Wife of Singapore’s late finance minister dies

SINGAPORE: The wife of Singapore’s late former Finance Minister Hon Sui Sen has died.

Mrs Annie Hon, who was in her 90s, died on Wednesday night at home.

She is survived by four daughters, 15 grandchildren and nine great—grandchildren.

Her wake is held at Church of St Mary of the Angels in Bukit Batok.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and his wife Ms Ho Ching, were there to pay their respects on Thursday evening.

Speaking to the media after attending the wake, Prime Minister Lee shared fond memories of Mrs Hon.

"We knew her as Auntie Annie and she was a very dear friend to our family; I’ve known her since I was born," Mr Lee said. "She was very good to us. When we were kids, she would spoil us with chocolates —— my mother didn’t fully approve."

"When we grew up, she was very good to our children too," Prime Minister Lee added.

"The last time I saw her was maybe, 10, 15 years ago, when one of her grandchildren was commissioned at SAFTI... She was a bit frail by then, but in good spirits. And she lived to a ripe old age. May she rest in peace."

Among those who also attended the wake on Thursday evening was former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife Mrs Mary Tan were also present.

Dr Tan described the late Mrs Hon as a caring and compassionate woman.

He said: "When my wife and I had the opportunity to travel with her and the late Mr Hon Sui Sen we found that she was a wonderful companion, always looking out for other people, making sure we are all well. They were older than us and we are very grateful for their attention. So we always remember her as a very kind, caring, no pretensions but a very good woman."

Mrs Hon’s funeral will be held on Monday.

A funeral mass will be held at Church of St Ignatius at King’s Road at 10.45am.

Her body will be cremated at Mandai Crematorium at 12.45pm.

Her husband, who was Singapore’s Finance Minister from 1970 to 1983, died in October 1983.

— CNA/xq/ck