| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Related News |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Special Report |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Cabinet colleagues are sad to learn of the passing of Dr Toh Chin Chye and wish to convey their condolences to his family.
Dr Toh died peacefully at 9.30 am on Friday.
Dr Toh had left instructions for a private funeral. The funeral will be held at Mandai Crematorium on Tuesday, February 7.
The government will assist the family in making the funeral arrangements.
As a mark of respect to one of Singapore's founding fathers, the government has decided to accord Dr Toh the honour of being borne on the ceremonial gun carriage for his final journey to the Mandai Crematorium.
In addition, the state flag at all government buildings will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral.
In his condolence letter to Dr Toh's son-in-law, PM Lee noted that Dr Toh belonged to the core group of founding fathers who created today's Singapore.
Dr Toh was the founding chairman of the People's Action Party (PAP), and served as chairman for 27 years.
PM Lee said when the PAP was elected to form the government in 1959, Dr Toh was appointed deputy prime minister.
And as deputy prime minister, Dr Toh chaired the committee to design a new flag for Singapore - where he conceived a crescent moon to represent a newly-independent country, and five stars to represent the ideals of democracy, justice, peace, progress and equality.
He said this flag has become an enduring symbol of the spirit and unity of all Singaporeans.
PM Lee wrote that Dr Toh was a tenacious fighter and a man of principle. His comrade-in-arms, the late S Rajaratnam, described him as a "man who does not look for a fight, but once in a fight, where honour is at stake, he fights unto death".
In the battle against the communists, Dr Toh was a stout-hearted warrior and yet, at the same time, a voice of reason.
Dr Toh himself was thrust into the centre of the political battle in the 1963 General Election, when Dr Lee Siew Choh, the leader of the left wing Barisan Sosialis party, stood against him in Rochor.
After a fierce campaign, Dr Toh won by a slim margin of 89 votes.
This narrow victory made all the difference - it marked a turning point in the struggle between the non-communist PAP and the pro-communist Barisan Sosialis.
PM Lee said Dr Toh also served as the science and technology minister and, later health minister before retiring from the Cabinet in 1981.
He continued as a Member of Parliament until 1988.
And as a back-bencher, Dr Toh served with commitment, dedication and integrity.
PM Lee noted that Dr Toh reflected the concerns of his Rochor constituents and also spoke up on national issues he felt strongly about.
And during the Budget Debate in 1985, Dr Toh made a passionate speech criticising the CPF contribution, then at 50 per cent of wages, as a heavy imposition on employers.
PM Lee said he had just entered politics then, and as a minister of state in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, rebutted Dr Toh vigorously. But as it turned out, Mr Lee said, Dr Toh was right.
The economy soon went into a steep recession, and by the end of that year, the government had concluded the CPF rates were too high and indeed needed to be cut.
Throughout his career, Dr Toh dedicated himself to the task of nation-building, so that as he said "every race, every community has a share in the prosperity of Singapore".
He recognised this as the foundation of a united and cohesive nation, and commented in retirement that his greatest pleasure was that there was no more race riots.
PM Lee said Singaporeans will long remember and honour Dr Toh for his many contributions to the nation.
He helped to shape the course of Singapore's history at a critical time, and to lay the foundations for Singapore's success.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said Singapore owes Dr Toh a great deal for his contributions.
Although he entered Parliament after Dr Toh retired, Mr Teo said Dr Toh was always in his "consciousness" as one of the Republic's founding fathers.
Mr Teo said: "He struck me as a very passionate person. Very fiery speaker, great belief in the things that he stood for."
Several Singapore politicians have also expressed their condolences to the late Dr Toh Chin Chye's family on Facebook.
Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing said Dr Toh has done much for Singapore and Singaporeans all these years.
Mr Chan said that he would always remember Dr Toh and his service to the nation, and added that Dr Toh's commitment and dedication will always be an inspiration for Singaporeans to follow.
Senior Minister of State for the Environment Grace Fu wrote she last met Dr Toh about two years ago at his home.
As part of the team responsible for the PAP's publication, Petir, she was keen to hear his views on the PAP on its 50th anniversary of government. Dr Toh had impressed with his deep sense of passion and loyalty towards Singapore and the people.
Ms Fu said Dr Toh retained strong conviction about the country's early policies.
He also remembered his close comrades clearly.
Ms Fu said that although he was frail, he looked after the Petir team and made sure they were fed well by topping up their plates constantly with Rendang and Curry Sotong.
Minister of State for Defence Lawrence Wong said Dr Toh did many things to shape the course of the country's history.
Whenever Singaporeans see the flag flying high, they will always remember Dr Toh for his many contributions to the nation.
MP for Tampines Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Baey Yam Keng said without Dr Toh and other pioneer leaders, Singapore will not be what it is today.
With the passing of another old guard, Mr Baey said he is reminded of how far Singapore has come, and what more the present generation must do for the future of Singapore.
A "Tribute to Dr Toh Chin Chye Special" will be telecast on Channel NewsAsia on Friday, February 3 at 8pm (Singapore time).
- CNA/cc/ck/ms
|
