“‘WOW’ Icon of Humanitarian Excellence Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has dedicated his life to public service and civil society. His tireless advocacy for safety and health, national unity social justice and integrity is legendary
Quote: “My objective in joining politics was simple: Not for self-gain but to serve the nation in the best possible way,” – Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
By YVONNE YOONG
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye certainly needs no introduction for his service to society. Having committed himself to this selfless endeavour to serve society in whatever small or big way since 23 years of age, his is a tireless life journey written in dedication and driven by ethical leadership and compassion.
Having grown up in his small hometown of Mengelembu in Ipoh – a story akin to that of Sunway Group Founder Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah’s – his towering life-long contributions to the community have earned him much respect and trust from the ground just like the latter’s tireless philanthropic efforts.
Recently awarded the “‘WOW’ Icon of Humanitarian Excellence” for his lifelong contribution with regards to unity, human rights, occupational safety and health besides education and community development, he humbly accepted this award while reflecting that awards, titles and recognition are secondary when it comes to service beyond self.
“And, volunteering is not about doing great things with fanfare. It is about the small quiet things one can pursue. For example, visiting the sick and the elderly, mentoring the youth, involving in cleanliness campaign, donating blood and offering a listening ear to someone – especially to someone with severe mental health issues. Or to someone having the idea to commit suicide because he or she is experiencing serious depression. In such circumstances, what is important is to lend a listening ear… It’s about how to try to help,” he shared.
“My years in public service have taught me that when you serve sincerely and serve without expecting anything in return, people respond with trust. And trust to me, is the foundation upon which a stronger, safer, and more compassionate Malaysia can begin,” he said.
DRIVEN TO MAKE A CHANGE SINCE HIS YOUTH
“Even then, when I was very young, growing up in Ipoh, I realised the hardship of the poor. And I believe in order to bring change and to help the poor, one very important means to achieving that is through the political process.”
Armed with nothing and having no means for a higher education – “unable to get his father’s scholarship as he too came from a very poor family and was not able to continue his post-secondary studies.
Being moved by compassion and only a desire to uplift society and help the poor – little by little, and step by step – he has established a legacy of goodwill based on a mountain of good deeds uniquely paving the way for the betterment of society.
This self-made man has indeed come a long way from the sleepy hollow of Mengelembu in Ipoh, famous for its groundnuts. Having no means for higher education, but a heart moved with compassion for the poor realising the hardships they face, he chose the political route which to him, was the best option to achieve this.
“When I was in school, I happened to be a great admirer of (the late former Prime Minister of Singapore) Lee Kuan Yew… I actually wrote him a letter and told him I was prepared to lend a helping hand to form a branch of his political party the PAP,” he shared.
“And of course, I had never expected the Prime Minister of Singapore (the late Lee Kuan Yew) to reply but eventually, he replied and that expedited my foray into politics,” he said.
That was the impetus and catalyst shaping his journey into politics. He packed his bags and left for Kuala Lumpur where he worked with a trade union the national union of commercial prior to contesting his first General Election (GE) in 1969 in a Selangor State Seat of Bukit Nenas which he won at the age of 23.
And, from the days when he first stepped into political life and public service, he realised that while policies and programmes are important for any country what really mattered in implementation. “Eventually, to truly change lives, it is the people and the compassion that goes along with it. Throughout my journey, I always focus on six important pillars which are family, friends, kindness, perseverance, humility and of course integrity. These are the six guiding principles which have guided me in my 57 years of service to Malaysia,” he added of his role as a public servant in championing the cause of the people while speaking up against all forms of injustice.
“I always believe that you do not need a title to serve – but you only need the will to care. My years in public service taught me that when you serve sincerely and when you serve without expecting anything in return, people respond with trust.
“And trust to me is the foundation upon which a stronger, safer and more compassionate Malaysia can begin,” he summed up.
HAVING A HEART TO SERVE
“I’ve never been to university and I believe that I have contributed whatever I could for so many years for the benefit of this beloved nation of ours. My objective in joining politics was not for self-gain but to serve the nation in the best way possible,” he said alluding to this simple philosophy of his life’s calling.
Guided by a simple notion of wanting to uplift society not only for the greater good, but also contributing in small, meaningful ways was the path he chose which earned him the respect and trust of many.
Not one to crave the spotlight or endless recognition, upon receiving the “WOW” Awards 2025 acknowledged by the Branding Association of Malaysia, he asked himself in self-reflection if he was a worthy recipient. Sharing his wisdom gained from serving society sincerely, he stated that it does not really matter whether he is acknowleged for what he has done for the benefit of society.
His famous quote has always been: “Our legacy cannot be measured by what we do, it can only be felt by those we serve,” he stressed.
“What is important is someone’s ability, honesty and sincerity to do whatever is best for himself, his family and for the country,” he alluded.
In receiving the award, he attributes “WOW” to ‘Willingness” to do something good for the country and community” while “O” points to “Outstanding” in its contributions.
Datin Winnie Loo, President of the Branding Association of Malaysia and Dato Richard having a light-hearted moment with Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye at a calligraphy session by a famous artist from China to usher in the Year of the Horse.
“Whatever we do, we must try our very best to achieve our goal and objectives. We must show that in the process of achieving this, we will also be able to show that we are ‘Outstanding’ in the things that we do in order to achieve our desired goal,” he attested.
“The last “W” stands for ‘Well-being’. I am someone who is very concerned about the well-being of the people who must never be abandoned.”
“I have been very blessed to spend my life doing national service and helping in whatever small way I can to make Malaysia a better nation for all,” he expressed.
This highly respected former Member of Parliament continues to extol society to be outstanding in their contributions in order to achieve their desired goals. Valuable advice coming from someone who has walked his talk faithfully.
Ultimately, his message echoes with the thought that each act of kindness and volunteerism contributes to a “wave of goodness” which will transform into a bigger wave of goodness that can transform society.
RETIRED BUT NEVER RETIRING
Although he has retired from politics, he maintains that he has not retired from serving the nation in other ways. Having founded the “Alliance For A Safe Community” eight years ago, this NGO which he is currently leading at the moment helps to bring up issues concerning the safety and health of all Malaysians.
“In our country today, we are faced with multiple problems. But of course, I cannot handle everything and I cannot do everything myself. My focus at the moment is on building a safety culture which is a subject closest to my heart.
“Over the years, I have also realised that a strong and resilient nation is not built by the government alone but more importantly, by people who care for one another. Our greatest strength as Malaysians has always been our spirit of togetherness.
“Unity in diversity is something that I have always been emphasising, no matter where I am. I always believe that this country must always be a multi-racial and multi-religious nation based on the spirit of our Rukun Negara and our Federal Constitution.
@Paparazzi360
