KUCHING, Oct. 5 -- Former Kuching South mayor Datuk Song Swee Guan died peacefully at 3.30pm on Sunday at Sarawak General Hospital.

He was 84.

His passing was conveyed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who described Song as a long-serving Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) leader and loyal veteran party member.

"Comrade Song is not just a long-serving SUPP leader but an ADUN and MP, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly and first Mayor of the Kuching South City Council (MBKS)," he said in a condolence message posted on his Facebook page.

He also expressed appreciation for Song's service, sacrifices and dedication to the people of Sarawak and SUPP.

"We lost a loyal veteran party member," he said.

Kuching South may...