Wee Kim Wee
{{Short description|President of Singapore from 1985 to 1993}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Wee Kim Wee
| honorific_suffix = PBM BBM DUT
| native_name = {{nobold|黃金輝}}
| native_name_lang = zh-sg
| image = Wee Kim Wee and Koh Sok Hiong, 1936 (higher quality, cropped).png
| image_size = 200
| caption = Wee in 1936
| office = 4th President of Singapore
| term_start = 2 September 1985
| term_end = 1 September 1993
| primeminister = Lee Kuan Yew
Goh Chok Tong
| predecessor = Devan Nair
| successor = Ong Teng Cheong
| office1 = Singapore Ambassador to South Korea
| president1 = Benjamin Sheares
Devan Nair
| term_start1 = September 1980
| term_end1 = April 1984
| predecessor1 = Wee Mon Cheng
| successor1 = Lee Khoon Choy
| office2 = Singapore Ambassador to Japan
| president2 = Benjamin Sheares
Devan Nair
| term_start2 = September 1980
| term_end2 = April 1984
| predecessor2 = Wee Mon Cheng
| successor2 = Lee Khoon Choy
| office3 = Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia
| president3 = Benjamin Sheares
| term_start3 = 15 September 1973
| term_end3 = 31 August 1980
| predecessor3 = Chiang Hai Ding
| successor3 = Maurice Baker
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1915|11|4}}
| birth_place = Singapore, Straits Settlements (present-day Singapore)
| party = Independent
| otherparty =
| death_date = {{death date and age|2005|5|2|1915|11|4|df=yes}}
| death_place = Siglap Plain, Singapore
| death_cause = Prostate cancer
| restingplace = Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium
| spouse = Koh Sok Hiong
| children = 7
| education = Outram Secondary School
Raffles Institution
| occupation = {{hlist|Journalist|diplomat}}
| commands =
}}
{{Family name hatnote|Wee|lang=Chinese}}
Wee Kim Wee{{efn|{{lang-zh|s=黄金辉|poj=Ûiⁿ Kim-hui|p=Huáng Jīnhuī|first=s,poj,p}}}} (4 November 1915 – 2 May 2005) was a Singaporean journalist and diplomat who served as the fourth president of Singapore from 1985 to 1993. Born in Singapore during colonial rule, Wee was educated at Outram Secondary School and Raffles Institution, dropping out to work at The Straits Times in 1930. He left The Straits Times to join the United Press Associations in 1941, working there through the Second World War and eventually becoming the office manager and chief correspondent by 1959.
That same year, he returned to The Straits Times after being offered the position of Deputy Editor. During his time there, he was best known for his interview of then-Lieutenant General Suharto, where he reported his intentions for peace during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. He also became the first Singaporean journalist to enter Jakarta when he went to interview Suharto. He retired from journalism in 1973 at the position of editorial manager and became a diplomat, serving as Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1973 and 1980 and Ambassador to Japan and South Korea concurrently from 1980 and 1984.
In 1985, Wee was elected president by Parliament and served in the role for two terms, ending in 1993. For the ensuing presidential election, the first in Singapore to be decided by popular vote, Wee decided not to contest and retired after his second term had ended. He was also the first president to exercise custodial powers pursuant to the constitutional amendments in Singapore's history. He was succeeded by Ong Teng Cheong on 1 September 1993. Wee died of prostate cancer in his home at Siglap Plain in Singapore on 2 May 2005, at the age of 89.
