Stewardess thought of quitting much-loved job

SUBANG JAYA: Flight MH17 leading stewardess Lee Hui Pin had thought about quitting her much-loved job following the disappearance of Flight MH370.

Her former colleague, known only as Akina, said Lee ultimately decided to stay in the profession that she took up when she was 19.

Lee Hui Pin

When met outside Lee’s home in USJ 20, Akina spoke of a polite, loving mother and wife who enjoyed the simple things in life such as cooking and gardening.

“After MH370, she SMS-ed me saying that she was thinking about quitting. But before I could even ask her about it again, she was already flying off to South Korea.

“She called me on July 3 to ask me out for breakfast but I had to decline because I had other things to do.

“I didn’t know it would be the last time I spoke to my friend,” said the 45-year-old, who broke down as she paid her last respects along with other employees and former staff of Malaysia Airlines here yesterday.

A painful sight: The children of leading stewardess Lee Hui Pin and their father at their home in USJ, Subang Jaya.

The remains of Lee, 42, were brought back from Amsterdam and given a dignified reception upon touching down at the KL International Airport.

Her ashes will be interred at the Nilai Memorial Centre tomorrow, while friends and family are expected to attend a wake at her home today. Lee is survived by her husband and three children – Wong Rui Qi, 13, Hong Kai, 10, and Shen Kai, two.

Her cousins, who declined to be named, said Lee, who hailed from Kelantan, was fondly remembered for her interest in swimming and her lively spirit during their Chinese New Year reunions.