PAP volunteer dies after Meet-the-People Session, MP Alvin Tan pays tribute

A People’s Action Party (PAP) volunteer at the Moulmein-Cairnhill Branch died hours after helping out at a Meet-the-People Session (MPS) on May 18.

He had fallen ill "barely an hour" after leaving the session, said MP Alvin Tan, who is the MP for the branch.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Tan said that the man, Wong Sun Kwong, had been in “his usual good spirits” that night, joking with Tan and interacting with the youths.

"I had hugged him and told him how his welcoming nature attracted so many youths to our PAP MOCA branch," Tan recalled.

Felt unwell

Shortly after, Wong felt unwell and was sent to hospital by the branch secretary.

But his prognosis was "bleak", said Tan.

"So we spent the night and early morning by his bedside, with his loved ones saying our goodbyes."

Wong passed away early on May 19.

Tan described Wong as a cherished figure within the branch, calling him "our father, our encik, our friendly RSM at MPS and someone whom everybody loved".

His death came as a shock, he said, adding that they had even made plans to go to Newton Food Centre together.

"I will miss you dearly"

Tan reflected on some of the moments they had shared over the years, including going on house visits, campaigning, and attending events together.

He described Wong as someone who loved life, his family, and the branch community.

“We will miss him so much. We will honour his legacy. Till we meet again Mr Wong.

I will miss you dearly. Your smile, your warmth and your presence. Rest in peace.”