Lee Kim Sai who served as health minister, labour minister and housing and local government minister from 1986 to 1995 has passed away aged 82.

According to a Facebook post by MCA president Wee Ka Siong, he just received the sad news.

"He was a well-respected figure and contributed much to the community and the nation," said Wee.

He offered his condolences to the late leader's family, saying that his passing was a great loss to society and the nation.

Lee also served as MCA deputy president from 1986 to 1996 and was a two-term MP for Hulu Langat.

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted Lee's son Boon Kuan as saying that his father passed away at 12.30am at their family home on Jalan Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara.

“My father passed away peacefully. He suffered a stroke in October last year. We will miss him,” he was quoted as saying.

He said his father's remains will be buried at Xiao En Memorial Park on Tuesday.

He leaves behind his wife, Wan Yuet Fong, and four children.