Bukit Assek assemblyman Wong Ho Leng in coma

SIBU: DAP Bukit Assek assemblyman Wong Ho Leng, who has been seeking treatment for brain tumour, is in a coma and currently being hospitalised at the Rejang Medical Centre here.

Wong’s wife, Irene Chang, called a press conference Friday to inform everyone of Wong’s condition. She said that as a representative of the people it was only right that his constituents were made aware of his condition.

Chang apologised to the people of Sibu for her husband not being able to carry out his duties as assemblyman but nevertheless, thanked those who had come to Wong’s aid, especially Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“I would like to record my appreciation to Sarawak DAP chairman, Chong Chieng Jen for helping to apply for financial aid from the state government, and to the state government, especially to the Chief Minister for agreeing to help (pay Wong’s medical bill),” she said.

When asked to elaborate on Wong’s condition, Chang said that doctors in Singapore had told the family that he appeared to be “holding on for much longer than other people in the same situation”.

“The oncologists said in normal situations, the life span for such patient is between one to two weeks. But (Wong) is doing much better than other patients,” she said.

In January last year, Wong announced he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He disclosed that neurosurgeons in Australia had found a glioma (brain tumour) in his brain stem on Dec 20, 2012.

Wong has been Sibu’s Bukit Assek assemblyman since winning the seat in the 2006 state election.

In May 2010, he became Sibu MP, winning a by-election following the demise of incumbent Datuk Robert Lau of SUPP. Wong did not contest last year’s general election.

According to state enactments, the death of a Sarawak assemblyman after June 20 will not result in a by-election being called.