Wee Kim Wee

Wee Kim Wee (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.
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 S$3.00 a month. Wee's family relied on rearing poultry and fruits growing around the house for money.
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.
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.
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.
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 S$50.00 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.
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' editorial department. In 1963, Wee managed to interview a Sulu pirate chief while he was in Malaysia. In 1966, he interviewed then-Lieutenant General Suharto and then-Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik. He reported their intentions to end the confrontation between Indonesia and Malaysia, also known as the Konfrontasi. Wee had interviewed Malik earlier in Bangkok before gaining permission to interview Suharto in Jakarta. He was also the first Singaporean journalist to gain permission to enter Jakarta. In the early 1970s, Wee was responsible for helping form the Singapore Press Club. Suggesting the idea to T. S. Khoo, Wee set up and held the first inaugural meeting of the club after his agreement. Wee was also responsible for finding where the club's premises would be, first at the Summit Hotel (now known as the York Hotel) and later the Apollo Hotel, both at low rental rates. In 1970, he was appointed as editorial manager, which he worked as till 1973 when he left journalism.
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.
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. In 1981, Wee opened the Development Bank of Singapore's first Korean branch in Seoul. In 1983, he represented Singapore at the funeral for the victims of the Rangoon bombing. He retired from diplomacy in 1984.
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. Wee also served as a director for United Engineers, Wearne Brothers, and Banque Internationale à Luxembourg's Asia branch till 1985.
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. 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.
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." Upon his inauguration, Wee received congratulations from Malaysian King Sultan Iskandar and Malaysian Queen Tengku Zanariah. 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.
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." 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." 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".
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. He would do the same with Danish prime minister Poul Schlüter in October during his three-day visit. 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.
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. He also met Norwegian prime minister Kåre Willoch upon his three-day visit to Singapore. Wee also prorogued the 6th Parliament to address concerns on Singapore's economy; the second session began in February. 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." In March 1986, he visited the survivors of the Hotel New World collapse at Singapore General Hospital. In May 1986, he opened the Singapore Badminton Association Hall, which was built at a cost of S$5 million. 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. 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. In July 1986, Wee gave out his first President's Scholars. In August 1986, Wee hosted a dinner for Filipino president Corazon Aquino, upon her two-day visit to Singapore. He also met with former Cambodian president Norodom Sihanouk during his four-day visit to Singapore as a guest of Wee.
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. He also met with Burmese prime minister (present-day Myanmar) Maung Maung Kha when he visited Singapore with his 24-member delegation. 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. He also opened the 3rd Asian-Pacific Congress of Nephrology at Raffles City, speaking about the need to increase transplants in Singapore. In November 1986, Wee met Pope John Paul II when he visited Singapore for five hours. 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. He also opened the 26th World Congress of the International Union Against Tuberculosis at Raffles City. 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. He also gave respects to Minister of National Development Teh Cheang Wan, who committed suicide following allegations of corruption.
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]". In February 1987, Wee hosted a dinner for Indonesian president Suharto following his visit to Singapore. He also received the official Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of Hotel New World, which occurred the previous year. 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. Wee also, along with Attorney-General Tan Boon Teik, signed revised versions of the statutes of Singapore. In April 1987, Wee spoke at a dinner by the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association about laws to help reduce inhalant abuse having been approved. In May 1987, Burmese deputy prime minister (present-day Myanmar) Tun Tin paid a courtesy call to Wee during his visit to Singapore. 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.
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. In August 1987, Wee opened the Community Chest's Care and Share Month initiative, speaking about methods of increasing donations to the Chest. He also spoke at the reopening dinner of the College of Medicine Building, reminding doctors to not heavily rely on technology in their practice. In September 1987, Wee was called on by Governor-General of Australia Ninian Stephen after his four-day visit to Singapore. In October 1987, Governor-General of Papua New Guinea Kingsford Dibela visited Singapore for four days on the invitation of Wee. 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. 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. In November 1987, Princess Anne visited Singapore for four days and attended a dinner held by Wee and prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. 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.
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. In February 1988, Wee reappointed Ridzwan Dzafir as president of the Muslim Religious Council. In April 1988, he welcomed Crown Prince of Jordan Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan upon their two-day visit to Singapore. In June 1988, Wee met Spanish King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain upon their two-day visit to Singapore. 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". In August 1988, he offered his sympathy to Iskandar of Johor after the collapse of the Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal's bridge. In September 1988, Thai prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan paid Wee a courtesy call upon his three-day visit. In October 1988, on the advice of prime minister Lee, Wee extended Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin's term by two more years. He also took his first ride on the newely established Mass Rapid Transit system.
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. 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. Former minister Lim Kim San acted as president from 6 to 9 March during Wee's recovery. In April 1989, Wee met with Togolese president Gnassingbé Eyadéma upon his visit.
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.
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.
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), 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.
The Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies at Singapore Management University, renamed after Wee as the Wee Kim Wee Centre.
Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund at Nanyang Technological University is named after him.