KUCHING, June 18: The Sarawakian Chinese community lost a humble and respected community leader following the demise of Dato Sim Swee Yong last night.
Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division president Dato Richard Wee said Sim had done so much for the community.
“We have lost a respected community leader. His contributions to the welfare and betterment of the community in Kuching speak volumes during his lifetime,” he said.
Describing the late Sim as a humble man, he said Sim would be sorely missed.
“A well respected personality among all races, he is well liked, and his humble character is going to be missed by all.”
Wee was commenting on Sim, who passed away at 8.30 pm yesterday. He was 85.
Meanwhile, Kapitan Lim Chuan Chan, whose shop is sited diagonally across the late Sim’s, said Sim had always been a model to him.
“I grew up knowing him. To many of us in Carpenter Street, he was like our father.
“Anytime there is a problem in the neighbourhood, he will ask his son (Sim Kiang Chiok) to write to the relevant authorities to get it fixed,” said Lim.
Lim said some of the late Sim’s contributions to the Carpenter Street business community included organising meetings with Bomba and the police to enhance fire safety and security in the area.
“He is soft spoken man. We never saw him losing his temper. He was humble, kind and forever ready to render help whenever he could.
“That was why everyone greeted him whenever he was around,” said Lim. — DayakDaily
