Dr Lee Wei Ling, Renowned Singaporean Neurologist, Passes Away at 69

Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of Singapore‘s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, passed away at the age of 69 on October 9, 2024. Her death was announced by her younger brother, Mr Lee Hsien Yang, in a Facebook post early Wednesday morning. Dr Lee, known for her staunch determination and loyalty, died at the family residence on Oxley Road.

Dr Lee, the middle child of Lee Kuan Yew and sister to Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, was a figure of resilience. In recent years, she battled progressive supranuclear palsy, a debilitating brain disease diagnosed in 2020. The disease affects motor skills, eye movements, and balance, ultimately leading to serious health complications.

In a candid Facebook post back in 2020, Dr Lee revealed her diagnosis and shared her philosophy of ‘ren’ (endure) from Chinese teachings, acknowledging life’s unavoidable hardships. Her commitment to austerity and social justice was well-noted during her lifetime. In a 2003 interview with TODAY, she highlighted her upbringing, mentioning how she was trained to understand frugality despite a privileged background.

A former director of Singapore’s National Neuroscience Institute, Dr Lee was a dedicated paediatric neurologist specializing in epilepsy. Mr Lee Hsien Loong recalled her academic achievements, from a young President’s Scholar to her medical career, underscoring her unwavering dedication to medicine and her patients.

Dr Lee was also known for her writing, contributing columns to The Sunday Times, which were later compiled into a book. Her writing often touched on personal and societal issues, reflecting her diverse interests and outspoken nature.

Her brother, Mr Lee Hsien Yang, described her as “fiercely loyal to friends” and remembered her advocacy for the underdog, a trait she unabashedly admitted during several public engagements. At a 2003 fundraiser, she emphasized her lifelong support for the underprivileged, driven by her sense of justice.

In his tribute, Mr Lee Hsien Loong shared memories of her childhood days and her intrinsic love for animals, initially aspiring to be a veterinarian before pursuing her medical career under parental advice. He conveyed deep affection and respect for her perseverance through challenging times.

Dr Lee’s passing marks an end to a significant chapter in the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew’s family. Funeral details are forthcoming, with a request for donations to various charities in lieu of flowers, honoring her life’s dedication towards service and care for others.