By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Nov 13: The late Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King was a visionary leader whose contributions to society, education, and the nation will be remembered for generations, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
In a TVS news, King Sing who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, described the media tycoon as a person who had made remarkable contributions to community development and education.
“He gave selfless support to society, the nation, and the State, particularly in education, including assistance to private and Chinese schools. I hope the younger generation will follow the exemplary path set by Tan Sri.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this great leader. His passing is a significant loss not just for Sibu, but for the entire nation,” he said when speaking to reporters after paying his final respects at Tiong’s residence on Wednesday (Nov 12).
PDP senior vice president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh praised the late Tiong as a visionary and generous businessman, whose greatest legacy lay in the media industry, owning influential newspapers such as Sin Chew Daily and Kwong Wah Yit Poh in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as publications in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, and France.
“Tan Sri was an extraordinary figure. From humble beginnings as a poor village boy, he rose to become a successful entrepreneur, building a conglomerate spanning palm oil, logging, shipping, construction, and media.
“His passing is a tremendous loss, not only for Sarawak but also for Malaysia and the world,” he added.
Wong also reflected on his long friendship with Tan Sri Tiong, describing him as a thoughtful and caring friend.
“He loved reading, as I do. For 30 years, he sent me books and free copies of Asia Week magazine, ensuring I continued receiving them even as his health declined,” he said.
The late Tiong, founder of the Rimbunan Hijau Group, passed away yesterday at the age of 90.
His final tribute ceremony will be held at his residence at No. 70 Brooke Drive at 7am this Saturday (Nov 15), before proceeding to Xin Fu Yuan Methodist Church on Brooke Drive. His remains will then be laid to rest at Tiong’s Memorial Park on Jalan Tebu, off Jalan Teku. — DayakDaily
