humorous and caring. I will miss the good times with him in the PTL fellowship and serving together in the church. He often reminds me that you don’t have to do big things to glorify God.

“As the Bible says in Luke 16:10  – Whoever is faithful in a little thing will be faithful in a great thing; but whoever is unrighteous in a very small thing will also be unrighteous in a great thing.

“Therefore, ‘Don’t do evil because it’s a small thing, and don’t do good because it’s a small thing and don’t do it.’ This can truly please God.”

Apple Hong (far left, hand on Moses) remembers Moses for his deep love for God and his determination to share his testimony despite difficulties. Photo courtesy of Apple Hong.

Apple Hong, 46, an actress, host and businesswoman, is also a member of PTL. 

“When I was young, watching him on TV, I thought he was so funny as a comedian,” she told Salt&Light. 

“But when I met him during fellowship, he was serious when he shared about God’s grace. He always shares in a very sincere way, his words are always full of love and grace.

“On screen and in person, he is quite different, but he always has a joyful heart whether in private or in public.”

She attests to the late comedian’s love for food. “He would bring some very delicious food (to cell group) or his wife will prepare some food, which is always delicious,” she remembered.

He would say things like “Oh, you must go to this stall!” Or “This is a 老字号, you know. You have to go for the pie! This is the best”

“He knows the best about food, okay!”

Although he battled health issues over the last few years, “every time when he can make it, when he feels better, he will try his best to join the fellowship,” said Apple, adding that he would send prayer requests to the fellowship when he was sick or feeling down.

Moses would take every opportunity to tell of God’s goodness; he would give his testimony at churches every chance he had, said Apple.

“He always has something to share: How good God is to him, God’s grace to him. Each time he encountered some health issues, he went to the hospital and God healed him.”

“He loves God so much. He loved to share about God, and about good food. We had a lot of fun together.”

Interviews by Nicolette Lim, Chris Leow and Juleen Shaw. Special thanks to Eric Wong and Careen Tham.

RELATED STORIES:

“When they receive God, they’ll be much happier than laughing at my jokes”: Veteran comedian Moses Lim

“God answers prayers”: Veteran Under One Roof actor Moses Lim on his miraculous healing

“God told us: Trust in me”: Deon and Chew Chor Meng on their hope despite illness