9-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, passed away on Wednesday, 9 October, at the age of 69. The news of her death was shared by her brother, Lee Hsien Yang, in an early morning social media announcement.
Dr Lee, a renowned neurologist and former director of Singapore’s National Neuroscience Institute, died at her home, believed to be the iconic 38 Oxley Road residence, long associated with the Lee family. Her passing marks the end of an era for one of Singapore’s most influential families, which includes her other brother, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Described as “fiercely loyal to friends” and a champion for the underdog, Dr Lee was known for her sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her brother, Lee Hsien Yang, reminisced about her tendency to “mobilise actively” when confronted with unfairness or suspected wrongdoing.
Despite her privileged upbringing, Dr Lee was raised with a strong sense of frugality and social responsibility. In a 2003 interview, she reflected on her childhood, stating, “We were brought up to know how to be poor. We turned off taps, lights, and fans when not in use. You don’t waste water, you don’t waste electricity.”
Her academic brilliance was evident from an early age. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong recalled how she was “thoroughly bored in class” and received a double promotion from Primary One to Primary Three. This exceptional intellect led her to become a President’s Scholar and eventually top her class at the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore) in medicine.
Initially aspiring to become a veterinarian due to her love for animals, Dr Lee was persuaded by her parents to pursue medicine instead. She specialised in paediatric neurology, with a focus on epilepsy, developing close bonds with her patients over many years.
Beyond her medical career, Dr Lee was a regular columnist for The Sunday Times, penning articles about her personal life, society, and religion. Her columns were later compiled into a book titled “A Hakka Woman’s Singapore Stories: My life as a daughter, doctor and diehard Singaporean.”
In 2020, Dr Lee publicly revealed her diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a brain disease she described as “Parkinson’s-like”. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong commended her fortitude in facing the illness, noting that she “took it with her usual fortitude and stoicism”.
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The passing of Dr Lee comes amidst a period of familial tension following the death of Lee Kuan Yew in 2015. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong alluded to this in his statement, expressing regret at being unable to fulfil his father’s wish for him to care for his siblings due to a “shadow” that fell between them. Nevertheless, he emphasised that he “held nothing against Ling” and continued to ensure her welfare.
Lee Hsien Yang, in his announcement, quoted Dr Lee’s own words from their father’s eulogy: “I can’t break down (and cry), I am a Hakka woman.” He added poignantly, “Ling, I am less stoic than you.”
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to charities close to Dr Lee’s heart, including Canossa Mission Singapore, Parkinson Society Singapore, and Total Well-Being SG Limited.
