Behind his cheerful personality, the late Dr Lim Leng Yaik was a firm and outspoken leader in voicing out the people's concerns and problems, said Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Describing the late Dr Lim as a "hero of truth", he said: "I have lost a good friend. Every time we met, he would crack jokes... as we were both from Perak, we were close," he said after paying his last respects on the late Dr Lim at his residence in Damansara today.

NONE Ahmad Zahid (right) also regarded Dr Lim as an outstanding leader in carry out his responsibilities as a minister and Gerakan president.

Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said she was fortunate to have served together with Dr Lim in the cabinet.

"He was my senior.... I learned a lot from him. He was a wise person and leader.

"I admire his guts in making sure the truth was heard and I enjoyed being his junior in the cabinet," she said.

Shahrizat said Wanita Umno appreciated Dr Lim's leadership and contributions to making Malaysia an economically and politically stable country.

NONE Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin said the late Dr Lim was a dynamic leader.

"He helped the nation a lot and has left a legacy, especially in the palm oil industry.

"He was also a person who spoke from the heart and placed the country's interest above everything else," Khairy said.

Those who came to pay their last respects on the late Dr Lim today included Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Maximus Ongkili, Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha, Housing and Local Government Minister Chor Chee Heung, former finance minister Daim Zainuddin and

veteran journalist A Kadir Jasin.

Dr Lim, who was a cabinet minister for 22 years, died from cancer at 5.13pm on Saturday, with his family members by his bedside. He was 73.

He was energy, water and telecommunications minister from 2004 to 2008.

He leaves his wife Wong Yoon Chuan and three children.

His remains will be cremated at the Cheras crematorium on Wednesday after a state funeral.

- Bernama