Witty, resilient, humble: SUPP honours late Dr Jane Yong

Dr Sim, Ting, and other SUPP members paying their last respects to Dr Yong.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 26: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has expressed condolences on the passing of the late Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Dr Jane Yong Sau Kan, wife of the former Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak and former president of SUPP, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai.

In a Facebook post, SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said despite being born in Perak, she was an exemplary ‘anak angkat Sarawak’ (adopted Sarawakian) and ahead of her time as she was among the few female doctors in that era.

“I was happy to see that she lived to celebrate her 100th birthday earlier this year. Despite her age, I’ve always found her to be witty and remained very sharp on current affairs, especially on local politics.

“She will be deeply missed as a party comrade, a medical colleague, and a family friend of my father and mother’s generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew described Dr Yong as devoted to her family, society, and party.

“She stood faithfully by her late husband throughout his political journey, offering unwavering support as he devoted himself to public service and led SUPP through many years of struggle and service.

“A highly respected medical practitioner, she served the community with compassion and dedication. She cared deeply for her patients and discharged her duties with professionalism and devotion.

“Since joining SUPP in 1978, she has remained loyal to the party and steadfast in her convictions. In August 2017, despite her advanced age and limited mobility following a right ankle injury, she insisted on appearing as a key witness in SUPP’s legal action to recover three shophouses in Sibu.

“Her testimony proved crucial in enabling the party to successfully reclaim the properties,” he said.

Ting also said that Dr Yong remained humble and modest throughout her life as she never sought fame or personal recognition, which was shown when she only agreed to receive the ‘Sa’ati Lifetime Loyalty and Dedication Award’ on behalf of her late husband.

“Her passing is not only a great loss to her family, but also to SUPP and the people of Sarawak. Her lifelong dedication, conviction, and spirit will forever be remembered,” he said.

Dr Yong passed away on Saturday (Apr 25) at the age of 100. — DayakDaily