KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat paid tribute to media and timber tycoon Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King, recognising his lasting contributions to Malaysia’s media industry.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching extended her condolences to Tiong’s family, describing his death as a great loss to the nation.
“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the late Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King on his recent passing,” she said during the parliamentary sitting on Wednesday (Nov 12).
Teo stated that Tiong was the honorary chairman of Media Chinese International Limited (MCIL), under whose leadership the group became one of the most influential media organisations in the region.
“Under his leadership, the Chinese-language media flourished, with leading publications such as Sin Chew Daily, China Press, Nanyang Siang Pau and the international affairs weekly Yazhou Zhoukan, reaching millions of readers across various countries,” she said.
Teo said Tiong’s contributions to the growth of the media sector and his efforts in strengthening the local economy would be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.
“May his family, as well as colleagues within Media Chinese International Limited, find strength and resilience in facing this difficult time,” she added.
Tiong, 90, passed away peacefully at 11am on Tuesday (Nov 11), according to Sin Chew Daily. He was the executive chairman of the Rimbunan Hijau Group and honorary chairman of Sin Chew Daily.
A pioneering figure in both the media and timber industries, Tiong built an empire that left a deep imprint on Malaysia’s business and journalistic landscape. In April this year, Forbes listed him and his family among Malaysia’s 50 Richest, placing 25th with an estimated net worth of US$820mil (RM3.4bil).
His passing marks the end of an era for one of Malaysia’s most influential media figures, whose vision helped shape Chinese-language journalism throughout the region.
