KUALA LUMPUR: Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye today announced that the net proceeds from the sale of his biography "Call Lee Lam Thye: Recalling a Lifetime of Service" will be donated to charity.
Lee said he had always believed in contributing to worthy causes close to his heart.
"I hope my contribution will encourage others to also pledge support for charities that are currently facing financial problems," said Lee, who is the chairman of Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan), in a statement today.
Lee said he was humbled by the overwhelming interest and response for his memoir.
In the same statement, Lee shared the reason why he had chosen to publish his biography at this time.
"My answer is simple… In another few years I will be an octogenarian and I felt it was time for me to leave a legacy and message to the next generation.
"I just want to inspire Malaysians to do more to serve the nation. I was once a people's elected representative in Parliament and would like to demonstrate what I think the role of a member of Parliament should be.
"To illustrate my point, I have shared in my book, my past experiences in serving the electorate. I have highlighted the importance of volunteerism and the important role that non-governmental organisations can play in nation building," he said.
Lee added that close to his heart are efforts to build a sustainable safety culture, especially at a time when there were many needless accidents at workplaces, on the roads, in recreational areas and at homes.
"My overriding message in my book is that there is a need for all Malaysians irrespective of race, colour or religion to work together and truly demonstrate how we can have unity in diversity.
"On a personal level, it is my wish that this book will put to rest the baseless and vicious rumours regarding my departure from politics,'" he said.
He also recorded his appreciation to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for launching his biography, his editorial consultant Philip Mathews as well as the writers of the book, Sofea Chok Suat Ling and P. Selvarani.
Launched by the Sultan of Selangor on June 16, the biography costs RM70 for the hardcover and RM50 for the softcover.
Lee had also announced the Bahasa Malaysia version of his biography would be available soon. Those with any enquiries about the book can contact 016-3791889 (Ong).