Ong Kee Hui

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui (1914–2000) was a Malaysian Chinese politician and founder / leader of the Sarawak United People's Party (founded 12 June 1959). His family trace their origins to Bai Jiao, Fujian Province, China.

Family History

His father, Ong Kwan Hin (1896–1982), was Kapitan China for the Hokkien community whilst his grandfather, Ong Tiang Swee (1864–1950) was also Kapitan China, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and one of the first two Chinese people nominated to the Sarawak Council Negri (Legislative Council) in 1937. His grandfather Ong Ewe Hai (1830 - 1899) was a prominent Kapitan China to the Hokkien community of Sarawak, successful businessman in multiple fields. Ong Kee Hui is also related to Ong Poh Lim (see separate Wiki entry). His great grandfather Ong Koon Tian ( ? - 1837) was born in Bai Jiao, Fujian, China and left for south-east Asia to make his fortune, at which he was not successful - on his death he left 3 sons and 3 daughters impoverished.

Honours

He was bestowed the titles "Datuk" later upgraded to "Dato' Sri" (PNBS) and "Datuk Amar" (DA) by the Sarawak State Government, "Datuk" (PGBK) by the Sabah State Government and "Tan Sri" (PMN) by the Government of Malaysia.

Career

Born in 1914 in Kuching, he was educated at St. Thomas's School in Kuching and later St. Andrew's School in Singapore before receiving his diploma in Agricultural Science from Serdang College and entering Sarawak Government civil service in 1935. Leaving government service in 1946, Ong entered business under the tutelage of Wee Kheng Chiang, his father-in-law, who appointed him manager of the family’s Bian Chiang Bank.

He was also Mayor of Kuching, Minister of Technology, Research and Local Government, Minister of Local Government and Housing and Minister of Science Technology & Environment in the Malaysian Cabinet from 1971 to 1981.

Spouse and Children

On 14 September 1937, he married his cousin Wee Bee Siok, the daughter of a successful banker and businessman, Wee Kheng Chiang, in a traditional Chinese ceremony. They have 8 children - 2 sons and 6 daughters.

References

• Albert Lau. Southeast Asia and the Cold War. Routledge, 26 July 2012 pg. 129

Further reading

• Ong Kee Hui Footprints in Sarawak: 1914 to 1963. Research & Resource Centre, SUPP Headquarters, 1 January 1998