Teoh was an MP and state assemblyman in the 1980s and 1990s, and party state leader. He later joined PKR with several other DAP members, and was a Supreme Council member.

Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung told FMT that Teoh died in Perth, Australia, this morning, where he has been living with his children for a number of years.

Gooi said Teoh was a close friend of his father, Gooi Hock Seng, a party colleague who was the Bukit Bendera MP from 1982 to 1995.

Teoh represented Bagan in the Dewan Rakyat from 1986 to 1990, and was state assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota from 1982 to 1990 and Paya Terubong from 1990 to 1995.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow told FMT that he learnt a lot about constituency work, political campaigning and legislative works in the state assembly when working with Teoh from 1986 to 1995.

“I obtained my ground training under Teoh in my early years as a politician and elected representative. He was a committed party leader and a dedicated politician,” said Chow.

Gooi described Teoh as a key contributor to the growth of Penang DAP in the 1980s.

“Teoh was driven by an unwavering commitment to his principles for the betterment of Malaysia,” Gooi said.

“Growing up, I would frequently listen to him passionately discuss with my dad and friends about nation-building, unfolding political events and the country’s future,” said Gooi.

“He earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and adversaries alike. He will be greatly missed by all but never forgotten.”