KUALA LUMPUR: The late Tan Sri Dr Wong Mook Leong was a selfless party leader who paved the way for others to excel, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"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 while paving the way for others instead," the MCA president said when met after paying his last respects to the family of Wong at the Nirvana Memorial Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (Aug 3).
He described Wong as a mentor and strategist who helped steer the party through during his 32 years tenure as a central committee member.
"Among the most memorable moments I recall 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," he said.
Dr Wee said he first knew Wong when he joined MCA in 1992 and would be remembered fondly.
On July 30, Wong, 80, a long-time MCA veteran leader who served under five former MCA presidents, passed away peacefully.
He leaves behind a wife, Puan Sri Voon Yeen Pheng, son, Datuk Wong Shung Yen and daughter, Wong Pei Huan.
Wong, a trained lawyer, contributed much to nation-building and party affairs as well as societal work with his professional knowledge.
Born in 1943, Wong graduated from Lincoln’s Inn in the United Kingdom before joining MCA in 1973.
He was a member of the party’s central committee for 32 years until his resignation in 2009.
He also served as Selangor MCA deputy chairman for over a decade.
Earlier, Dr Wee arrived with his wife Datin Seri Jessica Lim Hai Ean and MCA leaders to pay their last respects while conveying condolences to Wong's family.
Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and Youth chief Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting as well as MCA central committee members.
Among the dignitaries who paid their last respects were former MCA presidents Tan Sri Dr Tan Koon Swan and Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting.
Also arriving to pay her last respects were DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok.
