The Class of ’59, High School, Batu Pahat grieves the loss of another classmate, Dr Hee Tien Lai, from a heart attack in Penang early this morning, after attending my 75th birthday reunion last night.

Tien Lai was former deputy speaker of the Malaysian Parliament in 1982 and three-term Barisan Nasional MP for Ayer Hitam in Johor.

The Class of ’59 produced three Members of Parliament, Tien Lai; Mustapha Mohamad, a former minister, ambassador and MP for Sri Gading; and myself.

Tien Lai later migrated to Australia and carried out a very successful medical practice, especially after he immersed himself in Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture.

Deepest condolences to Loke Siew Chin, another product of Batu Pahat, at the loss of her husband as well as Tien Lai’s three daughters, who are successful professionals in Melbourne, and his eight grandchildren.

Tien Lai, Rest in Peace.

LIM KIT SIANG is the MP for Gelang Patah and DAP parliamentary leader.