Former S'pore DPM And PAP Founding Member Dies

SINGAPORE, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- 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 Friday morning. He was 90. Dr Toh, who was born in Perak, Malaysia (north 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, Dr Toh was its first chairman 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 district, Singapore. Dr Toh is survived by his son-in-law and four grandchildren, aged four to 15. -- BERNAMA