By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 30: The late former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai and party veteran Voon Siak Fah were today honoured with Sarawak United Peoples’ Party’s (SUPP) highest Sa’ati awards.
Dr Wong was posthumously conferred the Sa’ati Lifetime Loyalty and Dedication Award, with his widow Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Dr Jane Yong Sau Kan, 99, receiving it on his behalf.
Beyond her role as the wife of a party president, Jane Yong herself played a decisive part in helping SUPP reclaim its three Sibu shop lots in 2017 by serving as a key witness despite being physically unwell.
True to her humility, she insisted the honour belonged solely to her late husband and accepted the award only in his name. She turns 100 this coming Lunar New Year.
Meanwhile, Voon Siak Fah (Voon Sei Hwa), 91, from the Siniawan Branch, received the Sa’ati Lifetime Loyalty Award.
Voon joined SUPP in August 1959—just 85 days after the party was founded, and holds one of the earliest membership numbers (0329), marking 66 years of loyal service.
During Sarawak’s politically turbulent era, both he and his wife were detained as political detainees. Even after his release in 1980, Voon returned immediately to continue serving the party.
His deep devotion was exemplified by his decades-long care of the Siniawan Sub-branch plaque, which he safeguarded in his home after the sub-branch became inactive. The plaque was only returned to the branch this August in an emotional handover.
Deputy Premier and SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian presented the honours during SUPP’s Annual Delegates Conference held at the party’s headquarters here.
The conference gathered delegates from across the State to discuss current issues and chart SUPP’s direction ahead. — DayakDaily
