PM Wong honours late ex-MP Lee Yiok Seng, cites his role in housing, resettlement efforts

Former Member of Parliament Lee Yiok Seng, who served the constituencies of Bukit Panjang and Sembawang for nearly 25 years, has died at the age of 87.

Prime Minister Lawrenece Wong paid tribute to Lee in a Facebook post shared on Friday (Nov 6), describing him as a dedicated public servant who played a key role in Singapore's development efforts and highlighted his contributions as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development. 

PM Wong wrote: "Lee served Singapore with dedication and purpose. ... He played an important role in our housing and resettlement efforts, helping families and businesses adjust as we developed new towns and housing estates." 

He added that Lee had also championed workplace safety and workers' welfare during his time as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Labour.

Wong said he got to know Lee after moving to contest in Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC in 2015 and recalled that the former MP continued to keep an eye on the area's developments even after retiring from politics.

"I was grateful for his encouragement and support, and will always remember his warmth and dedication to the party and the people he served," he said.

Describing Lee as a "devoted public servant" and a "loyal comrade" to the People's Action Party (PAP), Wong extended his condolences to Lee's family and loved ones. 

Alex Yam, North West Community Development Council Mayor and MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, also posted an Instagram tribute the same day. 

In his post, Yam described Lee as a familiar face in the Marsiling-Yew Tee and North West District, adding that he remained active in the community long after stepping away from politics.

Yam also highlighted Lee's nearly three decades in Parliament, including his stints as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development and Labour, as well as his role as Government Whip.

Reflecting on his interactions with Lee, Yam described the veteran politician as "always approachable, friendly and encouraging". 

"Never one to stand on ceremony or remind younger comrades of his seniority. Just a kind word, a warm smile and genuine pleasure in catching up," he wrote, adding that Lee never truly left the PAP family behind. 

"As the years pass, we are gradually saying goodbye to a generation of comrades who gave so much of their lives to Singapore. 

"Their contributions live on not only in the institutions and communities they helped build, but also in the friendships they kept and the people whose lives they touched."

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esther.lam@asiaone.com