GEORGE TOWN: Several MCA leaders, led by party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, paid their last respects to Lee Kee Hiong, the mother of MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, on Monday (Nov 2).
The leaders spent about an hour at the wake held at the home of Dr Mah's brother in Tanjung Bungah.
Chong said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had initially planned to attend but was unable to make it due to flight delays caused by heavy rain in Kuala Lumpur.
He said party members from several states had travelled to Penang to pay their last respects.
"Some party colleagues from Pahang, Johor and other states came to pay their last respects.
"This reflects the friendship, care and support among our party members," he said.
Lee died on Saturday (Oct 31), aged 82.
She leaves behind six children, including Dr Mah, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Meanwhile, MCA vice-president and Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said Dr Mah's humility, patience and respect for traditional values reflected the upbringing and values instilled in him by his mother.
He said Dr Mah was known for treating party members with kindness and understanding, while showing compassion towards those facing difficulties.
Tan described Lee as a devoted mother who placed great emphasis on her children's education and moral upbringing.
He said her greatest achievement was not merely raising successful children but also passing down traditional Chinese values, particularly filial piety and respect for elders.
Tan said the Penang MCA leadership would pay their last respects at 8.30am on Tuesday (Nov 3), with the cortege leaving at 9am for the Segari Five Villages Chinese Cemetery in Perak, where Lee will be laid to rest.
Earlier, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also extended his condolences to Dr Mah and his family.
"Truly, the loss of a mother is an immense bereavement and one that defies description in words.
"I, along with the entire Barisan Nasional family, share in the grief over her passing," he said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad also conveyed his condolences to the family.
