29 MARCH 2015 60 CENTS MCI (P) 044/01/2015

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Lee Kuan1923 – 2015 Yew The Father of Our Nation, A Brother to Our Workers

Lee Kuan Yew 1923 - 2015

“In Government, I have never forgotten that it is in the interest of the workers and their unions that we must strive for growth and development. In other words, growth is meaningless unless it is shared by the workers; shared not only directly in wage increases but indirectly in better homes, better schools, better hospitals, better playing elds and, generally, a healthier environment for families to bring up their children.”

The Labour Movement and the Workers of

NTUC-Af liated Unions and Associations • Air Transport Executive Staff Union • Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers • Amalgamated Union of Public Employees • Amalgamated Union of Statutory Board Employees • Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union • Building Construction and Timber Industries Employees’ Union • Chemical Industries Employees’ Union • Creative Media and Publishing Union • DBS Staff Union • dnata Singapore Staff Union • Education Services Union • ExxonMobil Singapore Employees Union • Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union • Healthcare Services Employees’ Union • Housing and Development Board Staff Union • Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore Staff Union • Keppel Employees Union • Keppel FELS Employees’ Union • Metal Industries Workers’ Union • National Taxi Association • National Transport Workers’ Union • NatSteel Employees’ Union • Ngee Ann Polytechnic Academic Staff Union • Port Officers’ Union • Public Utilities Board Employees’ Union • Reuters Local Employees Union • Scoot Staff Union • Sembawang Shipyard Employees’ Union • Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union • SIA Engineering Company Engineers and Executives Union • Singapore Airlines Staff Union • Singapore Airport Terminal Services Workers’ Union • Singapore Bank Employees’ Union • Singapore Bank Officers’ Association • Singapore Chinese Teachers’ Union • Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union • Singapore Insurance Employees’ Union • Singapore Interpreters’ and Translators’ Union • Singapore Malay Teachers’ Union • The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union • Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union • Singapore Organisation of Seamen • Singapore Port Workers Union • Singapore Refining Company Employees’ Union • Singapore Shell Employees’ Union • Singapore Stevedores’ Union • Singapore Tamil Teachers’ Union • Singapore Teachers’ Union • Singapore Technologies Electronics Employees’ Union • Singapore Union of Broadcasting Employees • Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority Workers’ Union • SPRING Singapore Staff Union • Staff Union of NTUC-ARU • Tigerair Staff Union of Singapore • Times Publishing Group Employees’ Union • Union of ITE Training Staff • Union of Power and Gas Employees • Union of Security Employees • Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore • United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries • United Workers of Petroleum Industry • NTUC Social Enterprises • NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Limited • NTUC Choice Homes Co-operative Limited • NTUC Club • NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited • NTUC First Campus Co-operative Limited • NTUC Foodfare Co-operative Limited • NTUC Health Co-operative Limited • NTUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited • NTUC LearningHub Private Limited • NTUC Link Private Limited • Mercatus Co-operative Limited • NTUC-Related Organisations • Consumers Association of Singapore • Devan Nair Employment and Employability Institute • Migrant Workers’ Centre • Labour Leadership Institute • Singapore Labour Foundation

Quote by at NTUC’s 50th Anniversary in 2011 NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 CONDOLENCE LETTER 3

NTUC Secretary-General presented a Condolence Letter from the Labour Movement and a special tribute issue of NTUC is Week to Prime Minister on 23 March 2015 when he and other Cabinet Ministers attended the private wake at the Istana in the afternoon. Goy Kae Lip Photo Goy

Condolence Letter From The Labour Movement 4 A TRIBUTE TO LKY NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

TRIBUTE CENTRE FOR MR LEE Workers join the Labour Movement at a special Tribute Centre in the CBD to pay their respects to the founding father of Singapore.

By Ramesh Subbaraman

he Labour Movement set up a special Tribute Centre at its T headquarters in the heart of the Central Business District on 24 March 2015 for unionists and workers from all walks of life to pen their thoughts in memory of Singapore’s rst Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away on Monday, 23 March 2015.

TRIBUTES POUR IN NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Lim Swee Say, Deputy Secretaries-General and and NTUC leaders observed a minute’s silence together with workers who came from around the area. Many took the opportunity to pen their thoughts on the condolence books placed at the Tribute Centre over six days till 29 March 2015, streaming in as early as 8am each morning.

NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing (third from left), NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say (fourth from left), and NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Heng Chee How (extreme right). 5

SPECIAL EDITION OF NTUC THIS WEEK e Labour Movement also published and distributed a free special 40- page edition of its newspaper NTUC is Week, entitled “Remembering Lee Kuan Yew, e Father of Our Nation, A Brother to our Workers”. e publication, packaged with quotes and photographs, captured Mr Lee’s involvement with the Labour Movement from the late 1950s till the NTUC President Diana Chia penning her condolences. present day. More than 10,000 copies of the Special Issue were distributed at the Tribute Centre from 25 - 29 March 2015. Some further 70,000 copies were made available at various NTUC FairPrice outlets across the island.

NTUC President Diana Chia penning her condolences. 6 A TRIBUTE TO LKY NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

Union of Telecom Employees of Singapore (UTES) General Secretary uvinder Singh penning his condolences.

United Workers of Electronics & Electrical About 70 sta members of the Devan Nair Industries (UWEEI) paying an emotional Employment and Employability Institute tribute to the late Mr Lee. (e2i) paying their tributes.

UTESCaption Executive Secretary Heng Chee How leading the union’s delegation in paying their respects. Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) gives one last bow to honour the late Mr Lee.

National Taxi Association (NTA) sends a 150-strong delegation to the Tribute Centre. NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 A TRIBUTE TO LKY 7

Union of Telecom Employees of Singapore (UTES) General Secretary uvinder Singh penning his condolences.

Some 40 migrant workers from various countries working at Hiap Seng Engineering gathered at the NTUC Tribute Centre on 25 March 2015 to pay their respects to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Our Foreign Friends

I wanted to thank him for the legacy he has passed down for this country and for allowing foreign workers, such as myself, the opportunity to earn money here and enjoy the country along with its locals.” From Philippines: Mr Glenn Padua, 40, an Oil and Gas Inspector

I wanted to give him the respect as he is a nation founder and was a Prime Minister. All my fellow workers feel the same as I do and that is respect and gratitude for him.” From Bangladesh:Mr Shakahwait Hussein, 48, Supervisor

We have never been able to be in the same time period of a great leader as many have passed on before… so now I am honoured to be here, to have been a witness of Mr Lee’s accomplishments and to have this opportunity to work in the country he built.” From India: Mr B R Arumugam, 39, Administrative Of cer 8 IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 Lying In State

TUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say led a 20-member delegate LM representatives (see photo below) consisting of central committee members, both past hold vigil in Nand present, to hold vigil for 30 minutes during the Lying In State at Parliament House on 25 March 2015. A number of NTUC aliated unions were memory of Mr Lee also at the Parliament House, joining the scores of thousands gathered to pay their last respects to the nation’s rst Prime Minister. Kuan Yew.

20-member vigil group from the Labour Movement: Front Row (from left): Mr Varukatty Mohd, Mr Tan Soon Yam, Mr Edwin Netto, Mr , Ms Diana Chia, Mr Lim Swee Say, Mr Mahmud Awang, Mr Oscar Oliveiro, Mr John De Payva, Mr Chan Chun Sing. Back Row (from left): Ms Cham Hui Fong, Mr omas Tay, Mr Teo Yock Ngee, Mr Cyrille Tan, Mr Lim Kuang Beng, Mr Heng Chee How, Ms Nora Kang, Mr K. Karthikeyan, Mr Edwin Lye, Mr Tan Hock Soon. NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE 9

In Parliament Mr Lee Kuan Yew is the longest serving Parliamentarian to date in Singapore legislature.

By Ramesh Subbaraman

ingapore’s Parliament paid tribute to the nation’s most illustrious Parliamentarian, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, during a special sitting on 26 SMarch 2015. Parliament mourned his loss with a ower bouquet on the seat that he occupied in the legislature.

