From The Straits Times    |

Mrs Wee Kim Wee

Photo: ST

Former First Lady, Mrs Wee Kim Wee, is being mourned by the nation. Politicians, her family, and Singapore communities are taking to social media to honour her passing, and to reflect on her grace and dignity. Throughout her life, she has been lauded as a woman who was a pillar of strength to her husband, a philanthropist, and a devoted mother.

We take a look at what those who knew her are saying.

 

1. The Peranakan Association Singapore: “She was all heart and love.”

The Peranakan Association

 

2. Nurul Huda Abdullah (the late Mrs Wee Kim Wee’s granddaughter, who is a former Malaysian competitive swimmer): “Always beautiful, always elegant, always thinking of others to the end.”

Nurul Huda Abdullah

 

3. Alex Yam (Executive Director at People’s Action Party Headquarters): “Mrs Wee will be most remembered for the grace she brought to the Istana and her tireless service through her life to Singapore and Singaporeans.”

Alex Yam

 

4. NTU Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information: She inspired others to emulate “… her humility, passion and love for the people…”

NTU Wee Kim Wee School of Communications

ALSO READ: GOODBYE, MRS WEE KIM WEE

 

5. Madam Halimah Yacob: “She was a steadfast advocate of education and providing opportunities for disadvantaged children and youth.”

Mdm Halimah Yaacob

 

6. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean: He observed how Mrs Wee was a wonderful and gracious lady, as he had attended many occasions with Dr Wee and Mrs Wee, from the time he served in the Singapore Armed Forces to after he entered politics. “They were a wonderful couple and she was a lovely lady.”

 

7. Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, speaking to reporters at Kaki Bukit Division on Sunday morning: “Dr Wee and Mrs Wee served Singapore with distinction.” He had met Dr Wee and Mrs Wee many times when he was a senior civil servant, and they were always very gracious. “They have conducted themselves extremely well, they have showed great care and concern for the community, they have done an outstanding job, so I’m very saddened to hear about the passing of Mrs Wee,” he said.

 

8. Nanyang Technological University: “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Nanyang Technological University

 

9. Nanyang Girls’ High School: She “… will always be remembered for her warmth and kindness.”

Nanyang Girls' High School

 

10. Ms Wee Eng Hwa (her daughter) speaking to The Sunday Times: “She knew how to listen to people, empathise with them and entertain them. She was able to stand by (Dr Wee) and participate in all his activities, as he dealt with heads of state.”

 

11. Gunong Sayang Association: “She never failed to come & watch our annual Wayang Peranakan… until she was too weak.”

Gunong Sayang

 

ALSO READ: 12 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MRS WEE KIM WEE