KLANG: After battling cancer for a few years, DAP’s Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong (pic) passed away late yesterday morning. She was 58.
Her death will trigger the first by-election of 2024, which is likely to see a hot contest.
The Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat, under which the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat stands, fell into Perikatan Nasional’s hands in the last election although Lee managed to keep her state seat with a 4,000-plus majority in last year’s state polls.
Lee had been the assemblyman for the constituency since May 2013.
Political colleagues from both sides of the divide conveyed condolences over her passing, with Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari saying that the three-term assemblyman had worked hard in the constituency even before becoming its elected representative.
“Her death is a big loss, especially to the people of Kuala Kubu Baharu,” he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also expressed his condolences to the family.
“I have known Lee since 1988 when we were university student leaders, having met at a national student leadership camp in Penang,” he shared in a Facebook post.
“As her friend, I am dismayed upon learning of her passing.
“Her contributions to the community especially in Selangor will not be forgotten. Her service as assemblyman had left lasting memories among the local community,” he added.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng and Pandamaran assemblyman Tony Leong were among Lee’s DAP comrades who said she would be sorely missed.
“Today, I bid farewell to Lee Kee Hiong, a cherished comrade whose pivotal role as a woman in politics and society will be remembered with deep reverence,’’ said Lim.
“She was a very humble person and very people oriented. She stood up for everyone regardless of who they were,’’ said Leong.
PKR Tanjong Sepat assemblyman and exco member Borhan Aman Shah also said he was saddened by Lee’s death.
“I hope her family members will be able to face these challenging times bravely,’’ said Borhan.
Umno’s Sungai Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Rizam Ismail also hoped Lee’s family will be brave in facing the bereavement.
On the other side of the divide, Selangor PAS secretary Zaidy Abdul Talib said Lee was a good person and had always worked hard.
He added that she was a good friend whom he had known since 2008 when he was in the state government.
“Her death is a loss to her constituents,’’ said Zaidy, a former assemblyman and Selangor state executive councillor.
Bersatu’s Permatang assemblyman Nurul Syazwani Noh also expressed her condolences.
“Even though I met her just once during the swearing-in ceremony (of assemblymen last year), I could tell that she was a friendly person.”
Lee, who was married, had no children.
