State govt to pay part of Ho Leng’s medical bills

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KUCHING: The state government will pay part of Bukit Assek assemblyman Wong Ho Leng’s medical expenses incurred outside the country, says Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem.

“I have been referred to a letter written by Kota Sentosa assemblyman and state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen to Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, seeking financial assistance from the government for the family.

“We have agreed to assist them on humanitarian grounds and be responsible for part of his medical expenses,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

Wong is currently seeking medical treatment in Singapore after being diagnosed with brain tumour in 2012. He has since relinquished his position as state DAP chairman to Chong after struggling with his ailment.

According to Adenan, all state assemblymen and assemblywomen were entitled to free medical service within Malaysia but should they sought treatment outside the country, they would have to pay their medical bills themselves.

“We are assisting Wong regardless of whether he is from Barisan Nasional or the opposition as the government makes no distinction between them. After all, we are all human beings and we do get sick.”

Asked how much the state government would be paying for Wong’s medical bills, Adenan said the actual amount was still unknown at the moment as “the bill is still running”.

He, however, assured the family that the government would be responsible for part of the medical expenses incurred outside the country.

When pressed further, Adenan unfortunately said he did not know of the assemblyman’s latest health condition.

Meanwhile, Chong expressed his gratitude to Adenan and the state government for agreeing to assist Wong and his family.

“I appreciate the assistance given to cover part of Wong’s medical bills,” he said.