Early life and education
Wee was born in Singapore, which was then-under British rule and a part of the Straits Settlements, at the Free Middleton Hospital on 4 November 1915. The youngest of four sons to Wee Choong Lay and Chua Hay Luan, his father Choong Lay worked on a ship, being in charge of the cargo. His father later went blind after an unsuccessful surgery, causing his family to move from their home in Zion Road to a house at Holland Road. The house, which lacked electricity or piped water, was owned by a wealthy land-owner whom they paid a rent of {{SGD|3|link=on}} a month. Wee's family relied on rearing poultry and fruits growing around the house for money.{{Cite news |date=31 August 1985 |title=A man without pretensions |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850831.2.31 |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In 1923, Wee attended Pearl's Hill School for his primary education. He later attended Outram Secondary School, before enrolling in Raffles Institution, for his secondary education. He passed his Standard VII in 1929, being promoted to a "Junior" class. He dropped out of school sometime after 1929 after his mother urged him to find employment, seeing as how their family was still struggling financially, living in Singapore Harbour Board housing at Kampong Bahru. His uncle Tan Kok Tiong, who worked as a chief clerk at Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times, recommended that Wee work at the circulation department of the newspaper.{{Cite news |last=John |first=Alan |date=28 August 1985 |title=Wee Kim Wee to be President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850828-1.2.2? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}
During his youth, Wee enjoyed playing badminton. He founded the Useful Badminton Party in 1932 alongside thirteen other badminton players, whom he met while living at his Singapore Harbour Board housing. In 1937, he won the singles title in the Singapore Junior championship. In 1938, he was elected to the Singapore Badminton Association's management committee, initially serving as its secretary before eventually becoming the president. He retired from competitive badminton the following year due to medical reasons.{{Cite news |last=Rajendran |first=J. |date=28 August 1985 |title=Badminton champ in his youth |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850828-1.2.22.3? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=8 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |date=26 March 1961 |title=WEE SAYS AGAIN: WE WILL STILL AFFILIATE WITH BAM IF WANTED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610326-1.2.92 |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=19 |via=NewspaperSG}}
Career
=Journalism (1930–1973)=
In 1930, Wee started working for the newspaper The Straits Times in its circulation department. He worked in the circulation department for five years before being transferred to the advertising department, which he worked at for about three to four years before becoming a reporter. Initially, Wee covered sporting events such as soccer, badminton, table tennis, and basketball, which were usually at the stadiums or the amusement parks.
File:Wee Kim Wee, 1954.jpg (UPA)]]
Early in 1941, he resigned from The Straits Times to join American news agency United Press Associations (UPA) after the post of circulation chief clerk was not offered to him upon its vacancy at The Straits Times. During the Second World War, while working at UPA, he served in the Air Raid Precautions. He struggled financially during the war, setting up a stall in Kampong Bahru where he sold things such as mosquito coils. During the Japanese occupation, he worked clerical jobs at various Japanese military establishments. After the end of the war, Wee continued to struggle financially. Following the liberation of Singapore, UPA correspondent Charles McQuown-Wright contacted him and gave him {{SGD|50}} to support himself. As he continued to work at UPA, he eventually became the office manager and chief correspondent in the early 1950s. As chief correspondent, he reported to an American manager about Singapore, Malaya, Borneo, and Brunei.{{Cite news |date=16 September 1973 |title=Journalist Wee is our new envoy to Malaysia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730916-1.2.59? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |date=28 August 1985 |title=A self-made man |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19850828-1.2.13.6? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In 1959, Wee was asked to return to The Straits Times where he would be appointed as Deputy Editor, the head of The Straits Times
=Diplomacy (1973–1984)=
In 1973, Wee was approached by then-Foreign Minister S. Rajaratnam to serve as Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia, which he accepted and subsequently left The Straits Times. Originally, he was only supposed to serve for three years but ended up serving seven years as the High Commissioner to Malaysia, ending on 31 August 1980. During his time there, he lived in Kuala Lumpur and was credited by Rajaratnam in helping improve the relationship between the two countries, especially after the separation of Singapore from Malaysia a few years prior.{{Cite news |date=6 September 1980 |title=KL says 'yes' to Baker as envoy |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19800906-1.2.11? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=New Nation |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In September 1980, Wee was appointed to serve concurrently as Singapore's Ambassador to Japan, having presented his credentials earlier in October, and Ambassador to South Korea.{{Cite news |date=5 July 1980 |title=Reshuffle on the cards for S'pore ambassadors |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800705-1.2.49? