Chow said he was informed about the matter by Phee’s daughter, Syn Tze, who is also Sungai Puyu assemblyman.

“I received a message from Syn Tze at 11.45pm informing me that her father had suffered a cardiac arrest,” he told reporters at an event in Seberang Jaya.

“He is now receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital.”

Chow urged everyone to pray for Phee’s swift recovery. He said Phee had regained consciousness this morning.

Meanwhile, Chinese-language daily Kwong Wah Yit Poh reported Syn Tze as saying that the family was still waiting for a detailed examination to determine the cause of the sudden collapse.

“Paramedics arrived at the scene within five minutes after receiving my call and immediately provided emergency care before rushing my father to the hospital,” she was quoted as saying.

Phee served three terms as a state executive councillor but did not seek reelection in the Penang state election last year. His daughter was fielded as his replacement.

Phee served as the assemblyman for Sungai Puyu from 2004 until 2023.