KUCHING, June 18: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the late Dato Sim Swee Yong was a “great leader” and that his demise was a great loss to the state, especially the Chinese community.
He added that Sim was a hardworking leader and a philanthropist who had worked tirelessly to ensure that no community in the state was left out of the government’s development policies.
“Dato Sim was also a leader who prioritised charity work and also worked tirelessly to ensure the Chinese community is united. He also worked very closely with the non-Chinese communities,” he told reporters after paying his last respects to the late Sim at his residence near Batu Kawa here this afternoon.
Sim died of heart failure at a private hospital here last night. He was 85.
Abang Johari also noted that Sim was a very pragmatic person and was always helping those in need, especially on education matters.
“Dato Sim had also always stressed on education and its importance. That is why we (state government) have been working closely with him in this field, too.
“I knew him ever since I became an elected representative. He has done a great deal for Sarawak and contributed immensely to the development of the state. We lost a great leader,” he said.
Sim was a businessman and a prominent Chinese community leader. He was known for his philanthropic work among the Chinese community here. Among others, he was the founder and president of the Federation of Kuching Division Community Associations.
He left behind his widow, Datin Clare Sim, and three children, one of whom is Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman Sim Kiang Chiok. — DayakDaily
