I may not have known Bukit Assek assemblyperson Wong Ho Leng long, but the first time I met him, he already left me with a deep impression. He was someone who was very thoughtful, always thinking ahead.

I had the opportunity to help him in compiling a book containing all the questions and replies at the state legislative assembly and Parliament from Sarawak elected representatives.

In doing so, he was very mindful of the up and coming elected representatives, as he knew that the book would help the newly-elected representatives.

He gained my respect in that very short time that I spent with him. He taught me lots of things, especially what I needed to do as an elected representative. He even advised me on how I can prepare for my first speech.

He never failed to encourage me. For me, he was always so thoughtful and caring. It was an honour to be able to be be guided like a father by him during that short period of time.

I cling on to that book and will always remember how he devoted his heart to Sarawak's future, the upcoming leaders and the journey they will embark on.

Even while he was fighting his sickness, he never failed to follow the parliamentary sessions in 2013 and gave the press valuable comments. He never showed signs of giving up.

It may have been a short time, but I cherished that very short time I spent with him. His words of encouragemnet echo through my ears since day one.

Politics has never been easy and yet during my dark times, he never failed to call me aside and gave me courage to fight on.

He reminded me to look past those tiny challenges but to look forward to the bigger struggles, for the future of the nation and Sarawak.

His passing is a great loss to the nation, especially to the people of Sarawak. He will always be a reminder that how we begin is not as important as how we end and the legacy we leave behind.

He will be forever missed.

JULIAN TAN is DAP's Member of Parliament for Stampin. Wong died of brain cancer in Sibu on June 21.