KLANG: Many know that the late Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblyman, Lee Kee Hiong, had been battling cancer for the last few years, but her death still came as a shock for many, especially her Pakatan Harapan colleagues.
Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari, who was among the earliest to react to the news of her death, said the third-term assemblyman had served the constituency well before she became an elected representative.
"Her demise is a big loss to many, especially the people of Kuala Kubu Baru, whom she had been serving well before she became their elected representative," said Amirudin on Thursday (March 21).
Amirudin conveyed his condolences to Lee’s family and the DAP on the loss of an experienced party member.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng was amongst her party comrades who mourned Lee’s demise.
"Today, I bid farewell to the late Lee Kee Hiong, a cherished comrade whose pivotal role as a woman in politics and society will be remembered with deep reverence," Lim said on Thursday.
Pandamaran assemblyman Tony Leong said Lee always had the people’s best interest at heart.
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"She was a very humble person and very people-oriented.
"She stood up for everyone regardless of who they were," said Leong, adding that Lee’s demise would be a big loss for the party and her constituents.
An entry in the party’s official Facebook Timeline said that 58-year-old Lee had passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones and party comrades.
"Let us all remember Sdri Lee Kee Hiong for her sacrifices, dedication, and loyalty to the party and country, especially her constituents in Kuala Kubu Bharu," the entry added.
Although the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat, under which the Kuala Kubu Baru state seat stands, slipped into Perikatan Nasional's hands last election, Lee managed to keep her constituency with a slightly over 4,000 majority in the 2023 state polls.
Lee leaves behind a husband and no children.