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |date=11 October 1980 |title=Ambassador to Japan |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19801011-1.2.2.1? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In 1981, Wee opened the Development Bank of Singapore's first Korean branch in Seoul.{{Cite news |date=14 October 1981 |title=DBS in Seoul |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19811014-1.2.31.2? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=10 |via=NewspaperSG}} In 1983, he represented Singapore at the funeral for the victims of the Rangoon bombing.{{Cite news |date=10 October 1983 |title=Singapore to send message of condolence |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19831010-2.2.11.7? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=Singapore Monitor |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}} He retired from diplomacy in 1984.{{Cite news |date=27 May 1984 |title=New diplomatic appointments |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19840527-1.2.4.10? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=Singapore Monitor |pages=7 |via=NewspaperSG}}
= Other appointments =
During his career, Wee held multiple appointments on different statutory boards such as the Rent Control Board, Film Appeal Committee, Land Acquisition Board, Board of Visiting Justices, National Theatre Board, and the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (present-day Mediacorp). He also served on the Council of the Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association (SATA) and later chairman of SATA. In 1959, Wee alongside fellow SATA Council member Sen Gupta introduced mobile x-ray machines to treat tuberculosis more efficiently in Singapore.{{Cite news |last=Wee |first=Agnes |date=29 August 1985 |title=President-to-be helped in battle against TB |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850829-1.2.21.18? |access-date=20 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=12 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee also served as a director for United Engineers, Wearne Brothers, and Banque Internationale à Luxembourg's Asia branch till 1985.{{Cite news |date=20 July 1984 |title=Kim Wee appointed director |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840720-1.2.42.25? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=24 |via=NewspaperSG}}
Presidency (1985–1993)
= Presidential elections =
== 1985 presidential election ==
File:Old Parliament House 4, Singapore, Feb 06.JPG (pictured in 2006), where Wee was elected by Parliament at both presidential elections.]]
Following the resignation of incumbent president Devan Nair in March 1985, eight months before the end of his term, Parliament had to elect a new president. As presidents were elected by Parliament, not by popular vote, the presidential nominee had to gain a majority of the vote by Parliament to be elected. In August 1985, then-prime minister Lee Kuan Yew nominated Wee to become president at the 1985 presidential election after a five-month vacancy.{{Cite news |last=Foo |first=Choy Peng |date=28 August 1985 |title=Wee Kim Wee is nominated President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19850828-1.2.4? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee received a unanimous agreement to his election, making him the first Chinese Singaporean to become president, and was sworn in on 2 September 1985.{{efn|Before him was Malay Yusof Ishak, Eurasian Benjamin Sheares, and Indian Devan Nair.}}{{Cite news |date=31 August 1985 |title=All ayes for Kim Wee as President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850831-1.2.2? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |date=31 August 1985 |title=Yes, Kim Wee's the man |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850831-1.2.26.1.1? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13 |via=NewspaperSG}}
Member of Parliament for Kampong Kembangan Constituency Yatiman Yusof stated of Wee becoming the first president from a non-minority race of Singapore to have shown "a maturity of thought on the part of the multi-racial people of Singapore."{{Cite news |date=31 August 1985 |title=Nomination marks 'vital change in Singapore history' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850831-1.2.26.19? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=15 |via=NewspaperSG}} Upon his inauguration, Wee received congratulations from Malaysian King Sultan Iskandar and Malaysian Queen Tengku Zanariah.{{Cite news |date=31 August 1985 |title=King and Queen send greetings |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850831-1.2.4? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also received congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, Governor-General of Canada Jeanne Sauvé, and the presidents of India, Austria, Tanzania, Israel, and Cyprus.{{Cite news |date=2 October 1985 |title=Good wishes to President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19851002-1.2.30.29? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=14 |via=NewspaperSG}}
== 1989 presidential election ==
At the 1989 presidential election, Wee was nominated for a second term as president by Lee again. He received another unanimous agreement, being sworn in for a second four-year term. Upon his reelection, he stated, "The reason why I could go on like this is the encouragement and the support that the government as well as the people have given me."{{Cite news |date=9 September 1989 |title=President Wee sworn in for second 4-year term |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19890909-1.2.9.6? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=5 |via=NewspaperSG}} The 1989 presidential election was initially planned to have a president elected by popular vote by the people, but amendments to the constitution for a president elected by popular vote were not ready yet. Lee stated about this that, "The president after him is likely to be elected by the whole electorate."{{Cite news |date=26 August 1989 |title=President Wee set for one more term |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19890826-1.2.11.5? |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=The New Paper |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}} Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency Sidek Saniff stated of Wee that there is "no class barrier, much less a dividing wall when [Wee] comes into contact with Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and others".{{Cite news |date=1 September 1989 |title=President represents all of us, says Sidek |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19890901-1.2.40.10? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=26 |via=NewspaperSG}}
