Dr Toh Chin Chye, a former Singapore deputy prime minister (DPM) and a founding member of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), died at his home this morning. He was 90.

Toh, who was born in Perak, Malaysia in 1921, was a key member of the republic’s first generation leaders, together with former minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew, former DPM S Rajaratnam and former second DPM Goh Keng Swee.

During his academic career, the son of a bicycle shop owner, was awarded scholarships to study at the Anglo Chinese School in Ipoh; Raffle College in Singapore; and, to pursue a doctorate in physiology in London.

When the PAP was formed in November 1954, Toh was its first chairperson and had served as a cabinet minister until 1981.

He was the deputy prime minister from 1959 to 1968; minister for science and technology from 1968 to 1975; and, minister for health from 1975 to 1981.

In 1988, at the age of 67, he retired as member of parliament for Rochore.

Toh is survived by his son-in-law and four grandchildren, aged four to 15.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his cabinet colleagues expressed sadness over Toh’s passing at 9.30am, and conveyed their condolences to the family. 

The statement said Toh had left instructions for a private funeral which would be held at the Mandai Crematorium on Tuesday.

The government will assist the family in making the funeral arrangements.

According to the statement, as a mark of respect to one of Singapore’s founding fathers, the government had decided to accord Toh the honour of being borne on the ceremonial gun carriage for his final journey.

In addition, it said, state flags on all government buildings would be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral.

- Bernama