ASIGNIFICANT chapter on the promotion of safety and health issues in Malaysia has been concluded with the retirement, after 27 years, of Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye as chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Lee dedicated his life to prove right the maxim that safety does not happen by accident but by thought, action, passion and compassion.
After his last day in office, his staff members hosted an appreciation dinner, in which which they bade him an emotional farewell. It was announced that NIOSH’s Dewan Cempaka would be renamed after Lee and that a gallery would be established to showcase his contributions to the cause.
Until now, the first name that comes to mind when safety and health issues are mentioned in Malaysia is that of Lee, who has penned numerous letters to the media on the importance of ensuring safety in the workplace and the right of employees to have a healthy work environment.
I am sure Lee will not be content to rest on his laurels but will continue to cast his critical eye and comment on dangerous and unhealthy practices and habits that Malaysians are wont to embrace when vigilance is wanting or lax.
It is noteworthy, however, that his successor at NIOSH has yet to be named.
Whoever Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran chooses to take over has big shoes to fill.
He or she must be knowledgeable and have the time and make the effort to not only chair meetings, but also to make onsite visits and grassroots contacts so that the message and practice get around and to the ground.
In appointing a successor, no doubt Kula Segaran will give credit where credit is due through a formal gesture or an accompanying Note Diplomatique.
Lee joined NIOSH as a director when it was established in 1992. He was appointed chairman in 1994.
Philip Mathews
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur