Images via National Library Board and Lawrence Wong/Facebook
Former People's Action Party Member of Parliament Lim Soo Peng has died at the age of 97.
Lim, who was an MP for Havelock in the 1960s and 70s, passed on Jul. 27, according to an obituary by the Straits Times.
In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to Lim, and said that he was "saddened to learn of" the news.
"As MP, Mr Lim worked hard to improve the living conditions of his residents, laying the foundations for the area’s subsequent urban transformation," PM Wong said.
After his retirement from politics, Lim devoted himself to serving the community, serving as a Home Team volunteer for 55 years.
The former Justice of the Peace also supported inmates and those undergoing rehabilitation in prisons and drug rehabilitation centres.
He advocated for their welfare and eventual reintegration into society.
Lim "believed in listening to people, understanding their circumstances, and giving them a second chance", wrote PM Wong.
"Mr Lim exemplified a lifetime of service and quiet dedication to others. Singapore owes pioneers like him a deep debt of gratitude."
Home Team volunteer
In a 2022 interview with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lim spoke about his 55 years of volunteerism, which led to him receiving the Public Service Medal and the Public Service Star in 1997 and 2001 respectively.
As a volunteer, he would visit prisons and hold dialogue sessions with inmates to gain insights into the issues they were facing.
He then highlighted these to the authorities.
Lim said he hoped to see the enhancement of Singapore's efforts to reintegrate ex-offenders back into society.
He added:
"Personally, perseverance and commitment to the ideals of public service are what have kept me here for the long haul.
It’s in my nature to keep working and volunteering, regardless of my age, as I believe in lifelong work."
Lim was also the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of listed company Chemical Industries (Far East) Ltd, from which he retired as Emeritus Chairman in July 2025 at the age of 96.
