KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the first Wanita MCA chief, Tan Sri Rosemary Chong, who died today.
In a Facebook post, Wee described her passing as a significant loss to the country and the MCA party.
He reflected on the late Chong initiating the Wanita MCA movement with 800 members in 1975 and consistently advocating for the rights of women and children.
Wee acknowledged Chong's notable achievements, particularly her successful campaign to promote monogamy among non-Muslims and her instrumental role in the establishment of laws mandating the registration of civil marriages.
"Rosemary became the Ulu Langat member of parliament in 1975, and she was later appointed as the Health Ministry parliamentary secretary when re-elected in 1978.
"She became the first Wanita MCA leader appointed as deputy minister in 1982 and served in the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry," Wee recalled Chong's political journey.
He added that she actively participated in vernacular education and the establishment of kindergartens in the country to promote early childhood education.