KUCHING: The late Puan Sri Datin Amar Lim Su Kheng, mother of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, was remembered for her quiet yet steadfast support of her late husband, former Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Sim Kheng Hong, throughout his political career.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi George Chan Hong Nam, who attended the funeral at Dr Sim’s family home on Tuesday, described Puan Sri Datin Amar Lim as someone who preferred to remain in the background politically, yet was always attentive and welcoming to visitors.
“Whenever we visited the house, she would always ask what we needed to eat or drink. She gave the impression of being quietly, but deeply, supportive of Dr Sim,” he said.
Chan also emphasised the vital role of mutual support between spouses in politics, noting that public life demands enormous energy and encouragement from family members. He praised Dr Sim for his dedication to the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), saying he has done an exemplary job and is expected to continue serving the party faithfully.
He added that Lim’s passing represents a significant loss for the SUPP community, many of whom remember her warmth and hospitality.
Lim, 83, passed away on Monday (November 17). Dr Sim shared the heartbreaking news on his Facebook page, saying she passed away peacefully at the family home, surrounded by loved ones.
“We are in deep grief over the passing of our beloved mother, Puan Sri Datin Amar Lim Su Kheng, at the family home, surrounded by her loved ones. I have lost a mother who gave me unconditional love throughout my life,” he wrote.
Dr Sim described his mother as frugal with herself—often reminding the family that she walked barefoot to school during WW2—but generous with her motherly love, extending it to relatives, friends, the wider community, and the NGOs close to her heart.
He also noted that Lim had served as the first vice-president of Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (Sabati) and had held various roles within SUPP and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
