Former Singapore president Wee Kim Wee died at his home yesterday morning (2 May 2005)from medical complications. He was 89.
Wee was Singapore’s head of state from 1985 to 1993.
Born on Nov 4, 1915, he was the fourth and youngest child in the family. Among his grandchildren was former Malaysian swimming star Nurul Huda Abdullah.
He began his career as a clerk, then a reporter before becoming editorial manager with the The Straits Times.
After working more than 11 years at The Straits Times, he moved to United Press International (UPI). By the early 1950s, he had become office manager-cum-chief correspondent for Singapore, Malaya, Borneo and Brunei at UPI.
In 1959, he was approached to rejoin The Straits Times as deputy editor and later rose to group editorial manager.
Wee served as Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1973 to 1980 and helped lay the foundation for better relations between Singapore and Malaysia.
From 1980 to 1984, he was appointed Singapore’s Ambassador to Japan and the Republic of Korea.
He became chairman of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation before his appointment as the country’s fourth President in 1985.
He received the Order of Temasek (First Class), Singapore's second highest award, for having brought honour and dignity to the office of President during his two terms of office.
Approachable and friendly, Wee reached out to a broad spectrum of people by showing an active interest in community activities and organisations.
His sincerity, friendliness and warmth toward his fellow countrymen, has gained him the respect of all Singaporeans.
Even after he left office, Wee kept himself busy.
Only last year, the former president penned his thoughts and reminiscences in a book, Wee Kim Wee – Glimpses And Reflections which takes a hard look at such subjects as Singaporean arrogance in China, youngsters forgetting their roots and “sons fighting fathers in court.”
