PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong extended his deepest condolences to the family of Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum, who passed away on Friday (July 26) afternoon.
The MCA president expressed his profound sadness at the passing of the former party deputy president.
"Tun Michael was a dedicated leader whose impact on our party and nation will not be forgotten.
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"During his tenure, Tun Michael made significant contributions, particularly in facilitating the establishment of the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China through ping pong diplomacy," he said.
Chen, who was once the Malaysian Table Tennis Association president, was entrusted by the then premier Tun Abdul Razak Hussein to engage with China on Malaysia’s behalf through “ping pong diplomacy”.
Ping-pong diplomacy is loosely defined as the use of international table tennis tournaments as diplomatic platforms.
"His tireless efforts in fostering these ties brought about meaningful advancements and cooperation between our two nations," said Dr Wee on Facebook on Friday.
Chen served in various ministerial roles during his political career, said Dr Wee, and the MCA veteran had displayed deep concern for public welfare where he visited 465 Chinese new villages across the country to address local issues.
Dr Wee said Chen was also a faithful and supportive party veteran, who continued to attend major party events in high spirits despite his deteriorating health conditions.
“His dedication and love for the party command great respect and serves as a role model for younger generations,” he added.
“His passing is a loss to both the party and the nation.
"As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his enduring legacy.
"Tun Michael’s commitment to progress and unity will continue to inspire us.
"May his memory and contributions live on in our hearts and in the work we continue to carry forward," he added.
Chen, who was born in Chenderiang, Perak, reportedly began his working career at 24 as a journalist at a local Chinese daily in Penang for more than two years.
According to reports, in 1956, Chen received a scholarship to study philosophy and education in Hong Kong.
He later transferred to the Lincoln’s Inn, London to study law.
Chen began his career as a practising lawyer in Kuala Lumpur in 1961 and in 1964, he made his foray into politics by contesting the Damansara parliament seat in the general election, of which he won against the then People’s Action Party (PAP).
Chen was then appointed by former premier Tun Abdul Razak Hussein as the Parliament secretary for five years.
But, in 1969, Chen lost the Damansara parliament seat to DAP.
In 1972, Chen was offered another chance to contest the Ulu Selangor Parliament seat, of which he won against DAP.
Between 1972 and 1974, Chen had served as the special functions minister.
From 1974 to 1979, Chen served as the housing, local government and new village minister.
During then, he also served as the Port Klang Authority chairman for 16 years and held various director posts in several private companies.
Chen also contested the Beruas parliament seat in the 1982 general election under Gerakan’s banner and he won.
He served as the Beruas MP for a term until 1986.
Between 1997 to 2003, Chen served as a member of a senate and he was also the Senate president from 2000 to 2003.
In Sept 2017, Chen was among the three to be conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) award by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, which carries the title “Tun”.
