Lee was known for using catchy slogans during election campaigns in Penang.
FORMER three-term Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Lee Hack Teik of MCA was a hardworking and service-oriented assemblyman who embodied the true spirit of public service.
Penang MCA chairman Tan Teik Cheng said Lee, as an assemblyman from 1995 to 2008, was a tireless presence in the community.
“He would ride his motorcycle daily, reaching out to his constituents without fail.
“He went directly to the people, often navigating the streets and neighbourhoods on his motorcycle to stay connected with the grassroots.
“It was symbolic of his hands-on, no-frills approach for his constituents,” added Tan when contacted.
Lee died at his home in Air Itam on Monday after suffering a heart attack. He was 72.
Lee, who won the state seat in 1995, 1999 and 2004, was known for using catchy slogans during election campaigns in Penang to reach the largely Hokkien-speaking community.
He once used the phrase ang koo lak liap (six red glutinous rice cakes) in Hokkien or an ju le ye (Mandarin for harmonious life and successful career).
Another campaign phrase he used was huat kueh pek tay, which means “eight pieces of prosperity cakes” but also sounds like “to prosper and buy land” in Hokkien.
Tan said Lee also came out to lend his support for MCA’s Tanjong parliamentary candidate Tam Kim Nee during the 2022 General Election.
Pengkalan Kota is one of the three state seats under Tanjong parliamentary seat.
“His familiarity with the constituency was good. He knew the area ‘like the back of his hand’, a testament to his deep-rooted connection with the community,” said Tan.
Lee’s wake is at No.37-K, Lorong Zoo Tiga, Air Itam, Penang.
The funeral procession will take place at 2pm tomorrow while cremation will be at the Batu Gantung Crematorium in Jalan Batu Gantung, George Town.
