Wife of president dies of cancer
The city-state's First Lady has died after losing a 2.5-year battle against colon cancer.
President Ong Teng Cheong's Shanghainese wife, Ling Siew May, passed away peacefully at 11.25am yesterday at the National University Hospital after being placed in intensive care on Wednesday, a statement from his office said.
Mr Ong, who became Singapore's first popularly elected president in 1993, has been fighting his own battle with cancer.
Although he says his illness is now in remission, Mr Ong has announced plans to retire next month. The President was diagnosed with low-grade malignant lymphoma in 1992.
He said the 62-year-old First Lady's health had been a factor in his decision not to stand for re-election.
Mrs Ong, who moved to Singapore from China as a youth, leaves behind two sons.
The couple met as architecture students at the University of Adelaide in Australia in the 1960s.
Since 1972, Mrs Ong had been a principal partner in Ong & Ong Architects, while her husband embarked on a career in politics.
A wake was due to be held at the President's private residence from today before the cremation and funeral on Tuesday.
Mrs Ong had sought medical treatment abroad, often in the United States. She visited Hong Kong for medical consultations a month ago.
She last appeared in public on July 9, accompanying her husband to the President's Charity Ball.
