Former DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock passed away this evening at age 61.

Kim Hock's passing at 6.10pm was confirmed by his son Chee Yee.

"Due to his Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) problem, my father had to undergo thrombolytic therapy on Sunday. 

"The operation was successful. One of the possible risks communicated to us was internal bleeding, which was what took place in his brain hours after the operation. 

"The bleeding in his brain had put him in a coma and after battling for three days, he left us peacefully," Chee Yee said in a statement.

Chee Yee said he and his sister, as well as their mother, were at Kerk's side when he died.

"We thank everyone for your support and encouragement throughout his battle against his illness all this while," he said.

Details of the funeral are expected to be announced later.

Kim Hock had in 2002 also battled with cancer.

He was DAP secretary-general from 1999 to 2004, having succeeded Lim Kit Siang.

He was also the MP of Kota Malacca in 1999 before retiring from active politics in 2004.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, in an immediate reaction extended his condolences to Kim Hock's family.

"He was a devoted and good secretary-general. He led the party during our darkest hours after we suffered a heavy defeat in 1999.

"His passing is not only a loss to the party but also the country.

"He was a student leader, a party leader and most importantly, he was a good person," he said.