Preceded by Newly Created Role Singaporean Politician Succeeded by Lim Yew Hock Died December 1985, Singapore | Nationality Singaporean Education Anglo-Chinese School Name Chew Kee Party Labour Front | |
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Chief Minister David Marshall
Lim Yew Hock Political party Labour Front (1954-1959) Alma mater Chung Wah Chinese School
Anglo-Chinese School | ||
Chew Swee Kee (Chinese: 周瑞麒; pinyin: Zhōu Ruìqí; May 15, 1918 – December 1985) was a Singaporean politician. A member of Singapore-based political party Labour Front, Chew served as Minister of Education from 1955 to around 1959.
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Early life
Chew was born May 15, 1918, in Gopeng, Malaya. He attended Chung Wah Chinese School and Anglo-Chinese School.
Career
Chew was a member of the Labour Front, a Singapore-based political party. He was given the role of Minister of Education following the victory of the Labour Front in the 1955 Legislative Elections. He was also acting Chief Minister and chairman of the All-Party Committee of the Singapore Legislative Assembly. Returning from Hong Kong, where he had travelled to in 1956 for professional reasons, he became the Labour Front's president in around 1957. He later joined the Singapore People's Alliance. In February 1959, Chew was accused of corruption by the People's Action Party. The claim has it that Chew accepted around $700,000 to $800,000 from an unrevealed donor in New York City as a "political gift". Chew promptly stepped down from his post on March 4, 1959. The incident is credited for causing the Singapore People's Alliance's downfall.
Personal life
Chew became a Singapore citizen in November 1957. He was married and had four daughters and one son. While on holiday, it was reported that he got robbed of his trousers. He headed the Ipoh ACS Alumni Association from 1962 to 1964. Chew owned a tin mine located in Ipoh, Malaysia, which he purchased for $350,000.
Death
Chew died in December 1985. The cause of death was myocardial infarction.