BENTONG: The widow of Genting Group's late founder Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong - Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua - who passed away today was humble and kept a low profile.
The 88-year-old is survived by five children, Puan Seri Lim Siew Lay, Siew Lian, Siew Kim, Tan Sri Kok Thay and Datuk Chee Wah. Her eldest son Datuk Tee Keong died in April 2014.
In a statement, Genting Bhd chairman and chief executive Kok Thay said his mother had passed away this morning.
Despite being regularly named in the top ten list of richest Malaysians over the past few years, Lee had never sought the limelight, choosing to continue practising the frugal ways adopted by her late husband, who built a gaming and leisure empire here.
Pahang MCA chief Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said both Lim and Lee have left behind a legacy not only through the success of Genting Highlands but contributed to bringing fame to the country on the global stage.
He said Genting Highlands was not only solely about business but several charity homes and non-governmental organisations in the country have benefited from its significant contributions.
"Genting Group has always shared festive joy with the underprivileged including orphanages, homes for the elderly and the disabled. Although Lim and Lee avoid publicity, I believe they have done a lot for the community," he said today.
It is learnt that Lee's remains will be cremated at the Goh Tong memorial park in Gohtong Jaya.
Lim, who died in 2007, was the founder of the Genting Group, and even after his death, Lee continued her husband's pioneering efforts and the Genting Group continued to do business around the world.
In addition to leisure and hospitality, its businesses include plantations, property development, biotechnology, oil and gas, power generation and leisure cruises.
According to his autobiography, Lee was only 16 when she married the 26-year-old Lim in 1944 before Lim, the casino king of Malaysia, turned a jungle hilltop into one of the world’s most successful resorts.