SIBU: Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem says the demise of Bukit Assek assemblyman Richard Wong Ho Leng is a huge loss to the state.
Adenan (right) met on his arrival by (from left) Kit Siang, Teresa Kok, Irene Chang and Ho Leng’s children.
Adenan added that he admired Ho Leng’s integrity even though they were in opposite camps.
“I might have political differences, very harsh words with him over the years but I never lost any respect for him.
“As a person, he was very sincere, honest and very dedicated to what he did,” he told reporters when met at Ho Leng’s residence at Ipoh Road here yesterday where he paid Ho Leng his last respects.
Adenan said he wished Ho Leng’s family well and prayed that they could manage without him.
“I look forward to having a better relationship with the opposition in the years to come,” he added.
Meanwhile, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar who accompanied Adenan said there was no necessity to announce the vacancy of Bukit Assek state seat following Ho Leng’s passing.
“This is because the vacancy happened within two years of the end of the term of the state assembly which will expire on June 20, 2016,” he explained.
Ho Leng, 54, died of brain cancer on Saturday at 10.50pm at Rajang Medical Centre here.
He is survived by wife Irene Chang and their five children.
He will be buried today (Tuesday) at Methodist Cemetery in Kemuyang Road here after a funeral service at the Hwai Ang Methodist Church following the en-coffin service at 7am.
(From left) Soon Koh, Adenan, Asfia, Awang Tengah, Julaihi, Naroden and Abu Seman paying their last respects to the late Ho Leng.
Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, Assistant Minister of Rural Development Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister of Resource Planning Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais and Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman Jahwie also paid their last respect.
DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, Selangor State Assembly Speaker Hannah Yeoh, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Lanang MP Yap Hoi Liong, Pelawan assemblyman David Wong, Meradong assemblywoman Ting Tze Fui, Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and Sarawak Workers Party president Larry Sng were also there.