BINTULU: Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui has made history as the first ethnic Chinese from Sarawak to be appointed as pro-chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
He received his appointment letter from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj, on August 20 at Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam.
Chin will hold this position for three years, from October 18, 2024 to October 17, 2027.
Secretary-general of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, said Chin’s appointment is not only a recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation’s development but also a source of pride for Sarawak and SUPP.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts stated that Chin serves as a role model to SUPP leaders, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and dedication to the party.
As the honourary advisor of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and former senior federal minister, this appointment is the highest acknowledgment of Chin’s significant contributions to the nation.
“This historic appointment is truly a source of pride for Sarawak and SUPP. He is not only the first ethnic Chinese from Sarawak to hold this position but also an exemplary leader whose dedication transcends state and ethnic boundaries,” he said at a press conference at the Tanjong Batu Constituency Service Centre yesterday.
He also expressed his belief that the appointment of this SUPP honorary advisor and former federal minister will inspire all party leaders and members to continue serving the people with diligence and contribute to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia.
Born on August 31, 1945, Chin earned his law degree from Gray’s Inn, the United Kingdom, in 1971.
Also present were Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming and political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Angellie Stephen Raja.
Chin previously served as the Member of Parliament for Miri from 1986 to 2013, making significant contributions to the city’s development and laying a solid foundation for its current prosperity.
Before holding that position, he served as the Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government from 1995 to 2004 and Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and the Environment from 1990 to 1995, gaining extensive experience across various ministries.
Chin joined SUPP in 1979, starting his political career at the grassroots level and eventually becoming the party president.
His service was further recognised with the award conferment of the ‘Panglima Setia Mahkota Malaysia’ (P.S.M.) title by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2013.
Now, as the non-independent, non-executive chairman of IOI Group since 2014, Chin continues to contribute to Malaysia’s agricultural development and food security.
