The Malaysian Insight

SANDAKAN MP Stephen Wong died today, believed to be due to a heart attack. He was 64.

It is understood that Wong, who was also Sabah DAP chief and state health and well-being minister, collapsed after trekking at the Tambaig Adventure Hill Park in Putatan, near Kota Kinabalu, this morning.

Former Putatan MP Marcus Mojigoh said Wong appeared okay earlier this morning when he stopped by his house prior to going on the trek.

Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal described Wong as a hardworking MP who devoted his time to the people selflessly.

“Sabah has lost a friend, a leader who cares for the people. He contributed so much towards the establishment of the Sabah government and had been cooperative to us, even before forming the state government together,” Shafie said, referring to DAP’s support of the Warisan-led state government.

“He will be sadly missed and the government expresses its deepest condolences to Wong’s family.

On a by-election, Shafie, who is also Semporna MP, said now was not the right time to talk about it.

Due process will be followed, he added.

Shafie said he was informed about Wong’s death this morning.

Wong had suffered chest pains while trekking and was taken to hospital by family members. 

“At the hospital, he was struck by a fatal heart attack. I am not sure of Wong’s past medical condition, but I was informed by the specialists who treated him that he had heart issues. 

“He was declared dead at hospital,” Shafie said. 

In Parliament this afternoon, the Dewan Rakyat observed 10 minutes of silence to honour Wong.

Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Nga Kor Ming also conveyed Parliament’s condolences to Wong’s family.

Wong, who was born in Sandakan and contested in elections as Wong Tien Fatt, had held the seat since 2013.

Before his active role in DAP Sabah, Wong was Sandakan councillor and secretary-general of the Sandakan Chamber of Commerce. 

In the 14th general election last year, he beat the Barisan Nasional candidate by 10,098 votes. – March 28, 2019.