FORMER DAP secretary-general, the late Kerk Kim Hock was not only a true patriot and party loyalist, but a rare breed of politician who was genuinely liked by both friend and foe, said party leader Lim Guan Eng.

In a eulogy for Kerk, who died yesterday of post-surgery  complications, Lim said his predecessor firmly believed in the principles of justice, democracy, freedom, and honesty.

But the Kerk still managed to be well-liked, making friends easily and enemies rarely, he said.

“He stressed repeatedly to me that our party and principles could only become strengthened when our opponents became our friends and allies,” Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, said today.

“He was that rare Malaysian politician who was well-liked… he fought tooth and nail against his opponents, but he could still engage with them.

“He had no hard feelings towards his opponents. He always sought to win them over. He carried that trait of likeability into politics.”

Kerk, 61, died yesterday after slipping into a coma on Sunday following an operation in Singapore. He was suffering from a relapse in colorectal cancer.

Lim recalled old times with Kerk whom he had met at Monash University in Australia, describing his senior as intelligent, articulate, sensitive, and perceptive of people’s moods.

Lim’s father, Kit Siang, had quickly identified Kerk as a young man with potential and groomed him to be a future party leader.

Kerk was among several DAP leaders detained under Operasi Lalang in 1987. He also saw DAP through its darkest hours, such as during the time Lim was imprisoned for sedition in 1998, and when the party suffered its worst defeat ever in the 1999 general election.

“He stayed with DAP, took over as secretary-general, and helped to rebuild the party. He used his personal skills to engage with the young and connect with the older members,” said Lim.

He said even after Kerk was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and retired from politics, he stayed in touch with party colleagues and gave expert advice while fighting his illness.

“While fighting for his life, he never stopped loving his family, his devoted wife and his outstanding children.

“Neither did he stop caring for his party and friends. Over the last few months, he shared his concerns with us, and pointed out potential political blind spots we might have missed.”

Lim said Kerk’s death came as a personal blow to his family, and is also a loss to the DAP, his home state of Malacca and the country.

“We all cried upon learning his death. My father wept openly when talking about Kerk’s passing to DAP National Advisor Dr Chen Man Hin… we who know him well, will really miss our friend.

“Kerk after such a long battle, you deserve your rest. God bless you and rest in peace!” – August 10, 2017.