JOHOR BARU: Entrepreneur-activist Datin Dian Lee hopes that the public would not look at her merely as the daughter of property tycoon Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

       Lee, who recently announced that she has joined the Malaysian United Democratic Party (Muda), said that she wants to be seen as her own person with her own passion and strengths.

       "Everytime I want to do something, not just now (joining Muda) but throughout my life, people would bring him into it," she said.

       "But I hope people can see me as my own person, as an independent person.

       "I have been in the business world since after university, I have three children and I am also doing business with my husband," added Lee.

       She said that she was very passionate about issues related to children, including stateless children and malnutrition.

       The Muda central executive committee (CEC) member said this to the press when met at a food court here in Larkin on Thursday (Feb 10).

       When asked if she would be contesting in the upcoming state polls, in particular in state seats in her hometown Batu Pahat, Lee maintains that she is not privy to the matter.

       "I don't know. I joined Muda because I want to serve the people. I am just here to do the groundwork. I leave all of that to the party's leadership to decide. We are just waiting for Muda's official announcement," said the 38-year-old.

       The co-founder of the Clearwater Group said that she joined Muda in December last year as she finds that the party's principles are in line with her own.