She said as a friend, Wong’s death was shocking and sad, and it was a loss for the people and the state of Sabah because he was a people-minded leader.

Liew said Wong, who was also Sandakan MP, was one of her political allies whom she had worked closely with during the general election campaign last year to ensure the victory of Pakatan Harapan’s coalition in the state, forming a new Sabah government with Warisan.

“I have never forgotten how we fought and worked closely together during the election campaign last year with Warisan to enable our coalition to form the state government. He (Wong) was a hardworking leader.”

She extended her condolences to his family after paying her last respects at Wisma Fook Lu Siew here today.

The public, including family members, fellow leaders and government officials, came as early as 9am to pay tribute to the late minister.

Among them were state Rural Development Minister Ewon Benedict, former state special task force minister for the Chief Minister’s Department Teo Chee Kang, former state assistant tourism, culture and environment minister Pang Yuk Ming, Kota Kinabalu city mayor Nordin Siman and the United Sabah Chinese Community Association of Kota Kinabalu president Susan Wong.

Teo, when met, said that although their political stance was different, Wong while in the opposition party was also a responsible leader and was always strong in delivering the people’s voice.

Wong, 65, who was also Sabah DAP chairman, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 12.15pm yesterday, believed to be from a heart attack.

Prior to that, Wong left his house at 5.05am to join a hiking group at Bukit Tambaig in Kampung Duvanson, Putatan in conjunction with the launching of the Tambaiq Adventure Park.

His remains are currently placed at Wisma Fook Lu Siew and would be flown to Sandakan tomorrow morning for the official ceremony and final tribute before the funeral on Monday.