ANOTHER dignitary has lost her battle to COVID-19.
Once touted as Penang’s Iron Lady, Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen, 74, took her last breath peacefully this afternoon at the Gleneagles Medical Centre where she has been hospitalised for the last few weeks with her husband Dr Choong Sim Poey by her side.
Being tested positive for the virus in late June, both the former Gerakan leader and Dr Choong were hospitalised along with their two maids who were also infected.
It is believed that the couple caught the coronavirus from a maid at their home in Lengkok Jesselton.
“Phaik Cheen passed away peacefully today at 2.40pm,” Dr Choong said in a WhatsApp group message comprising her family, friends and church members.
“I was holding her hands for the last hour before the end. None of the drugs or machines could help her. I talked to her and told of the hundreds of friends who wished her well; my last hug represents all of you who called in.
“We had a 45-year journey together that ended too soon. Told her that our memories will never die.”
The former state executive councillor for tourism, culture, the arts and women’s development and Dr Choong have two children, Chiren and Chiying.
A former teacher, Kee announced her retirement from politics on Aug 11, 2009.
“After 23 years of serving in the public service sector and administration, I have to bid farewell as I will be retiring from politics,” she said in an e-mail message. “I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you for your support and co-operation during my tenure.”
The following is how Wall Street Journal’s reporter John Krich described Kee in his article entitled “Godmother of Penang” which was published in Sept 16, 2004:
“During her time in the Government, Kee found unique ways to promote the culinary culture of the island where her grandfather arrived from China more than 100 years ago.
“While also launching arts festivals and women’s celebrations, her pet projects were the Penang International Salon Gastronomique – featuring a Battle of the Chefs – which began in 1987 (the next one is in 2005) and the annual Food and Fruit Fiesta that has featured a 1.8km-long hawker stall along the beachside Gurney Drive.” – Aug 4, 2021
Photo credit: The Vibes
