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SINGAPORE: Former diplomat Lee Chiong Giam was a “tireless leader” and will be remembered for his many contributions to Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday (March 12).
In a letter of condolence to Mr. Lee Chiong Giam’s wife, Mdm Png, the Prime Minister said: “We will deeply miss Chiong Giam. I hope you find peace and comfort in knowing that he was highly respected and long remembered for his important contributions to Singapore.
“Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of pain.”
Mr. Lee Chiong Giam was one of the first generation of civil servants who “served Singapore with distinction”, having entered service in 1967, shortly after the nation’s independence, the Prime Minister said.
He highlighted the various positions Mr. Lee Chiong Giam held, including at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), where he “worked to expand the diplomatic and economic footprint of a young nation.”
He was also appointed executive director of the Popular Association (PA) in 1982, a position he held for 17 years.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
“He led the Palestinian Authority through a period of rapid economic growth for Singapore, supporting the Government to strengthen our social policies and community infrastructure to match the growing aspirations of our people,” said the Prime Minister.
Mr. Lee Chiong Giam led many national initiatives that improved lives and brought Singapore society closer together.
During his tenure, the Citizens ‘Advisory Committees and the Residents’ Committees became part of the Palestinian Authority. He also established Neighborhood Committees for private properties and helped establish Community Development Councils.
Under his leadership, the Palestinian Authority established Malay and Indian Activity Groups and established the Joint Social Service Center, now known as OnePeople.SG, to host self-help groups on Palestinian Authority premises, in order to promote racial harmony. and social cohesion.
“As a strong supporter of the arts, he nurtured local talent through PA’s arts and cultural groups, including the PA Chinese Orchestra which became today’s Singapore Chinese Orchestra,” said the Prime Minister.
MODESTY AND KINDNESS
Mr. Lee Chiong Giam formally returned to the MFA after leaving the Palestinian Authority, although “he had not actually left,” the Prime Minister said.
Even while in the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Lee Chiong Giam had at the same time been the Non-Resident High Commissioner (NRHC) in Papua New Guinea.
He was later appointed NRHC in Fiji and Pakistan, and Non-Resident Ambassador in Timor-Leste. As deputy secretary of the MFA, he oversaw efforts to persuade countries to resume travel from Singapore after the SARS epidemic in 2003.
“Today, as we recover from COVID-19 and reopen our borders, we are building on that experience,” the Prime Minister said.
“Chiong Giam’s colleagues warmly remember him not only for his dedication to Singapore and his public service, but also for his modesty and kindness. Senior MFA officers talk about how Chiong Giam had mentored and helped them silently, without any expectation. of recognition or revenge.
“He spoke frankly, his sharp comments often tempered by a distinctive humor that allowed him to speak his mind and give honest advice to others.”
SINGAPORE SERVED WITH DISTINCTION
In a Facebook post on Friday night, former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said Lee served Singapore with distinction, adding that he was shocked and saddened upon learning of her passing.
“I knew Chiong Giam well as the CEO of PA, both as a Marine Parade grassroots advisor and when he was president of PA,” wrote Goh.
Goh Chok Tong, Lee Yock Suan, then Vice President of the Palestinian Authority, and Lee Chiong Giam at the Palestinian Authority 25th anniversary cultural rally and rally in 1985 (Photo: Facebook / MParader).
“In PA, he fostered social cohesion through a series of constituency and national programs. He encapsulated the spirit of a public servant: dedicated, patient, courteous, helpful and humble,” he added.
“Chiong Giam has served Singapore with distinction. My condolences to the Chiong Giam family during this difficult time.”
