By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 9: Datin Amar Valerie Bong Kui Inn, wife of the late Datuk Amar James Wong Kim Min, passed away at 4am today. She was 98.
The late James was Sarawak’s first Deputy Chief Minister and the former president of Sarawak National Party (Snap).
He began his political career in 1951 and his tenure in public service lasted almost half a century, making him the longest serving public servant in the history of Sarawak. He retired from politics in 2001.
James was also a key figure in the birth of Malaysia as a member of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee in 1962, which had the task of formulating the terms for the entry of Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia.
Valeria and James married in the 1940s and together, they had eight children—five daughters and three sons.
According to their son Alex Wong, Valerie’s remains will be flown to Limbang for burial.
A funeral wake will be held tonight (March 9) at 42, Jalan Tengah in Kuching here, followed by a church service at 8am tomorrow (March 10) at St Thomas’ Cathedral.
In Limbang, there will be a two-night wake at No. 1 Pandaruan Road on March 10 and 11. — DayakDaily
