Sombre affair: Dr Wee and his wife Lim (third from right) extend condolences to Wong’s family while other MCA leaders look on at the Nirvana Memorial Centre in Kuala Lumpur. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
Past and present party leaders attend wake of behind-the-scenes stalwart
KUALA LUMPUR: A host of political leaders – past and present – attended the wake of Tan Sri Wong Mook Leong to pay their last respects to the respected MCA veteran.
Among them was MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who described Wong as a selfless party leader who paved the way for others to excel.
“He could have easily been appointed minister if he wanted to or offered himself as a candidate during elections.
“But he chose to stay out to work for the party, paving the way for others instead,” he told reporters at the Nirvana Memorial Centre here yesterday.
Dr Wee arrived with his wife Datin Seri Jessica Lim Hai Ean and other MCA leaders to pay their last respects and to convey their condolences to Wong’s family.Dr Wee said Wong was a mentor and strategist who helped steer the party through during his 32 years serving the central committee.
“Among the most memorable times was when he helped train hundreds of young MCA cadres in Mimaland.
“He stressed on training the youths to be professionals, with some even becoming ministers later in life,” Dr Wee said, adding that he first came to know Wong after joining the party back in 1992.
Born in 1943, Wong graduated from Lincoln’s Inn in the United Kingdom before joining MCA in 1973.
Wong, 80, who served under five MCA presidents, passed away on July 30.
He leaves behind his wife, Puan Sri Voon Yeen Pheng, son Datuk Wong Shung Yen and daughter Wong Pei Huan.
Other leaders who were present yesterday included MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, MCA Youth chief Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting and other central committee members.
Former MCA presidents Tan Sri Dr Tan Koon Swan and Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting came for the wake as well.
Others who attended the wake include DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok.