= Activities during presidency =
== First presidential term ==
{{Infobox administration||image=File:Wee Kim Wee, 1940s.jpg|name=Presidency of Wee Kim Wee|term_start=2 September 1985|term_end=1 September 1993|president=Wee Kim Wee|president_link=President of Singapore|party=Independent|election={{hlist|1985|1989}}|seat=|predecessor=Devan Nair|successor=Ong Teng Cheong|seal=Coat of arms of Singapore.svg|seal_caption=Coat of arms of Singapore|seal_size=50px}}In September 1985, Wee held talks with King of Bahrain Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa during the latter's three day visit to Singapore at the Istana.{{Cite news |date=15 September 1985 |title=Bahrain ruler meets Kim Wee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850915-1.2.24.9? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=12 |via=NewspaperSG}} He would do the same with Danish prime minister Poul Schlüter in October during his three-day visit.{{Cite news |date=12 October 1985 |title=Denmark's PM arrives today for three-day visit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19851012-1.2.13.2? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}} In November 1985, Wee gave his first speech at a public event, speaking after he opening the 24th Orient and Southeast Asian Lions Forum at the World Trade Centre (present-day HarbourFront Centre). Wee spoke about efforts made to support the less fortunate.{{Cite news |date=16 November 1985 |title=Check gap between haves and have-nots: President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19851116-1.2.23.29? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=15 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |date=13 November 1985 |title=President Wee to open Lions Forum |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19851113-1.2.12.4? |access-date=3 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In January 1986, Wee attended a Thaipusam celebration at Thandayuthapani Temple. At the temple, he met Executive Chairman of the Straits Times Press S. R. Nathan, who would later become the sixth president of Singapore.{{Cite news |date=27 January 1986 |title=Flowers and fruit for President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860127-1.2.23.2? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also met Norwegian prime minister Kåre Willoch upon his three-day visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=16 January 1986 |title=Norwegian PM due tonight |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19860116-1.2.39? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=14 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee also prorogued the 6th Parliament to address concerns on Singapore's economy; the second session began in February.{{Cite news |date=21 February 1986 |title=Facing up to a new reality |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860221-1.2.29? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=14 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Ronnie |date=20 February 1986 |title=Setting the scene for an important debate |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860220-1.2.29.1? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13 |via=NewspaperSG}} In February 1986, Wee invited Maltese president Agatha Barbara for a three-day visit and a state dinner in Singapore. He discussed improving the relationship and trade between the countries, stating that "Singapore Airlines's weekly flights to Malta have brought Singapore and Malta closer together," but that trade between them was "still relatively small."{{Cite news |date=19 February 1986 |title=Wee confident links with Malta can be expanded |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19860219-1.2.10.7? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}} In March 1986, he visited the survivors of the Hotel New World collapse at Singapore General Hospital.{{Cite news |date=19 March 1986 |title=President Wee visits those in hospital |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860319-1.2.7.9? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=4 |via=NewspaperSG}} In May 1986, he opened the Singapore Badminton Association Hall, which was built at a cost of {{SGD|5000000|link=on}}.{{Cite news |last=Rajendran |first=J. |date=12 March 1986 |title=President Wee to open hall |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860312-1.2.43.12? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=25 |via=NewspaperSG}} In June 1986, he received the report of the Commission of Inquiry that was launched on Member of Parliament for Anson Constituency J. B. Jeyaretnam after allegations he made earlier that year.{{Cite news |date=27 June 1986 |title=Judiciary inquiry report for President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860627-1.2.7? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee was also called on by Zaire prime minister (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) Léon Kengo wa Dondo when his 23-member delegation visited him at the Istana.{{Cite news |date=14 June 1986 |title=Prime Minister of Zaire calls on President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860614-1.2.23.30? