Comrade Lim Soo Peng passed away on 27 July 2026. He was 97.
Appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1966, Comrade Lim entered politics at a turbulent time in Singapore’s history.
Comrade Lim stepped up to serve as PAP MP for Havelock in 1967, after the Barisan Socialis abandoned the constituency the year before due to its boycott of Parliament.
Comrade Lim got to work immediately upon becoming MP. He proved himself to be a true friend to the working man in Havelock and beyond, and worked to foster strong ties with residents.
In 1968, not long after the great Ellenborough Market fire around his ward, he questioned the Minister for National Development on why the abattoirs in Jurong that provided food and jobs for residents were not yet fully operational after some years.
The following year, he asked the Minister for Labour to increase payouts to injured workers under the Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance.
He was also a firm supporter of the Moneylenders (Amendment) Bill, which was designed to fight unlicensed, unprincipled loansharks.
“I particularly welcome the proposal to make it a seizable offence for a moneylender to harass his debtors at home or at the office,” said Comrade Lim about the Bill in September 1967.
“All too frequently we see on payday the furtive departure and sneaky homecoming of poor victims in the clutches of the moneylenders. Many of these poor souls fell prey to the moneylenders through no fault of their own, as they sometimes had to borrow money because of family sickness and other misfortunes.”
The Bill passed, helped by Comrade Lim’s clearly-voiced description of on-the-ground realities.
A lifelong devotion to creating a better Singapore
Comrade Lim’s devotion to public life did not stop when he left politics. He served on multiple Government committees and volunteered with the Home Team, with a particular focus on the welfare of prison inmates. He also served as a member on the Drug Rehabilitation Centre Review Committee for almost 25 years.
In 2022, he reflected on his 55 years serving as a Home Team volunteer on the Board of Visiting Justices and Board of Inspection.
“Our main duty is to visit prison and have dialogue sessions with inmates, to attain insights into the issues that they face,” said Comrade Lim.
“I stepped up to the plate as a member on the Board of Visiting Justices and Board of Inspection immediately after I was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1966. These were all opportunities for me to contribute to the improvement and welfare of inmates in prison and the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.”
He was awarded the Public Service Medal (1997), the Public Service Star (2001) and the Public Service Star (Bar) (2014) for his lifelong contributions to the nation.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to Comrade Lim.
“As MP, Mr Lim worked hard to improve the living conditions of his residents, laying the foundations for the area’s subsequent urban transformation. After stepping down from politics, he devoted himself to serving the community,” said PM Wong.
“He believed in listening to people, understanding their circumstances, and giving them a second chance. He was a steadfast advocate for their welfare, rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. Mr Lim exemplified a lifetime of service and quiet dedication to others.”
