FORMER DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock died at 6.10pm today due to complications after an operation. His family had arranged to bring him home to Malacca after the srugery.

Kerk’s son, Chee Yee, issued a statement on the family’s behalf.

“Due to his deep vein thrombosis (DVT) problem, my father had to undergo thrombolytic therapy on Sunday. The operation was successful. One of the possible risks, which was communicated to us, was internal bleeding, which was what took place in his brain hours after the operation. The bleeding in his brain had put him in coma and after battling for three days, he left us peacefully.

“My mum, my sister and myself were by his side. We thank everyone for your support and encouragement throughout his battle against his illness all this while.

“Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later.”

Kerk, 61, was first diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2002 and had been cancer-free since 2007 before having a relapse in 2015. 

He was political secretary to DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang before becoming Durian Daun assemblyman from 1986 to 1990.

He was also MP for Pasir Pinji (now Ipoh Timur) between 1990 and 1999 and Kota Melaka (1999-2004) before retiring from politics in 2004. He also served as DAP secretary-general from 1999 to 2004.

Kerk was also one of those detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 60 days in the 1987 Ops Lalang.

Seremban MP Anthony Loke is among the first to pay tribute to Kerk: “I lost a mentor today. He was a passionate man and he was instrumental in keeping the party together between 1999 and 2004.

“Even after he officially retired in 2004, later as a cancer patient, he was keen and concerned about what was going on in the country and he taught us even from his bed.”

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said: “He was with us during the darkest hours after DAP faced defeat in 1999.

“We feel sad with his sudden passing. He was in coma for three days. As a party leader, his passing is a great loss, not just for the party but also for the country. I have known Kerk since university days. He was a student leader, he was a party leader. He has done his part both for the party and the country even though when he was battling cancer.”

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said: “Kerk had acute political wisdom. Even though he quit politics after he lost in 2004, he still always shared his views and thoughts on political issues and developments with us privately and his views had an impact on me and my colleagues.” – August 9, 2017.