Lee Run Hu

Who was Lee Run Hu?

Lee Run Hu was a Singaporean writer and poet who was remembered for his contributions to the development of Chinese literature and literary writing in Malaya. He was a prolific writer for Chinese newspapers and other publications, championing socio-political issues, and exposing evils by mercenary businessmen and the Japanese government during the Japanese occupation of Singapore.

Lee was an reporter, before and after the war. He was an altruistic man who worked out of his interest in social commentary work, and wrote pro-bono for local Chinese newspapers. From 1945 to his death, Lee wrote a total of 132 articles for local newspapers

Through his articles Lee obtrusively voiced his opinions, and offended many important people in the Malayan society. For instance, he once wrote about wealthy people who had a penchant of donating a dollar, and expecting 3 dollars' worth of recognition of patriotism, charity, and generosity. As a result, Lee was forced to adopt different pen-names just to have his work published. Lee died of illness in 1947 at the age of 34. Upon his death, the local literary circle honoured him with an elaborate funeral, and a commemorative feature on the Chinese newspapers, honoring him with the title of Singapore Cultural Warrior.