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13 |via=NewspaperSG}} In July 1986, Wee gave out his first President's Scholars.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Valerie |date=4 July 1986 |title=A night of firsts – and many encouraging words |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860704-1.2.8? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In August 1986, Wee hosted a dinner for Filipino president Corazon Aquino, upon her two-day visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=26 August 1986 |title=Aquino arrives today for two-day visit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860826-1.2.5? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also met with former Cambodian president Norodom Sihanouk during his four-day visit to Singapore as a guest of Wee.{{Cite news |date=1 August 1986 |title=Prince Sihanouk to visit Republic |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19860801-1.2.51? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=16 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In September 1986, Wee spoke about improving Singapore's technology and marketing at the 80th anniversary of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.{{Cite news |date=21 September 1986 |title=Go for joint ventures, President Wee urges |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860921-1.2.24.16? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also met with Burmese prime minister (present-day Myanmar) Maung Maung Kha when he visited Singapore with his 24-member delegation.{{Cite news |date=22 September 1986 |title=Burmese PM leaves for home |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860922-1.2.4? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In October 1986, Wee opened the 12th World Congress on Fertility and Sterility of the International Federation of Fertility Societies at Raffles City. At the opening, he spoke about the ethics of in vitro fertilisation.{{Cite news |date=27 October 1986 |title=Ethics of test-tube babies raised |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861027-1.2.25.12? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=9 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also opened the 3rd Asian-Pacific Congress of Nephrology at Raffles City, speaking about the need to increase transplants in Singapore.{{Cite news |date=6 October 1986 |title=President Wee voices concern over attitude towards organ donation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861006-1.2.41? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=15 |via=NewspaperSG}} In November 1986, Wee met Pope John Paul II when he visited Singapore for five hours.{{Cite news |last=John |first=Alan |date=21 November 1986 |title=A short, wet and busy visit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861121-1.2.36.29? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=20 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee also invited Israeli president Chaim Herzog to Singapore for a three-day visit, which drew criticism from nearby countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. It was the first visit by an Israeli head of state to Singapore and Wee spoke about creating peace between Israel and Palestine, maintaining good relations between Israel and Singapore, and strengthening the trade between the two countries.{{Cite news |last=Jacob |first=Paul |date=19 November 1986 |title='Give up your gains from past wars' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861119-1.2.4? |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |last=Gomez |first=Brian |date=19 November 1986 |title=Focus on search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861119-1.2.47? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=18 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also opened the 26th World Congress of the International Union Against Tuberculosis at Raffles City.{{Cite news |date=5 November 1986 |title=Thumbs up for first non-smoking conference |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19861105-1.2.10.5? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}} In December 1986, Wee spoke at the 85th anniversary of the Singapore branch of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), expressing his concerns about problems in youths.{{Cite news |date=21 December 1986 |title=President Wee calls on all to check rising youth problems |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861221-1.2.29.17? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=20 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also gave respects to Minister of National Development Teh Cheang Wan, who committed suicide following allegations of corruption.{{Cite news |date=16 December 1986 |title=President Wee pays last respects to Teh |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19861216-1.2.22.37? |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=17 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In January 1987, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) apologised to Wee for "disparaging" comments made about him by a representative from their Kuala Lumpur branch in reference to Herzog's visit to Singapore. PLO chairman Yasser Arafat issued a statement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that "the PLO did not approve, in any way, the references by [the representative]".{{Cite news |date=11 January 1987 |title=PLO expresses regret, and Singapore accepts |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870111-1.2.24.25? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=19 |via=NewspaperSG}} In February 1987, Wee hosted a dinner for Indonesian president Suharto following his visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=7 February 1987 |title=The accent is on Batik-wear |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870207-1.2.21.3 |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=11 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also received the official Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of Hotel New World, which occurred the previous year.