GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s veteran activists still remember the secretive demolition of a historic century-old mansion called Metropole Hotel by a developer on Christmas in 1993, and the protests that ensued.
The milestone in the struggle to save the state’s heritage has been rekindled with added poignancy, following the recent death of culture and tourism doyen Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen.
As a result of the illegal levelling, people saw Kee – who was then an in-government state exco – lend support to activists including her husband and Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) leader Dr Choong Sim Poey.
What made the situation especially compelling was that the couple were senior figures in Gerakan, which ruled Penang at that time and whose leadership was said to be embroiled in the case.
“More importantly, Kee and Dr Choong showed us how principled politicians should behave,” read a tribute issued by PHT on July 7.
“They both vehemently stood up to protest the illegal levelling of the historic Metropole Hotel, even though it was not politically advantageous to do so. They paid the price for breaking ranks.”
Kee played a courageous and instrumental role in reviving not only the heritage conservation efforts in Penang, but also the arts, culture and tourism in the state, imbuing them with vibrancy on an unprecedented scale.
She also pushed PHT’s initiative to have George Town listed as a World Heritage Site, despite resistance from developers and politicians.
George Town, together with Melaka, eventually gained the status in 2008.
“She (Kee) was supportive of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World Heritage Site nomination and gave tremendous encouragement, socialising of the concept and patronage,” said PHT.
The trust said Kee gave impetus to several other difficult projects, including the restoration of the 200-year-old Suffolk House – the building in which Francis Light, the British pioneer of George Town, lived in the 1790s.
“She supported PHT’s efforts to save Suffolk House. And for many frustrating years, she tirelessly worked to achieve the transfer of Suffolk House from the Methodist Church to the Penang government, chairing the Save Suffolk House Committee.
“She expanded her boundless energy and enviable connections to drive the PHT fundraiser at Homestead in 2005, to collect funds to purchase the PHT shophouse in Church Street, with support from World Monuments Watch, New York.
“Over many PHT events, gatherings and site visits, Kee ensured enthusiasm and support, and always lots of cheer and good food for everyone.”
Kee succumbed to Covid-19 complications on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of eulogies and tributes for her legacy. She was 74.
Inspired ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’
In fact, Penang’s success in cultural tourism convinced the federal government to adopt the tagline “Malaysia, Truly Asia” in 2000, for international tourism promotion, said former chief minister Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon.
He said this propelled the country to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Koh said he had known Kee since 1965, when they were both in Form 6 at Methodist Boys’ School, adding that he was her party superior from 1990 to 2004.
Kee pioneered the promotion of multicultural festivals as tourism events, starting with Chap Goh Meh (which later became the Chinese New Year street party), Pasar Ramadan, Deepavali, Christmas and the Japanese Bon Odori festival.
“These festive events became such a success in attracting not only tourists, but also locals that they evolved to become annual national events sponsored by the federal government, held in rotation in various states and graced by the prime minister, or even the king or sultan,” said Koh.
“As the first female executive councillor in Penang, she also relentlessly promoted women development and gender equality in the state.”
In the late-90s, Kee initiated the Anjung Wanita wing, dedicated for women-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs), at the Caring Society Complex here, he added.
“Her energy, enthusiasm and endearing personality will be missed not only by her family and friends, but also by many in the tourism trade, charitable bodies and NGOs that she helped and supported.”
Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Khoo Boo Lim hailed Kee as among Penang’s most spirited personalities in the tourism sector.
He said he remembers her as an aggressive and dynamic person in the industry, not only domestically, but also in the international arena.
“I can vividly recall how she put everyone in their place at the World Travel Market event in London, the United Kingdom,” he told The Vibes.
“The Penang booth was placed in a not-so-auspicious position facing the toilets. She really gave everyone involved a piece of her mind, and (I) saw them scattering to change the booth at the last minute.
“For that, I will always remember her as a person who walked the talk of making Penang the best tourist destination in Malaysia.
“She was well-respected for her work, and her contribution to the tourism industry was immense,” Khoo said, adding that her passing is “a sad day indeed, and a great loss to Penang and Malaysia”.
Teng Chang Yeow, who succeeded Kee as tourism exco and was her younger Gerakan comrade, said his predecessor will be greatly missed.
“She initiated many first-of-its-kind tourism events in Penang. Some of these are still in the tourism calendar, like Bon Odori, International Floral Fest, Battle of the Chefs, and so on,” he said, not forgetting her Longest Beach Buffet project.
Although it drew some controversy, CNN did a live coverage of the project in the 90s. She was very passionate in putting Penang food on the tourism map.”
A righteous and principled politician
Penang Welfare, Caring Society and Environment exco Phee Boon Poh, who is from DAP, said although he and Kee were on different sides of the political aisle, they still worked on many shared issues.
“She was the state exco in 1990, and I was in the opposition. We had many good debates. She was hands-on with subject matters.
“I appreciate what she has done for the people of Penang and will remember her as a good leader.”
Penang Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong noted that Kee was the party’s first woman candidate when she contested and won the Batu Uban state seat in the general election in 1986.
“Her good reputation influenced the decision of the central leadership to appoint more women candidates to contest in the election in 1995.”
He commended her leadership, especially in upholding the rule of law, saying that she was sincere in carrying out her duties and playing her role in the party and state government.
“We are saddened by the loss of this good leader. Her contribution will be the impetus for us to continue working for the good of the people of Penang.
“Her contribution and service will always be engraved in our hearts.” – The Vibes, August 6, 2021
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