Former DAP sec-gen Kerk Kim Hock dies

PETALING JAYA: Former DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock passed away at 6.10pm on Wednesday. He was 61.

He was in a coma after an operation for his Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) problem, according to his son Kerk Chee Yee.

“My father had to undergo thrombolytic therapy on Sunday. The operation was successful.

“One of the possible risks which was communicated to us was internal bleeding, which was what took place in his brain hours after the operation.

“The bleeding in his brain had put him in coma and after battling for three days, he left us peacefully.

“My mom, my sister and myself were by his side. We thank everyone for your support and encouragement throughout his battle against his illness all this while,” Chee Yee said in a statement.

Chee Yee said that details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Kim Hock was first diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2002. He was cancer free in 2007 until he had a relapse in 2015.

Kim Hock, a former political secretary to DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, was also a Durian Daun assemblyman for one term from 1986 to 1990.

He was subsequently elected Pasir Pinji (now Ipoh Timur) MP in 1990 and 1999. He was also Kota Melaka MP from 1999 to 2004 before officially calling it quits from politics.

Kim Hock also served as DAP secretary-general from 1999 to 2004.

He was also detained under the now-abolished Internal Security Act (ISA) for 60 days in the 1987 Ops Lalang.

DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng said Kerk was a devoted man and a good secretary general who led the party during the "darkest hours".

"We feel sad at his sudden passing though he was in a coma for three days.

"His passing is a loss not just to the party but also to the country," he said.