Former Barisan Socialis MP Lee Tee Tong passes away at 92

Mr Lee joined the People's Action Party (PAP) when it was a left-wing party.

However, he later realized that the PAP did not adhere to its socialist principles. Despite this, he supported the party in the 1959 general election to collectively pursue the expulsion of the British.

After the PAP's triumph, he and numerous other left-wing members faced expulsion from the party, presumably due to the non-renewal of their memberships.

Under the guidance of Mr Lim Chin Siong, those departing from the PAP established the Barisan Sosialis in 1961.

Amid the arrests of more than 130 opposition leaders, including the entire central executive committee of the Barisan Sosialis, Mr Lee, alongside other trade unionists, Nanyang University graduates, and undergraduates, found themselves compelled to lead the party into the general election on 21 September 1963.

Mr Lee contested in Bukit Timah, the constituency previously secured by Mr Lim Chin Siong, who had been arrested during Operation Coldstore.

At 32, Mr Lee clinched victory with a 52.39% vote share in a three-cornered fight against Chor Yeok Eng from the People's Action Party and Ong Tiong Kuan from the United People's Party (UPP).

However, before assuming office, he was arrested on 8 October during "Operation Pecah."

He tendered his resignation from his seat in a letter dated 12 November 1966, while still in detention, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament.

On 15 February 1980, the Ministry of Home Affairs transferred Lee Tee Tong to Pulau Ubin.

At that time, the authorities stated that Lee Tee Tong refused to promise not to continue subversive activities.

However, the Internal Security Department (ISD) assessed that he could be released to Pulau Ubin without excessive risk.

Lee Tee Tong was held without trial until 1 June 1981, amounting to 18 years under the PAP government.

Upon receiving permission to return to the Singapore mainland, Lee pursued work as an electrician, retiring in his fifties and dedicating himself to reading.

Mdm Huang emphasized his unyielding commitment to his political ideals, describing him as resolute. Friends lauded his integrity, citing him as "upright and straightforward."

"Lee Tee Tong didn't read much and found writing challenging, but he was good at impromptu speeches. Whenever a friend passed away, he could speak off the cuff."

Mr Lee's wake is situated at Block 157, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.

His funeral is scheduled for Friday (22 Dec), with cremation at Mandai Crematorium Hall 1 at 11:25 AM.

His legacy endures among those who stood against neo-colonialism