KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong says he will always remember how the late Datuk Dr Chua Jui Meng came to his family's aid when his daughter fell ill.
The MCA president said he personally experienced Chua's "meticulous care for the people" back in 2002 when his daughter, then aged just 16 months, suffered a duodenal ulcer.
"My eldest daughter suffered from a duodenal ulcer... and was rushed to the Johor Baru Hospital.
"At that time, I was not an MP yet and just a civilian. After hearing about it, Chua called to comfort me and my wife who were on the edge of breaking down.
"He also contacted a specialist team and kept us updated on the progress. We will never forget this life saver!" he wrote on Facebook.
Dr Wee said after he joined MCA, Chua became one of his political mentors and provided much advice and support.
"Chua was always bold, outspoken and eager to learn. His speeches in Mandarin and English were eloquent and easy to understand," he said.
Dr Wee said he and Chua remained good friends, even when he left MCA to join PKR.
"Thank you for dedicating most of your life to the country, and thank you sincerely for your contribution to MCA," he wrote.
Chua, who was the country's longest-serving health minister, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.
He was also a former MCA vice-president and five-term Bakri MP.