{{Cite news |date=17 February 1987 |title=President receives report on hotel collapse |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870217-1.2.6? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In March 1987, he spoke at a dinner commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce, stating that private companies should participate more internationally.{{Cite news |date=28 March 1987 |title=President Wee urges on the private sector |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19870328-1.2.10.7? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee also, along with Attorney-General Tan Boon Teik, signed revised versions of the statutes of Singapore.{{Cite news |date=20 March 1987 |title=President, A-G sign revised edition of laws |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870320-1.2.32.16? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=21 |via=NewspaperSG}} In April 1987, Wee spoke at a dinner by the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association about laws to help reduce inhalant abuse having been approved.{{Cite news |date=12 April 1987 |title=Laws to curb glue-sniffing on the way |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870412-1.2.23.24? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16 |via=NewspaperSG}} In May 1987, Burmese deputy prime minister (present-day Myanmar) Tun Tin paid a courtesy call to Wee during his visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=12 May 1987 |title=Busy day for Burmese minister |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870512-1.2.26.32? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=16 |via=NewspaperSG}} In June 1987, Wee was given a courtesy call by Premier of the Republic of China Yu Kuo-hwa during his five-day visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=9 June 1987 |title=Premier Yu in for five-day visit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19870609-1.2.5? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In July 1987, Wee visited the National University of Singapore's flag day event, where they raised money for the National Kidney Foundation Singapore, Margaret Drive Special School, and Boys' Town.{{Cite news |date=22 July 1987 |title=Parade of floats made by NUS students to help raise money for charity |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870722-1.2.27.7 |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=12 |via=NewspaperSG}} In August 1987, Wee opened the Community Chest's Care and Share Month initiative, speaking about methods of increasing donations to the Chest.{{Cite news |last=Lew |first=Eng Fee |date=27 August 1987 |title=Pledge part of profits to Chest, firms urged |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870827-1.2.61? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=36 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also spoke at the reopening dinner of the College of Medicine Building, reminding doctors to not heavily rely on technology in their practice.{{Cite news |date=24 August 1987 |title=The challenge facing doctors |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870824-1.2.2? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In September 1987, Wee was called on by Governor-General of Australia Ninian Stephen after his four-day visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=4 September 1987 |title=Australian Governor-General on four-day visit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19870904-1.2.9.9? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=3 |via=NewspaperSG}} In October 1987, Governor-General of Papua New Guinea Kingsford Dibela visited Singapore for four days on the invitation of Wee.{{Cite news |date=12 October 1987 |title=Governor General of PNG due here today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19871012-1.2.24.12? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=14 |via=NewspaperSG}} Wee spoke about improving ties between the countries, especially economically, seeing as how Singapore was Papua New Guinea's fourth largest trader the previous year.{{Cite news |date=13 October 1987 |title=Singapore, PNG should expand links: President Wee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19871013-1.2.9.2? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=2 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also opened the 1st International Congress on Oral Cancer and Jaw Tumours at the Mandarin Hotel, which was organised by the Department of Oral Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.{{Cite news |date=26 October 1987 |title=Congress on oral cancer |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19871026-1.2.30.7? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=13 |via=NewspaperSG}} In November 1987, Princess Anne visited Singapore for four days and attended a dinner held by Wee and prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.{{Cite news |date=7 November 1987 |title=Princess Anne to call on President Wee and PM |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19871107-1.2.8.29? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=6 |via=NewspaperSG}} In December 1987, he received the Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances around the corrupt practices of Minister of National Development Teh, who died from suicide the previous year before he could be charged.{{Cite news |date=19 December 1987 |title=Commission hands report on Teh affair to President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19871219-1.2.33.23? |access-date=7 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=27 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In January 1988, Wee was involved in the Allan Ng affair, after Ng told Wee that Attorney-General Tan Boon Teik refused to prosecute Wee Cho Yaw, who was harassing Ng. His allegations were later discovered to be unfounded.