On Thursday evening (10 October), Singapore’s mainstream media, stationed outside Singapore Casket where Dr Lee Wei Ling’s wake was held, reported the arrival of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Ho Ching, to attend his sister’s funeral.

Dr Lee, the daughter of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, passed away on 9 October at the age of 69, at her family home at 38 Oxley Road.

Her wake is being held at Singapore Casket from 10 October to 12 October.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, SM Lee and Mdm Ho arrived outside Singapore Casket at around 8.30 pm.

They reportedly stayed at the wake for about 10 minutes and did not provide any comments to the media.

In contrast, the South China Morning Post reported that SM Lee and Mdm Ho stayed for approximately 15 minutes before leaving.

A member of the public who paid respects to Dr Lee shared with TOC that SM Lee had written a simple “RIP” in the condolences book.

Mr Li Yipeng, the eldest son of Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, also attended Dr Lee’s wake earlier.

Observing comments on social media, some users questioned the brevity of SM Lee’s visit to his sister’s wake.

One user remarked that even attending a friend’s funeral typically lasts at least 30 minutes, asking, “Where can you find a brother who attends his sister’s funeral for just 15 minutes?”

Others pointed out that it is customary for family members to stay the entire day at a funeral, particularly the eldest brother, who usually greets visitors and offers hospitality, such as refreshments.

“That’s what family members do,” one user noted.

A netizen lamented that instead of receiving guests at his sister’s wake, LHL appeared as a VIP guest accompanied by bodyguards.

Another user expressed sadness over the situation, noting that the eldest brother was attending the wake like any other outsider.

The comment highlighted that Lee Hsien Yang, the younger brother, was organizing the funeral remotely and could not return.

This led to a broader question among netizens: Would LHL attend his own brother’s funeral if he were to pass first?

Some netizens disagreed with the criticism of LHL’s attendance at his sister’s wake, arguing that, regardless of public sentiment towards the government, this is a personal matter.

One comment emphasised the need for objectivity, stating that people cannot judge LHL solely based on appearances or media reports.

He questioned what LHL might have done for his sister behind the scenes and pointed out that even if he had stayed longer, some would still find fault with his actions.

A comment on Reddit expressed that while LHL doesn’t necessarily need to be invited, his absence from receiving mourners as the eldest family member suggests he was not asked or instructed to participate in the funeral proceedings at all.

A netizen lamented that family disputes deeply affect one’s soul, particularly when reconciliation with a sibling is impossible, even in death.

The Reddit comment emphasised the emotional pain that arises from being reminded of happy childhood moments during such difficult times.

Dr Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, passed away on 9 October at the age of 69, at her family home at 38 Oxley Road.

Lee Hsien Yang (LHY), Dr Lee’s brother, announced her passing on social media, and had earlier requested that the wake and funeral remain a private affair.

He also noted that respects could be paid on a strict queue basis, adding, “There will be no exceptions, not even for VIPs,” to ensure that everyone is treated equally during the visitation period.

The wake is being held at the Pearl & Sapphire Hall of Singapore Casket, located at 131 Lavender Street, Singapore. Public visitation is open from 2 PM to 10 PM on 10 October, and from 10 AM to 10 PM on 11 October. The final visitation period is scheduled for 10 AM to 1 PM on 12 October.

Despite the request for privacy, mainstream media (MSM) representatives have gathered outside the Singapore Casket building.

MSM reporters are focused on whether Dr Lee’s elder brother, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, will attend her funeral.

On Thursday (10 October ) at around 8.30pm, MSM spotted Senior Minister Lee and his wife, Ho Ching, entering Singapore Casket.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, SM Lee and his wife stayed at the wake for about 10 minutes and did not provide any comments to the media.

Comments on social media pages of various media outlets show Singaporeans pouring in with condolence messages, remembering Dr Lee’s contributions to Singapore’s medical field.

They praised her as a low-profile and modest woman, despite being a President’s Scholar and the Head of the Neurology Department.

Many noted how much she resembled her mother, who also shunned the limelight, even at their funerals.

However, some netizens, after viewing videos and photos taken by mainstream media, questioned whether Mdm Ho Ching was smirking before entering Dr Lee’s funeral.

Netizens Urge Media and Public to Give Grieving Family Space

Some netizens disagreed with the speculation surrounding Mdm Ho Ching’s expression in the media footage, urging others to refrain from making unfounded assumptions.

They called for compassion, emphasizing the need to give the grieving family some space.

Some netizens also recalled the Lee family feud surrounding the 38 Oxley Road house, where Dr Lee and LHY accused their brother, SM Lee, of opposing their father’s wish to have the house demolished after his passing.

One netizen lamented the strained relationship within the Lee family, questioning why there was supposed to be a sense of family, yet it felt more like guests attending the wake.

Another commented on the fact that SM Lee and his wife attended the wake rather than being involved in arranging it, especially given that Dr Lee was unmarried and their parents are no longer around, “it says alot about their relationship.”

One netizen speculated that Dr Lee might be SM Lee’s greatest regret in life, as he had failed to mend his relationship with her.

The comment added, “Attend or not attend his sister’s wake doesn’t really matter since the person had already gone.”

Meanwhile, some netizens questioned the media’s actions, pointing out that despite LHY’s request for no media coverage, reporters were still camping outside Dr Lee’s funeral.