Tributes pour in for Soon Kai
MIRI: Tributes and condolence messages continued to pour in for former deputy chief minister and former president of Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP), Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai who died at 4am Wednesday.
Two SUPP leaders here, Assistant Minister for Land and Air Transportation and Safety and SUPP Senadin chairman Datuk Lee Kim Shin and Piasau assemblyman and SUPP secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting were among those who paid tribute to Dr Wong.
“It is with a very heavy heart to hear that our former president Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai who served from 1991 to 1996 has passed away.
“He contributed so much to the party and to Sarawak,” Ting said via whatsapp yesterday.
Ting said Dr Wong was a great mentor to many and a true statesman to his fellow countrymen.
Even before he entered politics, he had contributed much as a government doctor.
And as a mark of respect to Dr Wong, Ting had instructed all SUPP branches in Sarawak to fly the SUPP flag half mast from yesterday ( March 22) until after the funeral on Saturday.
Lee, meanwhile, said SUPP Miri- Sibuti parliamentary liaison leaders and members, also conveyed their deepest sympathy and condolence to Dr Wong’s wife, Puan Sri Jane Yong and family on their bereavement.
“I have known Dr Wong for over 30 years. He will always be remembered for his exemplary service and for his great political contributions to SUPP, the community, the state and the nation.”
He added that Dr Wong was a pragmatic and humble leader, had high integrity and led a simple life.
“He will always be held in high esteem. He was well respected by people from all walks of life. He played a prominent role in bringing about political stability to Sarawak, especially during the Ming Court incident in 1987.”
Lee added that Dr Wong was one of leaders who convinced SUPP leaders and members to remain in the state BN, support PBB and the then chief minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (now head of state).
Dr Wong is survived by his wife, three children and grandchildren.