KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Negara expressed its condolences to the family of the late former 13th president of the Senate, Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum, who passed away last Friday (July 26).
The speech was delivered by Dewan Negara deputy president Senator Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed during the opening of Thursday's (Aug 1) sitting by inviting all members of the Senate to observe a minute of silence as a mark of respect in rememberance of the contributions and services of the deceased.
"Honourable members, this House is saddened by the news of the death of the late Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum, the 13th president of Dewan Negara, who passed away on July 26, 2024.
"The House also expresses its condolences to all the members of the deceased's family and prays for strength to face this trying time," he said.
He said the deceased was the former Speaker of the Dewan Negara from Dec 7, 2000, to April 11, 2003.
"Indeed, the deceased has contributed a lot to the community and the country, facilitating bilateral relations between Malaysia and China through Ping-Pong diplomacy, further fostering relations that bring progress and meaningful cooperation between the two countries.
"The contributions and services of the deceased will be remembered forever," he said.
The late Chen began his career in 1964 as parliamentary secretary to then deputy prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and was later appointed as the minister of special duties in charge of nuclear energy and environmental research in 1973.
In his political career, the late Chen also served as housing and local government minister for five years and held the position of MCA deputy president.
The late Chen was laid to rest at Nirvana Memorial Semenyih on Wednesday (July 31). - Bernama
