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.

Sense of public service

In the same issue, the Herald said the late former chief minister practised a simple lifestyle and typified the breed of politicians of that era who chose to enter politics out of a sense of public service.

"He served as Penang's first chief minister from 1957 to 1969 an era when public funds and property were not regarded as "goodies" to be distributed among greedy politicians, a time when there were fewer 'perks' for those in public office.

"Simplicity and integrity in public life these are rare traits for politicians these days. But that doesn't mean they are any less desirable today," the Herald added.

Wong, who took the name "Michael" at his baptism, was a devout Catholic and had often told relatives and friends that it was his faith that had given him a pleasant life, even though politics can be very unpleasant.

Born on Oct 7, 1911 in Bukit Mertajam, the former school teacher was 46 when he climbed up the dais at the Esplanade as Penang's first chief minister to read the historic Proclamation of Independence on Aug 31, 1957.

In 1962, he was appointed to serve on the Cobbold Commission on the formation of Malaysia. In 1969, he lost the chief ministership when he lost to a Gerakan candidate in the general election.

State funeral of highest honour

He was later appointed by then premier Tunku Abdul Rahman to serve as Malaysia's first ambassador to Italy from 1970 to 1975 after which he retired from all posts to spend time with his family.

Wong was accorded a state funeral of the highest honour on Sept 4, the first to be held in the state of Penang. Politicians from both sides of the political divide gathered in large numbers at the funeral service held at the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Bukit Mertajam.

Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tzu Koon who was present said the late Wong could best be remembered as the man who believed in democracy, unity of the people and integrity of the nation.

"As a politician, Tan Sri Wong always believed that it pays to be prudent and not spend lavishly. His policy in the government was "to cut your coat according to your cloth", a quote he often repeated to journalists," Koh said.

Wong leaves behind 10 children and 17 grandchildren.