Doctor in the house - The Star

My MP: Gopeng

Name: Dr Lee Boon Chye (PKR)
Age: 49
Marital status: Married
Children: Six
Constituency: Gopeng, Perak
Education: MBBS Medical Degree, UM (1985); MRCP, UK (1989); Masters in Medicine, UKM (1992); Western General Hospital (cardiology), Edinburgh, Scotland (1991-1992)
Profession: Cardiologist

Dr Lee Boon Chye

CARDIOLOGIST Dr Lee Boon Chye comes across as a man of few words. However, the soft-spoken father of six speaks like a seasoned politician when articulating the objectives of his party and his vision for the country.

The new Gopeng MP is the only cardiologist among the 222 Members of Parliament who took their oath before the Speaker on Monday.

Dr Lee took the plunge into politics in 1999, and rose to become one of the three elected vice-presidents of PKR five years later.

Why did you join Parti Keadilan Rakyat?

PKR is a multi-racial party for the future and I believe I can play a role in the party.

Where is your hometown?

I am from Johor. In 1994, I came to Ipoh. (Dr Lee is a consultant cardiologist at the Ipoh Specialist Hospital since 1994.)

How do you cope with constituency work in Gopeng, Parliament in KL and your medical practice in Ipoh?

I need to ensure that services to the people are delivered in the most effective manner. The two assemblymen under Gopeng – Chang Lih Kang (Teja) and Chan Ming Kai (Simpang Pulai) – are from PKR. We work very closely. I also hired two full-time workers to complement our team. Out of clinic, my time is spent on serving my constituents, attending parliament sessions and party work. My family’s support has enabled me to cope with the different roles without compromising on any of them.


How much time to do you spend on the computer?

About 30 to 60 minutes a day.

Do you play a musical instrument, dance or sing?

Not good at musical instruments. I don’t dance. Can sing but moderately.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Sentimental Chinese oldies. Teresa Teng songs are my favourite.

Are you into movies? Name a favourite movie.

Yes. Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, Indiana Jones.

Harrison Ford – as Indiana Jones, he is adventurous, resourceful and humorous.

Favourite actress?

Nicole Kidman, a very good actress capable of portraying different characters.

What do you read? What was the last book you read?

Chinese and English books. Eight Habits of an Effective Leader.

Are you into English Premier League football?

I keep tabs on the EPL, but no time to watch. Favourite team is Manchester United. Favourite player used to be David Beckham, now Cristiano Ronaldo.

If not football, what’s your game?

I play badminton.

Favourite sports star?

Tiger Woods.

Coffee or tea?

Nescafe 3-in-1.

What is your usual drink?

Plain water. Not used to wine or beer.

What languages can you speak?

English, BM, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien.

Do you smoke?

No.

Favourite food?

Penang char koay teow.

Do you have a pet?

Rottweiler.

What car do you drive and how long have you had it?

Jeep Grand-Cherokee, 11 years.

What is your contribution to environmental conservation?

I recycle paper.

Name an idol (dead or alive) whom you look up to and why?

Deng Xiaoping, for his contribution to Modern China and setting the country as an economic powerhouse today.