Jason Mah, 45, said Ong was also involved in various charitable work and was generous with his assistance.
He said his friend had an eye on giving back to society and to provide help to those in need.
He said he was unaware of Ong being allegedly linked to Gang 24, a notorious secret society active in Penang.
"He (Ong) is a businessman, I have no idea of his past," he said when reporters met him at the wake held at a funeral parlour in Bandar Baru Air Itam here.
In the Dec 2 incident, Ong was in his car when he was shot dead by his bodyguard who subsequently went on a shooting rampage which killed two others and injured another five.
Those killed have been identified as Senthil Murugiah, 38, and Choi Hong Ming, 32, who were passing through Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu during the 7.30pm incident.
Police managed to detain the suspect after rushing to the scene and he, and a friend of Ong who was in the car but escaped the rampage, have been remanded for seven days to assist in investigations.
The five injured, including RTM cameraman Mohd Amirul Amin Amir, 27, have been warded at the Penang Hospital and are still undergoing treatment.
At the wake, Buddhist monks were leading friends and relatives in prayers for the deceased whose funeral will be held at 11am on Monday.
Mah also declined to speak about reports linking Ong to the crime gang which is allegedly involved in murder, extortion and drug trafficking.
Reports quoted Northeast district police chief ACP Mior Faridalatrash Wahid saying police were monitoring the gang for some time.
"It is one of 14 secret societies being monitored by us. We have a list of the members and know their movements," he reportedly said.
Attempts to get Mior and Penang CID chief SAC Zainol Samah to elaborate were unsuccessful. - Sundaily
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