SUPP mourns passing of party loyalist, ‘father of hawkers’ Song Swee Guan

Mirii, October 6 — The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has mourned the passing of veteran member and former leader Datuk Song Swee Guan, who died at the age of 84. Party secretary-General Datuk Sebastian Ting expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the leadership and all members. “Song devoted a considerable portion of his life to public service and serving the people of Sarawak, particularly Kuching,” Ting stated.

“He held numerous significant positions, including state assemblyman for Padungan, Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching, and Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.” Ting noted that Song’s tenure as Kuching South’s founding mayor from 1988 to 1996 laid the groundwork for the city’s development and administration. Known as the “father of hawkers” during his time as mayor, Song also played a key role in greening the city and implemented policies focusing on education, poverty eradication, job creation, vocational training, and infrastructure development.

These policies are regarded as the foundation of contemporary Kuching South. Over his career, Song served as Padungan assemblyman for four terms from 1983 to 2001, and represented Bandar Kuching from 1995 to 2003. He was appointed State Legislative Assembly Speaker in November 1996, a role he held until 2000. SUPP secretary-General Ting accompanied SUPP president Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and other party leaders in paying respects to Song following his death.