Former Senior Parliamentary Secretary Lee Yiok Seng, who was behind housing efforts, dies at 87
He was MP for Bukit Panjang from 1972 to 1991, and Sembawang GRC MP from 1991 to 1996.
Former Senior Parliamentary Secretary Lee Yiok Seng, a prominent figure in Singapore's housing and resettlement efforts, passed away on November 6 at the age of 87. Born in the 1930s, Lee began his political career in the 1970s and served as the Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang from 1972 to 1991, and later for Sembawang GRC from 1991 to 1996.
He was a loyal member of the People's Action Party (PAP) and held key positions such as Government whip from 1981 to 1988 and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development from 1981 to 1993, as well as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Labour from 1994 to 1996.
Upon his death, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed deep sorrow over Lee's passing, highlighting his dedication and purposeful service to the nation, including his role in housing and resettlement initiatives. Wong noted that Lee played an instrumental role in assisting families and businesses as Singapore developed new towns and housing estates. As Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Labour, Lee championed workplace safety and workers' welfare.
Lee's commitment to Singapore extended beyond his political career. After retiring, he remained active in his community, attending events and keeping in touch with old grassroots leaders. According to Parliamentary records, Lee argued in 1978 for favorable consideration of work permits for individuals whose spouses and children were Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
In 1984, as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, he spoke about the Government's resettlement efforts, emphasizing that squatters were offered help to purchase HDB flats with a reduced downpayment of $100 and priority in purchasing the flats. During the first decade of resettlement (1960-1969), 37,153 squatters were helped, with $29 million in compensation paid out.
The resettlement pace increased significantly in the following years, with 104,643 squatters resettled and $305.7 million in compensation paid between 1970 and 1979, and 60,512 squatters resettled and $505.4 million in compensation from 1980 to 1983. Lee acknowledged the aspiration of Singaporeans living in slums and squatter areas for better housing and emphasized that resettlement had never been an easy task, but the achievements in this field were exemplary.
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