Condolence Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam on the passing of Mr Lee Khoon Choy

27 February 2016

Dear Mdm Eng

My wife and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved husband, Mr Lee Khoon Choy.  Mr Lee was a remarkable man who lived through a tumultuous period, which included British colonialism and Japanese occupation. 

As a journalist in the late 1940s and 1950s, Mr Lee covered many milestone events in Singapore’s history, including the “Independence” talks in London in 1956.  Later, he would play an active part in shaping Singapore’s development as a politician, especially in the critical years leading to Singapore’s independence.   Mr Lee joined politics in 1959, when he was elected into the Legislative Assembly representing the constituency of Bukit Panjang. Subsequently, he served in Parliament representing the Hong Lim and Braddell Heights constituencies before retiring from politics in 1984.   

During the difficult early years of Singapore’s independence, Mr Lee held important responsibilities including as Minister of State for Culture, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and in the Prime Minister’s Office.  He was also a respected diplomat who helped Singapore secure international support during our crucial formative years. In particular, as Ambassador to Indonesia in the early 1970s, Mr Lee played a pivotal role in mending the testing relationship between Singapore and Indonesia following the Macdonald House bombing incident in 1965. Mr Lee was also an avid painter and writer. He published several books sharing his experiences in public service, as well as research on cultures in the region.

I first knew Mr Lee when I was elected into Parliament in 1979 and joined the Cabinet as Senior Minister of State for Education. Mr Lee was always helpful and readily shared his experience and advice on the workings of the Cabinet and Parliament. We continued to keep in touch after he retired from politics.  Just last year, Mr Lee updated me that he was writing a book on his political life and shared that the objective of the publication was to encourage more young Singaporeans to serve in politics for the greater good. 

Mr Lee Khoon Choy dedicated his life to the service of our country. It was a privilege for me to have worked with him as a Cabinet colleague and Member of Parliament. His passing is a loss to Singapore and to many of us. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of mourning.

Yours sincerely

TONY TAN KENG YAM