Emulate San Choon’s character, MCA members urged

KUALA LUMPUR: The true show of grit, tenacity and leadership by Tan Sri Lee San Choon throughout his illustrious political career should be emulated by all MCA leaders and members, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Describing Lee as a “gem” and a party leader who was “hard to come by”, the MCA president said the passing of the fourth president was a great loss to the party and the nation.

“His courage and foresight has brought MCA to new heights and great achievements throughout his leadership.

“He has contributed his whole life for MCA and even continued to advise us on party matters from time to time.

“I hope all of our leaders and members will emulate his determination and dedication,” he said when met after paying his last respects with his wife Datin Seri Lim Hai Ean at the Xiao En Centre in Cheras yesterday.

Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, vice-presidents Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Datuk Tan Teik Cheng and Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look, other MCA veterans and leaders.

Recalling Lee’s legacy, Dr Wee said when the party was going through challenges and crises, Lee always found ways to turn things around.

“He could see through the challenges by gathering constructive inputs from the ground and delivering results.

“When he was the president in the 1970s, he was the first to push for the Chinese Economic Assembly, the first in Malaysian history at that time.

“He always had a keen focus on economic issues for the community,” he said.

Dr Wee added that when the New Economic Policy was implemented at that time, many youths from the Chinese community were not able to continue their higher education learning.

“To prevent a brain drain, Lee initiated a discussion between MCA and Umno.

“This showed how courageous and articulate he was as a leader,” he said.

Dr Wee noted that the party would extend its highest respects during Lee’s funeral on Tuesday.

“The details will be discussed and finalised with his family members,” he said.

Lee passed away on Friday at the age of 88.

Born in Pekan, Pahang, he rose up in the party’s youth wing to become its youngest MP.

Lee was the MCA president from 1975 to 1983.

Wisma MCA, which houses the party headquarters now, was one of the major projects during Lee’s presidency.

He also launched fundraisers for the Tunku Abdul Rahman College and set up both Multi-Purpose Holdings Bhd and the Malaysian Chinese Cultural Society.

Meanwhile, Dr Wee also expressed his concerns over the flood situation in his Ayer Hitam constituency which is getting worse.

As at noon yesterday, 20 more flood relief centres have been opened to accommodate 4,539 victims from 1,315 families there.

“I was told two more relief centres have been opened following the increase in the number of victims who have been instructed to evacuate by the authorities.

“Tomorrow (today), together with Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon, we will visit the newly-opened relief centres to ensure all victims there are well taken care of with sufficient necessities,” he added.