KUALA LUMPUR – Malay Mail editor-in-chief Datuk Wong Sai Wan died this morning of a heart attack. He was 59.
The Seremban-born Wong, who started his career in journalism in 1984, was also group chief media officer of Ancom Bhd, overseeing the growth of the company’s media arm.
He studied law at Manchester City University in the United Kingdom.
Wong launched his journalism career at The Star, where he spent 29 years.
He rose through the ranks at the newspaper, from being a reporter to becoming Seremban bureau chief, senior news editor and executive editor, before leaving in 2013.
He joined Ancom subsidiary Redberry Sdn Bhd in July 2013 as director of special projects.
Wong was promoted to the position of chief operating officer in 2015, heading the group’s media division. In January 2018, he was redesignated as group chief media officer.
The wake will be held tomorrow and Sunday, from 11am to 6pm, at the Xiao En Centre, located at 1, Jalan Kuari in Cheras here.
In accordance with Covid-19 standard operating procedures, only 50 people will be allowed in at any one time.
The funeral will be conducted on Monday, with the time to be confirmed.
PETRA News executive director and National Press Club president Datuk Ahirudin Attan described Wong as a steadfast and principled professional.
He said Wong sent him Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings via phone only last night, just as the newsman had done in the years prior.
“Sai Wan was a fighter, both on the news floor and out there,” said Ahirudin, popularly known as Rocky.
Steadfast when it came to the ethics of our profession, he would not bow to pressure, not from the government or non-editorial management.
“He loved life and his food. We all knew he was struggling with health issues, but all he wanted was to show us his bright side.
“Malaysian journalism has lost yet another bright spark.”
Wong, who was admitted to Subang Jaya Medical Centre, leaves behind two children. He breathed his last exactly one month shy of his 60th birthday on June 15.
The Malay Mail reported his son, Chee Mun, as saying Wong suffered a heart failure.
“He came to the hospital at 5.30am and was admitted to the emergency room at 6am. His heart stopped beating.
“They tried CPR on him, but they couldn’t revive him.”
Terence Fernandez, editor-in-chief of PETRA News and managing editor of The Vibes, hailed Wong for leaving a legacy of altruism and dedication.
Sai Wan was the quintessential newsman: no-nonsense yet affable, always championed the voiceless but had a way with getting his voice across to those in power.
“He was generous with his knowledge and was keen in building youth leadership.”
Fernandez, who is formerly Malay Mail managing editor, recalled that Wong took over from him to lead the newspaper in 2013 and brought it to new heights as an online portal.
“The world of journalism is indeed poorer with his sudden passing.
“Our condolences to Sai Wan’s and the entire Malay Mail, Redberry and Ancom family, including executive chairman Datuk Siew Ka Wai, who has lost a confidant and friend.”
Journalist Anne Edwards fondly remembers that Wong was among her superiors at The Star in 1992, when she landed her first job as a reporter upon graduation.
Anne’s younger sister, Audrey, who is currently an editor at the Malay Mail, worked at The Star for 14 years.
“We’ve known Sai Wan for so long that he’s part of our family," said Anne, now a consultant editor at The Vibes.
He’ll always be remembered for his kindness, sweet disposition and humour.
“Personally, Sai Wan came to me when I needed his help the most. Till we meet again, I’m keeping your Harry Potter specs in memory of you, Sai Wan.”
A lively, caring friend and foodie
Shazmin Shamsuddin, a former presenter at The Lite radio station, said she always keenly looked forward to Wong’s presence.
Now culture and lifestyle editor at The Vibes, Shazmin said: “Back in my Lite days, we had a thing called The Lite Front Page, where we’d invite notable media personalities and seasoned journalists twice a week to discuss the latest issues highlighted on the front pages of our national news.
“I particularly looked forward to Sai Wan coming in because he was always a hoot.
“Always cheerful, cracking jokes, but when that mic came on, he told it like it was, you know? And we’d compete over who had the funkier glasses that week, and who could be more outrageous in our Instagram selfies. We’d take so many pictures, and he would always text me later to remind me to send them all to him!”
She described Wong as lovely and caring.
“When I took time off to undergo cancer treatment, he would send me encouraging messages and funny memes.
“He also gave me some great personal life advice, which I will always keep close to my heart.
Sai Wan was a foodie, and he was supposed to ‘belanja’ me for what he claimed would be the best dim sum of my life, but sadly, we never got around to it before the pandemic broke out. I will always regret not making the time to have that meal with him.
“My heart goes out to his children and his partner in this difficult time.
“I hope that with all the tributes pouring in, they’ll know just how much he was loved and respected.”
In a Facebook post, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said journalism has lost an eminent figure with Wong’s death.
“My condolences to the family of the late Datuk Wong Sai Wan on his passing.
He was the utmost professional and deeply experienced, and had a cheerful disposition always.
“His writings always had my attention.
“May his family remain strong in facing this difficult time.”
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Wong advocated fair journalism.
“I’ve met him on a few occasions,” he told The Vibes.
Under his stewardship, the Malay Mail provided space for reasoned debate.”
In a tweet earlier, Anwar offered his sympathies to Wong’s loved ones.
“Condolences to the family of the late Datuk Wong Sai Wan. May they be given strength to go through this difficult time.”
King, queen convey condolences
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, too, conveyed their condolences to Wong’s kin.
Bernama reported that the royal couple expressed their sadness over Wong’s passing, and hope his family remain patient and resilient.
“The king and queen truly appreciate his services and contributions to society, and describe his death as a huge loss to national journalism,” said a statement posted on Istana Negara’s Facebook page. – The Vibes, May 14, 2021
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