SUPP leaders mourn the loss of great comrade

SIBU: SUPP leaders here regard the passing of former Science, Technology and Environment Minister Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding as a great loss to the people of Sarawak.

The party's Bukit Assek Branch chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon said the state had lost a leader and the SUPP had lost a comrade.

He said as a federal minister, Law had contributed much to the development of Sarawak.

The people had given Law the thumbs-up for serving the community, Chieng added.

"While he was serving as a minister in Kuala Lumpur, many people, especially those in the Central Region, had received his help.

"It was especially so when people here sought medical treatment in Kuala Lumpur.

"No matter (whether) Law knew any of them, he and his wife had taken them in to help and care for them."

He said Law had arranged to pick them up at the airport, and when the patients were hospitalised, he and his wife would visit them and took care of the sick during their stay in the national capital.

"Law and his wife had shown us an example of love and care. The couple loved the people. This is the spirit of service which all the politicians should learn."

SUPP Dudong Branch chairman Wong Ching Yong said Law was his close family friend.

"He was a graduate in Banking Management in Nanyang University in Singapore.

"In 1957, Law, my eldest brother, my sister-in-law and Chi Guang Hock (a former editorin-chief of See Hua Daily News) sailed together to Singapore. "My late father accompanied the four to Singapore."

Wong said Law was first elected as an MP of Sarikei in 1982, beating Chong Siew Chiang of DAP by 81 votes.

He said he successfully won in subsequent parliamentary elections in 1986, 1990, 1995, 1999 and 2004, making him a six-term MP of Sarikei.

"During this period, he worked very hard for the people of Sarikei. He was very approachable and friendly towards the people.

"One of the trademarks of his service was, if any voter needed accommodation or medical assistance in KL, he and his wife were always there to help.

"Many people here will remember his kindness and generosity."

The SUPP Dudong Branch leader said Law had been unwell for the past nine years.

"My eldest brother is always very concerned about his health.

"As Puan Sri Ngui (Law's wife) is also a Nanyang University alumna, my eldest brother and his wife still met the couple in the Nanyang University Graduates Alumnus gatherings."