In a tragic turn of events, Anthony Lee Yung Hwee, former Assistant Secretary-General of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), has succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a legacy few may truly recognize. His commitment to his country and its political evolution echoes through the foundational efforts he contributed to PSP, a party that he regarded as a crucial part of his life’s work.

Lee's journey into the political sphere began relatively quietly. While many may not have recognized his name, those intimately familiar with the PSP understand the pivotal role he played behind the scenes. During the party's launch in 2019, I had the opportunity to connect with Anthony, whose enthusiasm was infectious. Along with influential figures like Micheal Chua, he helped persuade me to join the ranks of PSP. Despite our insightful discussions and plans for the future, Lee's impactful interview was ultimately left unpublished in PSP’s Coffee Table book designed after the 2020 General Elections, a decision that raises eyebrows about the internal dynamics within the party.

According to Lee, it was his vision that inspired Dr. Tan Cheng Bock to launch PSP, aiming to unite the opposition under a single cause. Additionally, he claimed credit for recruiting Lee Hsien Yang to the party, adding significant weight to PSP’s credibility from its inception. However, accounts of PSP's formation vary, with others in the founding Central Executive Committee (CEC) suggesting that multiple voices contributed to the vision that birthed the party, not just Lee's.

A strategic thinker, Lee identified the West Coast GRC as a vulnerable target largely due to what he described as the ineffective leadership of then-Minister S. Iswaran. His ambition was to contest in that constituency, envisioning a robust challenge to the ruling party. However, as PSP rapidly expanded, attracting talented individuals like Leong Mun Wai, Francis Yeun, and Andrew Ng, Lee had to pivot from his aspirations and stepped aside from his role as Assistant Secretary-General. Despite this setback, his commitment to the party remained unwavering, as he continued to assist with logistics for the GE2020 campaign and utilized his office in Pandan Loop as a hub for party activities.

After the elections, Lee stepped back from a prominent role within PSP, but his influence and contributions endure, echoing through the party’s ongoing evolution. His legacy reminds us of the dedication and quiet strength that foster growth within political movements.

Anthony Lee's wake is being held at the Void Deck @ 103 Clementi Street 14, Singapore 120103. As we reflect on his life and contributions, let us take a moment to honor a quiet pioneer who worked tirelessly for a vision he believed in. Rest in peace, Anthony—your efforts will not be forgotten.