Sibu mourns loss of former Pelawan rep
SIBU: Former Pelawan assemblyman Vincent Goh Chung Siong died of cancer at his home in Tun Abang Haji Openg Road around 2.30am yesterday. He was 67.
Goh, popularly known as Ah Hia, served as Pelawan assemblyman for two terms from 2001 to 2011, after making his political debut in the 1996 state election when he lost to DAP’s strongman Wong Sing Nang.
In 2001, Goh wrestled the seat back by defeating DAP’s Dr Ting Check Ming and retained the seat in 2006 when he defeated Dr Ting again. However, he lost the seat to DAP’s David Wong in 2011.
Goh was SUPP Sibu branch deputy chairman in 2008; chairman of the Rajang Port Authority from 2004 to June 30 this year; SMC deputy chairman from 1999 to 2000; chairman of Hin Hua Pou Sen Association from 1994 to 1999; youth chief of Hin Hua Pou Sen Association from 1980 to 1983; SUPP Central Youth chairman from 1990 to 1996; and deputy chairman of Sibu Regional Committee of Sarawak Chambers of Commerce and Industry from 2013 to 2015.
He also served as the president of Sibu Lawn Tennis Association and chairman of SMK Tiong Hin school board of directors.
In 2010, Goh was diagnosed with cancer but continued with his political career by leaving SUPP for United People’s Party ( UPP) in 2014 and was appointed the honorary adviser to UPP Pelawan branch.
Meanwhile, a family source said Goh had flown back from Kota Kinabalu where he had medical treatment at about 8.30am on Thursday.
His passing saddened many, including UPP Pelawan branch chairwoman Kapitan Datuk Janet Lau Ung Hie who had fond memories of Goh serving as deputy chairman alongside her late husband Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew who was chairman of Sibu Municipal Council.
“These two are really genuine political leaders who worked to their fullest to help transform Sibu,” Janet reminisced.
DAP Sarawak vice chairman and Pelawan assemblyman David Wong said although they were on different ends of the political divide, they mutually respected each other.
“We ought to record our thanks for all his services towards the development of Sibu, both as SMC deputy chairman and Sibu Rural District Council ( SRDC) chairman,” Wong said.