KUCHING, Jan 10: Former state minister Tan Sri Celestine Ujang Jilan passed away this evening around 7.45pm at a private hospital here at the age of 71.
After undergoing dialysis at his home earlier at about 6pm, he complained of not feeling well. After asking for a massage, he collapsed and was rushed to the private hospital by family members.
He served as an administrative officer with the Sarawak State Government from 1966 to 1973.
Ujang also served as a minister in the State Cabinet for 20 years from 1974 to 1981 and from 1987 to 2001 before retiring, and as Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly for seven years, from 1981 to 1987.
He was also a former Kemena assemblyman, former board member of the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and former deputy chairman of Bintulu Development Authority.
Ujang also held the post of vice-president and youth chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). — DayakDaily
