Founding mayor of Kuching South, Song Swee Guan, dies at 84

Kuching South’s first mayor Datuk Song Swee Guan (seated, second left) died on October 4, 2026 at 3.30pm at Sarawak General Hospital. — Picture from Facebook/Council of the City of Kuching South – MBKS

First Published: Monday, 05 Oct 2026 11:19 AM MYT

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 mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng also expressed deep sadness over Song’s passing, describing him as a kind, humble and sincere person who treated others with warmth and respect.

“This is a very sad moment for me personally as I had known Datuk Song for many years.

“He was someone who treated people with warmth and respect, and I was fortunate to have known him beyond his public positions and titles,” he said.

Wee said Song held a special place in the history of Kuching South as its first mayor, helping to lay the foundation for the city.

“Beyond his achievements and public service, what I will remember most is the person himself.

“He was a good man with a good heart, and his passing is a great loss to all of us who knew him,” he said.

Wee extended his condolences to Song’s family and loved ones on behalf of MBKS.

“Thank you, Datuk Song, for your service, your friendship and the memories you have left behind.

“You will always be remembered. May your soul rest in peace,” he said.

Song was appointed a councillor of the Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) in 1981 before becoming its chairman in 1982.

He led the council until 1988 and subsequently became the founding mayor of Kuching South in August that year, following the delineation and establishment of Kuching South.

He served as mayor for eight years before continuing his political and public service.

Song later served two terms as a state assemblyman before being appointed Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in November 1996. — The Borneo Post

*Editor’s note: ADUN is the Malay acronym for Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri, or assemblyman.