KUALA LUMPUR – The sudden death of Warisan chairman Datuk Liew Vui Keong has led many to sing praises and laud his achievements as former law minister.
Liew is fondly remembered as a man who is dedicated to law reform, especially on the abolishment of the death penalty.
He was de facto law minister when Pakatan Harapan was in power from July 2018 to the end of February this year.
Here are some of the tributes from politicians and notable Malaysians:
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
“It is with great sadness when I was informed of the passing of YB VK Liew. He was a member of my Cabinet and we struck a good working relationship. It is indeed a great loss for the nation and for his family. Hasmah and I would like to extend our condolences to all his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Science Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin
“My sincere condolences to the family of Datuk VK Liew. VK was kind and friendly to me. He was professional and courteous in Parliament, and a strong fighter for his home state of Sabah. Rest well, VK.”
Former deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming
“My deepest condolences to the late Dato VK Liew & his family. Indeed it is such a sudden & shocking news to me. Will miss him dearly, rest in peace, my dear friend.”
Current law minister Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan
“Very sorry to hear the recent passing of my predecessor, Datuk VK Liew, former Law Minister. My deepest condolences to VK’s family and children. VK is a good learned friend and a professional legal man. God bless your good works VK.”
Former Bersih 2.0 chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan
“Indeed he did his very best to get the death penalty abolished. Always open to meeting civil society, he fought sincerely to move the reform forward. We will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar
“Extremely saddened to receive news of Datuk VK Liew’s passing. He sincerely supported prison reforms; always made time to consult and engage, especially in pursuing the abolishment of the death penalty. A kind and patient soul, gone much too soon. Our deepest, deepest condolences.”
Liew’s former officer Zharif Badrul
“Tugasan terakhir yang saya terima daripada mendiang YB sebelum bertukar kerja.
(The last task that I accepted from the late YB before changing jobs) I hope, one day, someone will continue your commitment to implement these reforms in our country. Have a good rest sir.”
Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng
“Am deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of my ex-Cabinet colleague V. K Liew. He is not only a friend but a fellow fighter for truth and justice for Sabah and Malaysia. He was serious about his Ministerial duties but he never forgot his duty to his beloved state Sabah.
“He was proud of the unity and harmony amongst different religions and ethnic groups prevailing in Sabah that must be defended against the racists and religious extremists. His accomplishments as Minister of Law were many but the most notable one was when he tried in Parliament to restore and reinstate the status of Sabah and Sarawak on an equal footing with Peninsular Malaysia in the Federal Constitution. Even though PH could not obtain the required 2/3 majority, at least there were Sabah and Sarawak Ministers like VK Liew who were willing to fight for their state.
“On a personal note, VK Liew was a warm and generous, devoted husband and family man. Our deepest condolences to his bereaved family for their loss. This is a loss not only to Sabah but to Malaysia as well. We salute VK by committing to complete what he set out to accomplish for unity in Sabah and Malaysia. God Bless His Soul. Rest In Peace.” – The Vibes, October 3, 2020
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