SIBU : Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will be here today to pay their last respects to the late Datuk Andrew Wong Kee Yew.
Andrew, the former deputy chairman of the Sibu Municipal Council, passed away on Sunday night.
Sibu Resident Charles Siaw yesterday said Taib and Johari were scheduled to arrive at 10.30am today at the Nirvana Memorial Park, Mile 23, Jalan Oya.
Sarawak Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh and wife Datin Seri Leong Poh Lin will be there to receive the two leaders.
Meanwhile, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian told the press that he was shocked to learn of Andrew’s passing.
When he was informed of the sad news early Monday, he was in a state of disbelief as “he (Andrew) was a young and active person.”
“It’s very sad as he’s so young and had a lot of potential,” said Dr Sim, who was paying a Chinese New year visit to the home of Chinese community leader Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming here yesterday.
Dr Sim said the last time he was in touch with Andrew was through WhatsApp last December.
“I will be going (to Nirvana Memorial Park) to pay my last respects,” he added.
He also visited the homes of Dudong SUPP chairman Wong Ching Yong, honorary chairman Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck; Michael Tiang, a political secretary to the Chief Minister, Chiang Chuan Association chairman Lim Hong Hui and Bukit Assek SUPP chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon.
Rejang Port Authority chairman Clarence Ting was another who was taken aback by Andrew’s sudden demise.
“When people told me on Monday, I said it was fake news as he was such a young energetic person. I only believed it was real after reading news from the mainstream media.” – GERALD LAWSON
