Jho Low's alleged associate died of massive stroke, says family

The family of Kee Kok Thiam, an alleged associate of Low Taek Jho (Jho Low), has urged the public not to speculate about his death.

In a statement, the legal firm representing his family said the 56-year-old businessperson died in hospital after suffering a “sudden massive stroke”.

“Reference is made to media articles on Kee’s passing away and the circumstances. He died on May 29, 2023, in a hospital of a sudden massive stroke.

“We urge all parties not to entertain any speculation on this unfortunate event and allow the family the space to grieve his passing,” read the statement from Valen, Oh, and Partners.

‘No need for post-mortem’

Contacted by Malaysiakini later, lawyer M Puravalen said a post-mortem was not done because Kee succumbed to his illness in a hospital.

“No need for a post-mortem, he died in a hospital. What do you need a post-mortem for? He had a stroke,” he said.

Only four people were present at the funeral service which started at about 8am in Jinjang Selatan, Kuala Lumpur.

The four declined to be interviewed and one of them even requested that the media delete photographs taken during the service.

Kee’s remains were later taken to the Kepong Crematorium for cremation.

News about the businessperson’s death emerged yesterday after an obituary and details for his funeral service were published in a newspaper.

Malaysiakini later confirmed with an MACC source that the person featured in the obituary is the same person who was arrested upon his return to Malaysia on May 3 after five years abroad.

It was previously reported that Kee was deported from Macau for overstaying his visa, arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 3am on May 3, where he was ordered to go to the MACC’s headquarters at 10am on the same day.

Al Jazeera reported yesterday that Kee told the MACC he had met Low and other 1MDB fugitives - including Eric Tan Kim Loong, Casey Tang Keng Chee, Geh Choh Heng, and Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil - in Macau.

He also reportedly said Low had instructed him “not to return to Malaysia as a witness in the 1MDB case”.

Kee was subsequently released with no charges against him “at this time”, the report said.

Jho Low’s alleged associate dies after less than a month in M'sia

MACC believes Jho Low hiding in Macau

Report: Cyprus strips fugitive Jho Low of citizenship

1MDB: Investigation on Jho Low goes on - IGP

Azam: No settlement with Jho Low as he has 'damaged' country

Jho Low 'higher authority' behind 1MDB offshore investment: Witness

MACC brings home alleged Jho Low associate to assist 1MDB probe