Former Minister of State Tang See Chim, who fought for pig farmers, dies aged 94

Former Minister of State for Finance Tang See Chim died on Saturday (Aug 15), aged 94.

A lawyer by training, Tang entered politics in 1966, a year after Singapore became independent. 

He won the 1966 by-election in Chua Chu Kang —  triggered by the Barisan Socialis boycott of Parliament — going on to represent the constituency for 22 years before retiring in 1988.

Tang was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Finance in 1968 and later promoted to Minister of State for Finance in 1970.

He was also Deputy Speaker of Parliament between 1972 and 1981.

Voice of pig farmers

Tang, who was 36 when he entered politics, was known for speaking up for pig farmers in the then-largely rural Chua Chu Kang constituency.

He pressed the Government to help subsidise swine fever vaccinations for at-risk pigs and also raised parliamentary questions about HDB's resettlement policy in Chua Chu Kang that led to farm land fragmentation. 

In 1976, Tang was offered a chance to move to another constituency, but declined the offer.

Then-Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said at a National Day constituency dinner that Tang refused the offer as he felt that he had the responsibility of helping the thousands of farmers and other residents to find their new homes and alternative ways of making a living. 

And Tang lived up to his word.

In the 1980s, as pig farms were being phased out in Singapore, Tang appealed to the Prime Minister's Office for resettlement to be delayed by three to five years. 

In an adjournment motion in Parliament on July 29, 1986, Tang, speaking on behalf of farmers, said resettlement presents a traumatic experience for those affected.

"It uproots their way of life and for the farmers in Chua Chu Kang, it also takes away their means of livelihood."

He also raised issues regarding the amount of compensation, delay in the payment of compensation, delay in allocation of flats and notice period, and resettlement in areas where redevelopment were not immediately planned for.

After retiring from politics in 1988, Tang returned to legal practice and served as chairman of the Law Society's disciplinary committee from 1993 to 2004.

Tang served Singapore with dedication and integrity: PM Wong

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to Tang in a social media post on Sunday.

He said that Singapore has lost one of its pioneers with the passing of Tang.

"Mr Tang stepped forward to serve in our nation’s early years, setting aside a promising legal career for public service. As Parliamentary Secretary and later Minister of State for Finance, he contributed to Singapore’s development during a formative period in our history," PM Wong wrote.

The prime minister also noted Tang's "deep commitment" to the residents of Chua Chu Kang, noting how Tang had supported them through a period of rapid development and resettlement.

"Mr Tang served Singapore with dedication and integrity. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," PM Wong said.

Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng, who is the incumbent anchor minister for Chua Chu Kang GRC, also paid tribute to Tang in a social media post on Sunday.

Dr Tan noted that Tang had continued to show up for the community he had served for many years, adding that the former MP's longstanding dedication to Chua Chu Kang will be remembered.

Tang's wake is being held at 23 Victoria Park Road till Wednesday.

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editor@asiaone.com