SINGAPORE – President of the Association of Criminal Lawyers of Singapore Tan Hee Joek died on Friday at the age of 51.
His predecessor Sunil Sudheesan, a criminal lawyer at Quahe Woo & Palmer, said: “Hee Joek was a gem of a man. Quiet, unassuming, hard-working and passionate about the law.
“He gave his all in his work and fought hard for his clients.”
Mr Sudheesan said Mr Tan, who was a partner at Tan See Swan & Co, succeeded him as president of the association in 2022.
“All of us were craving his new direction. Unfortunately, this cruel illness hit him earlier this year and it broke our hearts to find out that he had succumbed to it,” he added.
Chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao reported that Mr Tan had suffered a stroke earlier this year and died on Friday after his condition deteriorated unexpectedly.
Hainan Tan Clan Association president Tan Tia Kok told ST that the association was saddened by the death of Mr Tan, who was its legal adviser for 12 years.
He remembers the late Mr Tan as a humble, affable and professional man who was always very willing to help.
“We hope his family can get through this difficult period,” he said.
Mr Tan leaves his wife, two sons and a daughter.
The funeral will take place on Tuesday.
Mr Sudheesan, who is vice-president of the Association of Criminal Lawyers of Singapore, said: “Our profession has suffered another profound loss. And for many of us, this is a very sad personal loss too.”
This is the second death to hit the legal fraternity in about two months.
Mr Adrian Tan, who was president of the Law Society of Singapore, died in July after fighting cancer for more than a year. He was 57.
Late Law Society president Adrian Tan had a ‘good legal mind and a good heart’: Shanmugam
'If I were King of S'pore…': Lawyer Adrian Tan lightens critique on life with humour
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