KUCHING: A former state minister, Tan Sri Celestine Ujang Jilan, has passed away at a private hospital here this evening.
Ujang, who was formerly the Kemena assemblyman, was 71.
According to a relative close to the family, Ujang, who retired from politics in 2001, died at the private hospital at 7.48pm.
“Earlier at his house in Tabuan Jaya, he had complained of body ache after returning from dialysis treatment.
“He then requested for the family to give him a massage to reduce the pain.
“We were shocked when he suddenly collapsed moments later. He was immediately rushed to the hospital,” said the relative, who requested anonymity.
Ujang had held several portfolios in the state cabinet including Land Development and Housing Minister when Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, was still the Chief Minister.
He had also served as the senior vice president and youth chief in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu.
He is the father-in-law to Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, who married Ujang’s second daughter Datin Angelina Ujang.
Translated from Berita Harian