Singapore’s Founding Father Toh Chin Chye Passes

February 5th, 2012 by Wan Ni · 412 views · No Comments

(Photo image taken from www.channelnewsasia.com)

One of Singapore’s Founding Fathers, and PAP Old Guard, Dr Toh Chin Chye, has passed on.

His will be a private funeral, although in recognition of his contributions to the State, the Government has accorded Dr Toh the “honour of being borne on the ceremonial gun carriage for his final journey to the Mandai Crematorium.

In addition, the state flag at all government buildings will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral.”

Born in 1921 in Perak, Dr Toh served with great distinction and courage during the tumultuous years of Singapore’s post-independence. As a student, he was academically brilliant, and was able to garner scholarships which eventually saw him completing a PhD in Physiology, in London. It was also in London that he became politically active, becoming Chairman of the Malayan Forum, which sought independence for the Malayan states from Britain. It was in London as well that he first forged close links with those who would become the founding members of the People’s Action Party (PAP).

In 1953, upon his return to Singapore, he continued with his political activism, and in 1954, was among those who urged the eventual registration of the PAP as a political party. Dr Toh was founding chairman of the PAP, and remained its Chairman for 27 years.

Eventually, with Singapore’s independence, Dr Toh became Deputy Prime Minister. He would go on to serve in a variety of Ministries, including Health, and Science and Technology. He also left his imprint in the field of education, where he served as Chairman of Singapore Polytechnic and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Singapore. He established “the faculties of Engineering and Architecture in the University of Singapore.” He also mooted the move of the university from “Bukit Timah to Kent Ridge and initiated the setting up of the National University Hospital.”

Among his other contributions was the design of our national flag, particularly the insertion of a crescent moon (to symbolise a developing nation), and the selection of our national anthem.

Dr Toh retired from Government in 1981, and from politics in 1988. When he became a backbencher, he was known as a vocal and independent critic of prevailing Government policies.

From the various accounts of those who worked with him, he was always tough-minded, but fair. In his tribute, Former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew described Dr Toh as a “redoubtable fighter for equality for all peoples, regardless of race, language or religion.” Dr Toh believed that there should be “no discrimination against anyone because of his or her race.”

For readers who are interested in reading more about the critical years of Singapore’s founding and post-independence, they can refer to the following:

Men in white: the untold story of Singapore’s ruling political party / Sonny Yap, Richard Lim and Leong Weng Kam.
Publisher: Singapore : Singapore Press Holdings, c2009.
Call No.: English 324.25957 YAP

Lee Kuan Yew : hard truths to keep Singapore going / Han Fook Kwang … [et al.].
Publisher: Singapore : Straits Times Press, c2011.
Call No.: English 959.5705092 LEE

Lee’s lieutenants : Singapore’s old guard /edited by Lam Peng Er and Kevin Y.L. Tan
Publisher: St Leonards, N.S.W. : Allen & Unwin, 1999
Call No.: English 320.95957 LEE