SUPP honours late Dr Wong Soon Kai, veteran Voon Sei Hwa for decades of loyalty

KUCHING (Nov 30): Sarawak’s late former Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai, was today honoured posthumously with the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Sa’ati Lifetime Loyalty and Dedication Award.

His widow, Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Dr Jane Yong Sau Kan, received the award on his behalf during the SUPP Delegates’ Conference 2025 at the party’s headquarters.

The award recognised Dr Wong’s decades of service and unwavering loyalty to SUPP, as well as the significant role his widow played in safeguarding party interests.

In 2017, despite recovering from a fall, she served as a key witness in SUPP’s legal battle to reclaim three shop lots in Sibu, providing evidence that proved crucial to the party’s successful recovery of the properties.

Yong, 99, has supported her late husband’s political work since joining SUPP in 1978, remaining a steady presence throughout his career.

Her acceptance of the posthumous award reflects both his final wishes and her longstanding commitment to upholding his legacy within the party.

The conference also recognised veteran member Voon Sei Hwa with the Sa’ati Lifetime Loyalty Award for his 66 years of service to SUPP.

Voon joined the party in 1959 at the age of 23 through the Siniawan Branch, becoming one of its earliest members.

He and his wife were detained during the politically turbulent years before the formation of Malaysia due to their involvement in anti-colonial and anti–Malaysia Federation activities.

Following his release in 1980, Voon remained active in party work and continued serving under the Siniawan Sub-branch.

His dedication was further reflected in his decades-long effort to preserve the sub-branch’s plaque in his home after the sub-branch ceased operations due to rural-to-urban migration. The plaque was officially returned to the Siniawan Branch in August 2025.

Now 89, Voon was honoured for his lifelong commitment to SUPP and his role in upholding the party’s principles and continuity since its early years.

Both awards marked SUPP’s recognition of members whose long-term contributions have shaped the party’s history and development.