Agong expresses sadness on Guan Dee’s demise
Published on: Thursday, October 28, 2021
By: Bernama
Guan Dee
Kuala Lumpur: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed condolences to the family of Senator Datuk Guan Dee Koh Hoi who died on Tuesday at the age of 67.His Majesty expressed sadness over the demise of Guan Dee, who was also former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and hoped that his family could be patient and resilient in facing the bereavement.ADVERTISEMENT
“His Majesty greatly appreciates the services and sacrifices of the late Guan Dee to the state of Sabah and the country,“ Istana Negara said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Guan Dee, who was also Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) secretary-general, made history as the first Senator appointed from the party.
He died at 4.50pm on Tuesday at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital after complaining of chest pain.
Sabah Star president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was reported to have said that Guan Dee was in Kuala Lumpur to attend a Perikatan Nasional (PN) meeting on Sunday evening (Oct 24) but did not attend it after being confirmed positive for Covid-19.ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the passing of Senator Guan Dee is a great loss to the country’s legislative institution, said Dewan Negara speaker Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.
He described the late Guan Dee as a gentle and compassionate person and that the Dewan Negara had witnessed his contributions to the people and country.
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“We are deeply saddened by his departure. Rest in peace, Guan Dee. Your old friend - Rais Yatim,“ he said in a post on Parliament of Malaysia Facebook page today.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Members of Parliament and the Senate also expressed their condolences to Guan Dee’s bereaved family through the social media site.
He was appointed as senator for the period Dec 16, 2020 to Dec 15, 2023 and had served as deputy tourism, arts and culture minister in the Perikatan Nasional administration under former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.