Singapore Democrats

Chee Siok Chin

Mr Anthony Yeo was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma/Acute Leukemia several weeks ago. His progress is announced regularly at the Care and Counselling Centre website where he is a consultant therapist.

I got to know Anthony in 2003 at a course in which he lectured. His easy-going style and humour did not complement his goatee which made him look like a no-nonsense headmaster. I learned through our conversations that he had studied theology and was pleasantly surprised by his open-mindedness.

I had a discussion with him about my political involvement and my Christian beliefs some years back, and I remember coming away from our meeting feeling understood and supported.

We have since kept in touch and he has attended several events organised by the Singapore Democrats as well as by other activists.

I know that Anthony is a highly respected member of the community, and well-loved by those who know him. He did not shy away from lending his voice against the death penalty and to Aware's sex education package for schools.

He is also a regular contributor to the Straits times' Forum, often speaking up for the underdog.

He spoke up in defence of M Ravi who was the lawyer for the late Shanmugam Murugesu, who was hanged in 2007. He also spoke up for the SDP secretary-general when Mr Lee Kuan Yew called him a “near- psychopath”.

We understand that Anthony's condition is not quite stable yet and that the medical staff still needs to monitor his condition very closely. He is in the Intensive-Care Unit and seems to be drifting in and out of consciousness.

The Singapore Democrats and Friends are very concerned about him. He is constantly in our thoughts. We hope that his family is keeping well despite this trying time and that they are encouraged by the well-wishes pouring in.

Hang in there, Anthony.

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