TO HIS friends, Dr Chee Phui Hung was affectionately known as the 'Agong', or king in Malay, for his larger-than-life personality and his fierce devotion to his principles.
On Sunday, Dr Chee, the former president of the Medical Alumni Association and a one-time politician, died at his Cluny Road home after a six-month battle with pneumonia. He was 87.
Dr Chee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mrs Diana Chee, who is also a doctor. The couple met in medical school and have three adult children.
Over the past two days, family and friends, including Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, paid tribute to the man who is credited with championing closer ties within Singapore's medical community.
His peers have described him as a driving force behind the establishment of the Medical Alumni Centre's present premises at the Singapore General Hospital.
Speaking to The Straits Times yesterday, Dr Winston Chee, 51, the only son of the 'Agong', said his father was a passionate advocate of citizens being more involved in the political landscape.
--ST