SHAPING SINGAPORE Eleven Members of Parliament rose to share their personal thoughts and anecdotes about Mr Lee’s role in the development of Singapore. Leader of the House and Defence Minister Dr outlined the slew of challenges Mr Lee’s government had faced in the 1960, such as avoiding massive unemployment by the time the British withdrew in October 1971. “Amendments were made to Employment, Industrial Relations and Trade Unions Acts that put an end to the disruptive labour strikes. Bills were passed to build technical training institutes, forerunners of today’s ITE, Polytechnics and Universities, to educate and upgrade the skills of the workforce. Work hours were extended and the number of public holidays slashed,” said Dr Ng. At the close of the Parliamentary session, MPs rose for a minute’s silence. ’ey also headed to the hall where Mr Lee was Lying In State, to collectively pay their respects as One Parliament.

It’s a sad occasion but we are celebrating his achievements. We are here to pay tribute to him. I engaged him in a forum a few years ago and one thing that struck me about the man was that he was able to remember facts and gures. He was no longer active in politics then but he was well informed of what went on in the country.” NTUC Central Committee Member Arasu Duraisamy (far left), Singapore Port Workers Union General Secretary 10 NTUC TRIBUTE SERVICE NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 Thank You, Mr Lee In a special Tribute Service, Unionists and leaders share anecdotes of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s ties with the Labour Movement. By Ramesh Subbaraman

“… he will live forever in our hearts” Light moments coupled with valuable lessons learnt... NTUC Secretary-General ourteen speakers took to the stage to pay their Lim Swee Say talks about Mr Lee Kuan Yew tributes on 27 March 2015 in an NTUC Tribute at the special Tribute Service. Here are FService at the Singapore Conference Hall. excerpts of his speech. Over 800 guests, comprising union leaders, members of the Labour Movement family and communities, members of the People’s Action Party, as well as management and BEING PRO-WORKER government partners, gathered to pay tribute to him. “Mr Lee was pro-business, because without foreign investments, Among them were the pioneer generation, mature and economic growth and jobs, we would all be poor together. younger union leaders, past and current labour leaders, as However, Mr Lee was even more pro-worker. To him, economic well as tripartite partners. growth was important, but that was just the means, not the end ey included Singapore’s 6th President, Mr SR Nathan, objective in itself. The end objective for Mr Lee was to change who has his roots with the Labour Movement, Immediate the lives of our workers and people for the better.” Past Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng and former Manpower Minister Dr . e event was also attended by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and family members. A video capturing the late Mr Lee’s involvement and journey with the Labour Movement was screened at the A Gift From The Government To NTUC start of the tribute proceedings. e service ended with all guests observing a minute of silence. An area in the foyer of the Singapore Conference Hall was also set up for guests to pen condolence messages. The Trade Union House was fulfillment of a promise.

Emeritus Senior By Marcus Minister (middle) at the NTUC Tribute Service to pay his respects. he Singapore Conference Hall where NTUC’s tribute event was held on 27 March 2015 to honour the late Mr Lee Kuan T Yew holds special signi cance for Mr Lee and NTUC. NTUC’s former headquarters at Trade Union House, which was part of the Singapore Conference Hall, was a gift from the pro-labour People’s Action Party (PAP) Government to the democratic trade union movement here. Ocially opened by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 15 October 1965, it marked the ful llment of the election pledge made by Mr Lee’s PAP which came into power in the 1959 General Elections with the support of all workers in Singapore. NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 NTUC TRIBUTE SERVICE 11

ECLECTIC – A POWERFUL MINDSET “…after that courtesy call on Mr Lee, the [a] foreign leader told his delegation members that Singapore’s way of nation building was hard to learn, and even harder to adopt. When I conveyed this to Mr Lee, he said, “They are right. Tell them, it is never easy but possible. We are not alone. NTUC’S SERIOUS DUTY “We can all learn from each other, and All his life, workers and unions from countries that are more advanced than us. have been top of his mind “But tell them, do not just copy. Learn to and deep in his heart. adapt good ideas from around the world, including Singapore, and come up with When I took on the duty their own solution in an eclectic way.” of NTUC Secretary-General Then he looked at me and asked, “Do 8 years ago, he wrote me you know what is “eclectic”? I said “No”. He gave me a dictionary, and I turned the a letter, reminding me that, pages. “the welfare of our workers is After a second or two, he asked, “Do you know how to spell eclectic?” He then serious duty of the NTUC”. turned the pages and showed me the He ended the letter with these words …. meaning of eclectic, which is taking the “That the NTUC has been able to carry the best features from various systems and put unions to support government policies on them together in a smart way that will work restructuring without workers taking industry better for us. action, has made a great contribution to our economic vitality. Eclectic is indeed a “Your task is to continue Boon Heng’s powerful mindset. But the relationship of trust and con dence that real reason we have made when you support such dif cult policies, the government will not let the workers down”. it to where we are today is Future NTUC Secretaries-General will not because we have in him, have the privilege of receiving such letters of guidance and encouragement from Mr Lee, a leader with a great Mr Lee. mind, and a giant heart.” But we must, and we will make sure that the greatness of heart he had for our workers will continue to be our guiding light, from one generation of labour and tripartite leaders to the next.”

