Tributes pour in for Wong Soon Kai from present and former SUPP leaders
KUCHING: The late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai has been described as an inspiring leader and a statesman who had dedicated his whole life to his fellow countrymen.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party ( SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, in describing the demise of Soon Kai as a great loss to our homeland Sarawak and our country, said the former deputy chief minister was also a medical colleague, a great gentleman and a mentor to him.
“He was a medical colleague, a great gentleman, a mentor, an inspiring leader and a statesman who dedicated his whole life to his fellow countrymen. It is truly a great loss to our homeland Sarawak and our country. May his soul rest in peace,” Dr Sim said in his Facebook post yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is also Local Government Minister, recalled Soon Kai was a party comrade who was always concerned with the welfare of the party and fellow Sarawakians till the end.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our honorary party president and the third party president, comrade YABhg Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai, last night.
“On behalf of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Puan Sri Dr Jane Yong, her children and grandchildren.”
Former SUPP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, who is currently in Peru, South America, remembered Soon Kai was a very astute politician and could read characters very accurately.
“At times, he advised me and proved his judgement was correct and I was wrong. How I wish SUPP has more leaders like him,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.
Dr Chan, who is also a former deputy chief minister, said even though Soon Kai “may not be with us anymore, he will continue to be one of our role models”.
“I’m trying my best to return home to bid farewell to my friend and mentor.”
Another former SUPP president Tan Sri Peter Chin said Soon Kai was indeed a much respected leader of SUPP, adding that he was respected by most Sarawakians as a self less politician who had contributed much to SUPP, Sarawak and the nation.
“Despite the many challenges, Tan Sri Wong was able to lead SUPP to become a political party that commanded much support from all walks of our peoples, in particular, the Chinese community.
“His popularity continued even after his retirement; I know he was always with the party.”
Chin said his only regret is he was not able to visit Soon Kai at his home more often.
“My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt condolences to Puan Sri Jane Wong and other members of the family. May Tan Sri’s soul rest in peace in heaven with the Lord, our God.”