{
  "id": 12278950,
  "title": "SUPP mourns passing of party loyalist, ‘father of hawkers’ Song Swee Guan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/supp-mourns-passing-of-party-loyalist-father-of-hawkers-song-swee-guan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T02:05:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/06/supp-mourns-passing-of-party-loyalist-father-of-hawkers-song-swee-guan/237874"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "MIRI, Oct 6 — The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has paid tribute to veteran member and former leader...",
  "key_points": [
    "SUPP mourns passing of veteran member Datuk Song Swee Guan.",
    "Song served as Kuching South’s founding mayor (1988-1996).",
    "Known as \"father of hawkers\" during his tenure as mayor."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The passing of Datuk Song Swee Guan leaves a void in SUPP and Sarawak, where his legacy in urban development, public service, and poverty eradication will continue to shape Kuching South's growth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "SUPP mourns passing of party loyalist, ‘father of hawkers’ Song Swee Guan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/supp-mourns-passing-of-party-loyalist-father-of-hawkers-song-swee-guan-12301596",
        "published": "2026-10-06T02:05:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}