TUARAN:The Sabah state government has expressed its condolences to the family of Batu Sapi member of Parliament Datuk Liew Vui Keong, who died earlier today.

Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said he hoped that his family would be patient, remain strong and accept this as fate.

“The Sabah state government would like to extend its deepest condolences to all Liew’s family members,” he told reporters after performing the Friday prayers at the Haji Noor Mosque, Kampung Serusup here.

Liew died today, believed to be due to lung infection.

According to a source from Parti Warisan Sabah, Liew died at the Gleneagles Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at about 11.50 am.

It is learnt that his family members are not ready to issue a statement yet.

Liew, 60, from Kota Belud, was elected as Batu Sapi Member of Parliament in the 14th General Election and had served as a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Warisan Permanent Chairman.

He leaves a wife, Datin Dr Lindai Lee, and four children.

Meanwhile Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) secretary general Datuk Loretto Padua Jr. said the party has lost a well respected leader with the passing of Liew who had contributed to the country and the state through his hard work and dedication.

He said the party is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Liew and extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“Party president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has been informed of the sad news and he extends his deepest condolences to Datin Lindai Lee and her four children.

“The family asks that their privacy be respected as they grieve during this very difficult time...funeral arrangements will be made known in due course,” he said in a statement here today.

-- BERNAMA