PRS pioneer passes away
KUCHING: A pioneer of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Tedewin Ngumbang, passed away in Langkawi yesterday, where he was on holiday.
Tedewin, also known as Ngumbang alias Kibak Datu, died at the age of 63 around 10.30am.
His remains were immediately sent to Langkawi hospital for post mortem.
It is said that he and several family members were about to return home to Sarawak when he suddenly passed out and died.
The late Tedewin left behind wife Nani Thomas, 52, and only daughter Nicole Fera Tedewin, 18.
When contacted, Nani said she and her daughter were booking flights yesterday and the body should be in Kuching by today.
During his active political days, Tedewin had held the post of deputy information chief in PRS and was a close aide to party president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is now Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development and Transportation.
PRS was formed in 2004. Though he helped to form it, Tedewin quit the party in January 2011. His colourful political adventures include contesting on an independent ticket against former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang in Layar during the 2011 state election.
Masing, when contacted, said he was saddened by the demise of Tedewin and described him as one of his closest friends. He admitted that sometimes they had political differences.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Tedewin’s family members.
Tedewin’s body is expected to arrive here at 8pm today.