KUALA LUMPUR: Former MCA president Tan Sri Lee San Choon has died. He was 88.
Lee was the party's fourth president from 1975 to 1983.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who expressed his sadness over Lee's death via a post on his Facebook page, said Lee had made great contributions to the community and the nation.
"His fighting spirit has always been a source of motivation and inspiration to many of our leaders today, including myself.
"Personally, I am most inspired by his strong leadership skills, his passion in protecting the interest of all racial groups and building the nation."
During his lifetime, said Wee, Lee had been elected as Seremban member of parliament and was also appointed as Transport Minister.
"In Wisma MCA, we have Dewan San Choon, which was named after this great leader of ours.
"My heartfelt condolences to the family members of the late Lee. May his soul rest in peace.
"Tan Sri, you will be deeply missed and remembered forever," added Wee.
Lee was born on March 24, 1935, in Pekan, Pahang. He joined MCA in 1957, and was first elected as Kluang Utara MP in 1959.