{{Cite news |date=28 January 1988 |title=A-G cleared of any wrong-doing |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880128-1.2.2 |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In February 1988, Wee reappointed Ridzwan Dzafir as president of the Muslim Religious Council.{{Cite news |date=17 February 1988 |title=Ridzwan again appointed Muis president |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880217-1.2.18.16? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=11 |via=NewspaperSG}} In April 1988, he welcomed Crown Prince of Jordan Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan upon their two-day visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=19 April 1988 |title=A warm welcome for royal couple |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880419-1.2.30.33 |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=21 |via=NewspaperSG}} In June 1988, Wee met Spanish King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain upon their two-day visit to Singapore.{{Cite news |date=14 June 1988 |title=Spanish King meets President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880614-1.2.23.20? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=14 |via=NewspaperSG}} In July 1988, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Iskandar of Johor visited Singapore for three days and attended a state banquet held in his honour by Wee. Wee stated that his visit signified "the increasing warmth and growing maturity in the understanding between our two countries".{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Sumiko |date=27 July 1988 |title=King's visit marks new era in ties |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19880727-1.1.1 |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In August 1988, he offered his sympathy to Iskandar of Johor after the collapse of the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal's bridge.{{Cite news |date=5 August 1988 |title=President Wee conveys sympathy |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880805-1.2.3? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In September 1988, Thai prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan paid Wee a courtesy call upon his three-day visit.{{Cite news |date=10 September 1988 |title=Thai Premier calls on President |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880910-1.2.24.35? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=18 |via=NewspaperSG}} In October 1988, on the advice of prime minister Lee, Wee extended Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin's term by two more years.{{Cite news |date=8 October 1988 |title=Extension of CJ's term is gazetted |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19881008-1.2.30.10? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=15 |via=NewspaperSG}} He also took his first ride on the newely established Mass Rapid Transit system.{{Cite news |last=Dhaliwal |first=Rav |date=30 October 1988 |title=With MRT, no more reason to be late — President Wee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19881030-1.2.29.11? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=18 |via=NewspaperSG}}
In January 1989, he was admitted to the Singapore General Hospital to undergo surgery for a cancerous growth in his rectum. While recovering, it was discovered that Wee also had an enlarged prostate during a bladder examination. He underwent a second surgery in February for his prostate.{{Cite news |date=5 February 1989 |title=President Wee undergoes second operation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19890205-1.2.4? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}}{{Cite news |date=17 January 1989 |title=President Wee has cancerous growth removed |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19890117-1.2.7? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=1 |via=NewspaperSG}} In March 1989, Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui visited Wee in the hospital, following his four-day visit to Singapore on the invitation of Wee.{{Cite news |date=11 March 1989 |title=Taiwan’s President Lee calls on President Wee at the General Hospital |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19890311-1.2.21? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=24 |via=NewspaperSG}} Former minister Lim Kim San acted as president from 6 to 9 March during Wee's recovery.{{Cite news |date=4 March 1989 |title=President Wee to undergo medical treatment, Lim Kim San to stand in |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19890304-1.2.28.21? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Business Times |pages=24 |via=NewspaperSG}} In April 1989, Wee met with Togolese president Gnassingbé Eyadéma upon his visit.{{Cite news |date=15 April 1989 |title=Togo leader meets President Wee |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas19890415-1.2.24? |access-date=20 February 2025 |work=The Straits Times |pages=24 |via=NewspaperSG}}
== Second presidential term ==
Following his successful renomination for president, Wee began his second term on 1 September 1989.
Prior to Wee's second term as president, the selection of the presidential candidate was determined solely by the Parliament. During Wee's second term, the Parliament amended the constitution in 1991, to allow for an elected president, who could veto key political appointments and the use of government reserves.
The creation of an elected presidency was a major constitutional and political change in the country's history as under the revision, as the president is empowered to veto government budgets and appointments to public office. They can examine the government's exercise of its powers under the Internal Security Act and religious harmony laws and investigate cases of corruption.
