John Lee was born on 5 October 1933 in Jesselton, North Borneo (now Sabah).

He officially retired on 24 January 2013 and was succeeded by John Wong Soo Kau.

The upper part of the character illustrates the simple roof of a shepherd's hut.

Taking shelter below it, are the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child Jesus on the manger.

The words: KASIHLAH SATU SAMA LAIN (Malaysian for "Love one another") is adopted as the official motto of the archbishop.