KUALA LUMPUR – MCA veteran and former minister Tun Michael Chen died today at the age of 92.
MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong in a Facebook post announced Chen’s passing, hailing him as a dedicated leader whose impact on the Barisan Nasional component party and the nation would not be forgotten.
“During his tenure, (Chen) made significant contributions, particularly in facilitating the establishment of bilateral relations between Malaysia and China through ‘ping-pong diplomacy’.
“His tireless efforts in fostering these ties brought about meaningful advancements and cooperation between our two nations,” Wee said.
The Ayer Hitam MP added that Chen was a faithful and supportive party man who continued to attend major party events in high spirits despite his deteriorating health condition.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family. May his memory and contributions live on in our hearts and in the work we continue to carry forward.”
Chen, who was MCA deputy president from 1975 to 1984, started working as a journalist at a Chinese daily in Penang at the age of 24, before taking up legal studies.
The lawyer then kick-started his political career by contesting for and winning the Damansara parliamentary seat in the 1964 general election.
He was then appointed Parliament secretary for five years by former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
He lost the Damansara seat to DAP’s Hor Cheok Foon in 1969.
Chen also became Ulu Selangor MP in 1972, beating DAP’s Lau Dak Kee.
He served as special functions minister between 1972 to 1974 before going on to helm the post of housing, local government and new village minister until 1979.
Chen served as Dewan Negara deputy president from 1997 to 2003 and president from 2000 to 2003.
In September 2017, Chen was among three other figures to be conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Setia Mahkota award, which carries the title of Tun. The recognition was granted by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V. – July 26, 2024