Ex-Singapore president dies of cancer

Ex-Singapore president dies of cancer

Wee Sui Lee, Associated Press/Singapore

Former Singapore President Wee Kim Wee has died from cancer at
age 89, his family said on Monday.

Bill Wee said his father's death on early Monday was from
"secondary cancer" arising from complications from an earlier
bout with prostate cancer.

Wee served as high commissioner to Malaysia, as well as
ambassador to Japan and South Korea before assuming the largely
ceremonial presidency, which he held from 1985 to 1993.

He worked as a reporter for the local Straits Times newspaper
before World War II and then joined the United Press Association
in 1950. In 1966, after rejoining the Straits Times, he
interviewed former Indonesian strongman Soeharto, reporting of
his intention to end the three-year confrontation with Malaysia.

The former president, who leaves behind seven children, had
also reported for the newspaper from Zaire.

"He was in pain in the last few months up until his death and
it was unfortunate he had to go in this way, this painful end,"
said the younger Wee, 68.

Bill Wee said his father's body would lie in state at the
Istana - the official residence of the president - from Tuesday
until Thursday. He will be cremated Friday.

In Singapore, the prime minister and his Cabinet control
policy, while the president has ceremonial duties.