Veteran politician Law Hieng Ding passes away at 81
KUCHING: Former Science, Technology and Environment Minister Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding passed away at the age of 81 around 4.45am on Christmas Day.
The former Sarikei MP and Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) deputy president held the federal ministerial post from 1990 to 2004.
SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is Minister of Local Government and Housing, described Law's demise as a great loss to the state.
“We have lost a great Sarawakian who did so much for Sarawak when he was a federal minister. He was a very loyal and dedicated SUPP member who, until recently, was still very concerned for Sarawak and SUPP,” he said when contacted.
Despite having difficulties expressing himself because of Parkinson's disease, Dr Sim said Law – a six-term MP – still managed to do what he could for SUPP and fellow Sarawakians.
He said last saw Law in October when he visited the latter and his family at their home in Kuala Lumpur, when he (Dr Sim) was attending the Lan Berambeh programme.
“I am saddened that I am unable to complete a mission for Law while he was alive, namely to have a road named in his honour in Sarikei in recognition of his services as Sarikei MP from 1982 to 2008,” he said.
Law graduated from Nanyang University, Singapore in 1960 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Banking.
After returning to his hometown Sibu, he served in the district council from 1964 to 1981 as councillor and chairman before becoming Sarikei MP the following year.
An advocate for Sino-Malaysian relations and trade, Law brought to fruition the Sino-Malaysian Friendship Forest in China to commemorate 30 years of SinoMalaysian friendship.
He also authored a book, Environmental Governance in Malaysia: Insights and Reflections, which was published in 2003.
He continued to serve in the best interests of Sarawak and her people even after stepping down as minister.
Law leaves behind wife Puan Sri Ngui Soon Leng and sons Dr Eric Law and Dr Michael Law, and daughter Dr Sabrina Law.
His remains are expected to be flown back to Sibu tomorrow.