KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has reminded Yang Berhormats to emulate a "real Yang Berhormat (YB)" which could also be translated as 'Yang Bekerja' or 'Yang Berkhidmat' Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, a former politician-turned-social activist.
He said YBs should really serve and go the extra mile to help the people in every way possible. His Highness said Lee was well-known, was well-versed in many issues, and as the people's representative, was always ready to serve.
The Sultan of Selangor said this when launching Lee's biography entitled 'Call Lee Lam Thye - Recalling a Lifetime of Service' today.
"I am very impressed with the abilities and credibility of Lee as a politician and the people's representative, where he would always go down to the ground and is ready to listen to the people's problems and grievences.
"I'm glad that even though Lee is no longer a wakil rakyat or a political party member, he still continues to serve the rakyat and help the people. He is now doing all that through several NGOs and volunteer work."
Sultan Sharafuddin also highlighted Lee's social work, including for stray animals.
"My wife, Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Norashikin, always praises Lee for taking care of the welfare of strays.
"If there are any stray cats or dogs that need help or are tortured by humans, she will say 'Call Lee Lam Thye'! If cats and dogs could vote, I am certain that Lee will get 100 per cent of the votes.
"I would like to salute Lee again for showing us how a YB should really be. The real Yang Bekerja and Yang Berkhidmat for the rakyat.
"There is no use being a YB but not doing the job well, only paying lip service and being selfish," he added."
Lee, in speech, said it was vital for the people in the civil sector to realise the importance of service to the people and nation, adding that his biography would remind people of this through his own personal experience in public office and in various organisations. He added that those who serve the people need to be accountable for their actions.
"This is especially so now when we increasingly see how personal interest and ambition often override 'service' even among those specially elected to serve the people."
Lee said although his political career ended in 1990, his duty and commitment to serve the people and country remained, adding that he believed he stayed true to his principles in his 21 years in politics.
"My journey is far from over. I have volunteered to serve in various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that take up issues closest to my heart.
"My greatest hope is when people in need don't have to 'Call our Lee Lam Thye' but instead call out to each other, to help one another.
"That's the spirit I have always tried to encourage. That's why I have often repeated the call to re-emphasise the five tenets of our Rukun Negara."
Lee also thanked the authors of the book, Sofea Chok Suat Ling and P. Selvarani for their commitment and dedication in completing the book.
"Besides the many interviews they had with me, they also conducted research and talked to so many people to put my life story in perspective.
"I could not have wished for more dedicated writers to undertake this very challenging and exacting task," he added.
Lee also thanked the Sultan of Selangor for launching his book, his assistant, Yap Khean Ann and also several other figures including former Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi, Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor Mohamad Khalid, popularly known as "Lat".