For the ensuing initial presidential election, the first in Singapore to be decided by popular poll, Wee decided not to enter his candidacy and went into retirement upon the completion of his second and final term. He was also awarded the Darjah Utama Temasek in 1993.{{cite web |title=Wee Kim Wee |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_255_2005-01-12.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109111007/http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_255_2005-01-12.html |archive-date=9 January 2015 |access-date=9 January 2015 |publisher=National Library Board |df=dmy-all}}
Post-presidency
After leaving office, Wee was appointed as deputy registrar of marriages. He was later conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the National University of Singapore for his contributions to public service and his contributions to the University of Singapore as its chancellor till 1993.
Wee became the Director of Cathay Organisation Holdings in 1999.
In 2004, Wee published his autobiography, Glimpses and Reflections. From the royalties and other donations, half a million Singapore dollars were donated to eight charities.
Personal life and death
File:Wee Kim Wee and Koh Sok Hiong.png in 1950, on board the SS Chusan.]]Wee died of prostate cancer in his home at Siglap Plain on 2 May 2005, aged 89. Before his death, he had asked to be cremated and for the ashes to be placed at Mandai Columbarium with those of ordinary citizens instead of Kranji State Cemetery, where late dignitaries are usually buried. His state funeral saw a large crowd who attended to pay their last respects at the Istana, where his body was laid in state.
He was survived by his wife of 69 years, Koh Sok Hiong (1916–2018),{{Cite web |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mrs-wee-kim-wee-late-singapore-president-s-wife-dies-at-102-10509688 |title=Mrs Wee Kim Wee, late Singapore President's wife, dies at 102 |access-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708191514/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mrs-wee-kim-wee-late-singapore-president-s-wife-dies-at-102-10509688 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite journal|title=Lee Kuan Yew and late president Wee Kim Wee are related|journal=Veritas|date=19 July 2011|url=http://veritas-lux.blogspot.sg/2011/07/lee-kuan-yew-and-late-president-wee-kim.html|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214035631/http://veritas-lux.blogspot.sg/2011/07/lee-kuan-yew-and-late-president-wee-kim.html|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} their son Bill Wee Hock Kee (1936–2015), six daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
In 2006, Nanyang Technological University renamed its School of Communication Studies after Wee to the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.{{cite web|title=History of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information |url=http://www.wkwsci.ntu.edu.sg/AboutWKWSCI/Pages/History.aspx |publisher=Nanyang Technological University |access-date=9 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002211134/http://www.wkwsci.ntu.edu.sg/AboutWKWSCI/Pages/History.aspx |archive-date=2 October 2014 }}
The Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies at Singapore Management University, renamed after Wee as the Wee Kim Wee Centre.{{cite web|title=Wee Kim Wee Centre|url=https://wkwc.smu.edu.sg/|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501114843/http://www.smu.edu.sg/contact/wee-kim-wee-centre|archive-date=1 May 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund at Nanyang Technological University{{cite web|title=Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund|url=http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/weekimwee/about/weekimwee.html|access-date=9 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110819/http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/weekimwee/about/weekimwee.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} is named after him.
References
=Notes=
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=Citations=
{{reflist}}
Bibliography
- Wee Kim Wee (2004), Glimpses and Reflections. Landmark Books, Singapore. {{ISBN|981-3065-87-7}}
- On The Record: The Journalistic Legacy of President Wee Kim Wee. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. {{ISBN|978-981-05-6707-1}} and {{ISBN|981-05-6707-3}}
- Wee Eng Hwa (2010), "Cooking For The President" - a cookbook of Peranakan recipes from Wee's wife, recorded by his daughter Wee Eng Hwa. The cookbook includes much details of Wee's personal life with photographs.
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090203152143/http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/sci/about/WKWSch_launch.html Speech by Wee Eng Hwa at the launch of Wee Kim Wee School Of Communication And Information], 5 December 2006 at The Istana, Singapore.
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20050505081527/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/145501/1/.html Former President Wee Kim Wee dies at the age of 89], Channel News Asia, 2 May 2005.
External links
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Category:Ambassadors of Singapore to South Korea
Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath