Sabah mourns loss of a people-oriented leader
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal yesterday described the late Sandakan MP Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt as a people-oriented leader.
“Today, we have lost a friend, a comrade, a people-oriented minister who had worked tirelessly regardless of time. We sympathise with his family,” he told reporters after conveying his condolences to Wong's widow, Datin Florence Chong, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) here yesterday.
Wong died yesterday of an apparent heart attack at the hospital after taking part in a hiking activity organized by Junior Chamber International (JCI) at Tambaig Adventure Park in Kg Duvanson, Putaton early yesterday morning. He was 65.
Shafie said Wong was committed to his work and responsibilities.
"He seldom refused to join me during my working visit to Sandakan and Tawau.
"He loved the people and the state of Sabah."
Shafie said Wong had been an old friend of his even before they formed the government.
He said Wong had complained of chest pain around 9am and his family immediately took him to the hospital.
"I didn't know about his health conditions before this.
"But the doctor has said that heart attack was among the reasons."
Shafie had declined to comment when asked about a by-election for the Sandakan parliamentary seat.
"This is not the right time to comment.
"At the moment, we only wish to offer comfort to his family."
It is learned that Wong hiked up the hill at about 6.30 am with a group of climbers at the Tambaig Adventure Park in Kampung Duvanson, Putatan, near Kota Kinabalu.
Wong, who was also Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) chief, leaves behind his wife Florence, a son, three daughters and two grandchildren.