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.