4th President of Singapore Dr. Wee Kim Wee

Dr. Wee Kim Wee

 4 th President of Singapore  From August 30, 1985 to September 1, 1993

Career as a Journalist

1941- 1958 1959 - 1972 1973 Joined United Press Associations as a reporter Appointed as Deputy Editor of Straits Times in 1959 Retired as the Editorial Manager

Memorable interview   In 1966, he interviewed the former Indonesian President, General Suharto, reporting Suharto’s intention to end the three-year confrontation with Malaysia.

He broke the news with the front-page headline using Suharto’s own words: “Suharto: Peace:The sooner the better”.

His Diplomatic Career

1973 – 1980 High Commissioner to Malaysia Sept 1980 – Jan 1981 Ambassador to Japan Feb 1981 – 1984 Ambassador to South Korea

As the 4

th

President

Presidency began Presidency ended August 30, 1985 September 1, 1993

Dr. Wee Kim Wee

  A highly popular president, he was noted by people from all walks of life for his approachability and humility.

Modest, friendly and sincere, he is remembered as the People’s

President.

As the People’s President

 He amended the Singapore constitution in 1991 to allow for the direct election of the President, who would have the right to veto over civil service appointments and the use of government reserves.

His autobiography

He wrote his autobiography, Glimpses and Reflections.

[From the royalties and donations, half a million Singapore dollars were donated to eight charities.]

Dr Wee Kim Wee

  In 1963, Dr Wee was awarded the Public Service Star and in 1966 was appointed as the Justice of Peace.

Awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (KGCB) by HM The Queen of the United Kingdom in 1989

The Wee Kim Wee Professorship in Communication Studies   Endowment fund as a tribute to Dr Wee Professorship established at the Nanyang Technological University.

Dr. Wee Kim Wee  “He is a man of integrity and dignity, without affectations.”

by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

Dr. Wee Kim Wee  His views on public service “Public service means serving people first and foremost, without fear or favour. And you must be willing to sacrifice, without expecting anything in return.” By Irene Ang MP for Tampines on May 2005

A People’s President  What people said about this great man He was very friendly and personable.

He had the gift of bringing out the best in everyone.

A consistent man.

President Wee walked among us.

Sad Farewell to Dr. Wee

   He died on 2 May 2005 He was given a state funeral and a large crowd from all walks of life turned up to pay their respects.

He will always be remembered fondly as the “People’s President”.