In a rare tribute to a politician, the Catholic Church of Malaysia has declared the late Wong Pow Nee (photo), a former chief minister of Penang, as a legacy for all Malaysians to emulate.

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Anthony Soter Fernandez said that "Tan Sri Wong may not have been successful according to the standards of this world, but certainly he was faithful to God, his family, his country and his Church.

"Today, when we lament the lack of role models and leadership by example, we need to look up to all those who have been steadfast in their faith and committed to serve society without counting the cost," he said.

The archbishop added that it was significant that Wong passed away on the 45th anniversary of Malaysia's independence.

"He is the symbol of patriotism, which is the call for one and all," he said.

The archbishop's words at the funeral mass he presided over for the late Wong in Penang on Sept 4 was published in yesterday's issue of the Herald , the Catholic weekly of the Kuala Lumpur archdiocese.