DAP mourns the sudden death of DAP Sabah Chairperson, Sabah Minister for Health and People’s Wellbeing and MP for Sandakan Datuk Stephen Wong this morning at the age of 64. Stephen Wong’s passing is a huge loss not only to his family and the DAP, but also to Sabah and Malaysia.
Stephen Wong was one of the key DAP and Pakatan Harapan leaders who led the fight against BN in Sabah under the corrupt and oppressive leadership of UMNO. Stephen believed passionately in DAP’s agenda for a multi-racial and multi-cultural Malaysia that respects the rule of law, upholds Sabah rights and celebrates diversity. He joined the DAP to help Sabah to be respected and also help Sabah integrate more closely to the Malaysian nation.
The benefits of a change of government can be seen in having a new government that is clean and people-centric not just in Sabah, but also in Malaysia. More importantly Sabah will soon restore its status as one of the 3 key entities that constitute the Federation of Malaysia.
The Pakatan Harapan Federal government’s support for a historic constitutional amendment next week in Parliament to restore Sabah and Sarawak status is one of the clear benefits of a change in government. This would have been one of the proudest moment for Sabah and Sarawak MPs.
It is sad that Stephen could not make his presence count by being one of the MPs who voted to support this important constitutional amendment to restore the status and dignity of Sabah. May his soul rest in peace and his contributions shall be remembered.
By helping to remove a corrupt and oppressive regime not just in Sabah but also in Malaysia, Stephen was one the key witnesses and players of history for both state and country. DAP expresses deepest condolences to his family and wife and hope that they can face such a difficult and painful loss by remembering his achievements, their happy memories together, his devotion and love for them.