Member Of Singapore’s First Cabinet Has Passed Away At 87 Wondering why flags on all government buildings flew at half mast on Thursday (7 Jun)? They were marking the death of Mr Jek Yeun Thong, a founding member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and a member of Singapore’s first Cabinet. Mr Jek passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday (3 Jun). Source In the same league as Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Othman Wok, Mr Jek was one of Singapore’s 1st generation leaders. Together, these men and women played a pivotal role in Singapore’s development. Here are 12 facts about Mr Jek and his achievements: 1. Signed the Separation Agreement from Malaysia Mr Jek was among the 10 ministers who signed the 1965 Independence of Singapore Agreement. He signed the document as Labour Minister. Other signatories include then-Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye and Minister for Culture S. Rajaratnam. 2. Alumnus of Chinese High School Mr Jek studied at Chinese High School, where he edited a newspaper and served as leader of the student union. TCHS clock tower, 1950s Source But Mr Jek was expelled from the school by the British government in 1950 and blacklisted for his role in a […]
7 years ago
