TO HIS friends, Dr Chee Phui Hung was affectionately known as
the 'Agong', or king in Malay, for his larger-than-life personality
and his fierce devotion to his principles.
On Sunday, Dr Chee, the former president of the Medical Alumni
Association and a one-time politician, died at his Cluny Road home
after a six-month battle with pneumonia. He was 87.
Dr Chee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mrs Diana Chee, who
is also a doctor. The couple met in medical school and have three
adult children.
Over the past two days, family and friends, including Health
Minister Khaw Boon Wan, paid tribute to the man who is credited
with championing closer ties within Singapore's medical
community.
His peers have described him as a driving force behind the
establishment of the Medical Alumni Centre's present premises at
the Singapore General Hospital.
Speaking to The Straits Times yesterday, Dr Winston Chee, 51,
the only son of the 'Agong', said his father was a passionate
advocate of citizens being more involved in the political
landscape.
--ST