GREAT LOSS: Lau (left) greets Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud during one of the latter’s visits to Kapit in this file photo.
Temenggong Lau Kah Kee
KAPIT: Temenggong Lau Kah Kee– the longest serving Chinese community leader here – passed away yesterday at the age of 73.
He had served as community leader since 1980.
Lau was last seen having coffee with a friend at 5am.
He had risen early to prepare for the funeral procession of Foochow community member Tiong Gin See, who passed away four days ago.
Around 5.45am, he was found lying on the floor of his shop Orchard Restaurant and declared dead when he was brought to Kapit Hospital.
He is survived by his widow Fong Hai Chuo, sons Liew Hui Chin and Liew Hui Sing, as well as daughters Liew Hui
Yieng, Liew Hui Eng and Liew Fui Gin.
Iban community leader Temenggong Kenneth Kanyan was among the first to console the family.
He described Lau as a great friend who was humble and committed to his work.
“Lau’s demise is a great loss to not only the Chinese community but Kapit in general,” he said.
A businessman, who only wished to be identified as Ngu, said Lau was very helpful and never turned away those seeking his assistance.
“Lau was a great leader of his time who contributed much to society.
“A gentleman who served with dedication unlike others who were boastful,” he said.
Lau’s funeral will be held tomorrow (Dec 14) at 7am.
Appointed Kapitan in 1980, Lau was later made Pemanca in 1985 and Temenggong in 2010.
In recognition of his service to the Kapit community, Lau was conferred the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS) by the Head of State and Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
An active member of the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Kapit chapter, Lau’s last post was as permanent advisor.
He was very knowledgeable about traditional Chinese marriage customs and funeral arrangements – particularly Foochow traditions and practices.
A well-known sportsman, he would jog twice daily – in the morning and afternoon.