A Gift From The Government To NTUC

Since winning the elections in 1959 and again resoundingly in 1963, Mr Lee and his Government consistently demonstrated a pro-labour bias in the aairs of the country. ey also consistently consulted the democratic labour movement on all matters that aected it. NTUC then Secretary-General Devan Nair described the relationship between the Government and NTUC thus: “ere are basic, fundamental, fraternal, spiritual, invisible ties which are stronger than steel and which bind us (the workers) to the people of Singapore and to the elected Government of this State.” e Singapore Conference Hall was for many years the scene of many important national events and where Mr Lee delivered many important speeches including National Day Rally speeches. NTUC also held many events there including May Day Mr Lee (left) viewing an architect’s model of the Trade Union House and Singapore Conference Hall Rallies, delegates’ conferences, dialogues and seminars including with architect Mr Lim Chong Keat (middle) and then Labour Minister K M Byrne in 1962. the all-important Modernisation Seminar in 1969. 12 TRIBUTES NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 Speaker’s Tributes

Symbiotic Ties “For the Labour Movement, he emphasised on building trusts among the government, employers and employees. Three of them must be brought up, for Singapore to go higher; not only one, but all three. He felt that the political and the trade unions should be together. Thus, he encouraged all his political leaders to be involved in the work of the unions and there should never be a separation.”

Mr Mahmud Awang, Chairman of the NTUC Pro-tem Committee (1961), Founding Member of NTUC

Fair Play, Fair Share “He believed in fair play, fair share, which means in good times workers must enjoy pay increases and bonuses and The NWC Element during bad times we must “With the yearly wage increase all accept cuts in CPF and guidelines provided by the perhaps even in our pay. He NWC (National Wages Council) believed that workers and consistent with national Singapore’s Survival the Labour Movement are productivity growth, gross wage “When unions went astray, and foolish action partners in nation-building, rates increased by an average of threatened group survival and group prosperity, therefore we now have the 9.2% per annum in nominal terms he took us to task… Like when pilots of Singapore Labour Foundation, various or an average of 4.9% per annum Airlines threatened the survival of this national cooperatives, Pasir Ris Resort in real terms during his Prime icon. Shortly after I joined the NTUC in 1981, I and the Orchid Country Ministership. These spectacular, was present in this conference hall when he Club.” unusual and unprecedented addressed the pilots, and the management. wage increases in Singapore He said he would not hesitate to close down Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, were accompanied by favourable Deputy Secretary-General balance of payments, full SIA, and start a new airline. Again in 2004, Mr of NTUC (1997-1999), Lee played a critical role in resolving the wage Assistant Secretary-General employment, a strong currency, (1991-1997), Vice President high savings and low ination and dispute between Singapore Airlines and the of NTUC (1985-1991), increasing competitiveness of the pilots’ union.” Chairman of NTUC (1980- overall Singapore economy.” 1985) Mr Lim Boon Heng, Secretary-General of NTUC (1993-2006), Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC Prof Lim Chong Yah, Chairman of (1987-1991), Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC National Wages Council (1972-2001) (1983-1987), Deputy Director (1981-1983) NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 TRIBUTES 13

Line-Up Of Speakers At The Lasting Tripartism Tribute Service “Mr Lee even in his 90s was thinking of Singapore’s next 50 years. How we get there Workers’ Welfare is now in the hands of “He constantly exhorted us, even threatened a younger group of us for our good, to avoid the excesses that leaders. His legacy of befell other Labour Movements elsewhere. tripartism and industrial There were occasions he admonished us peace will provide them with strong foundations and addressed our destructive ways, only to to move forward. The return to management the right to manage lasting tribute to Mr their enterprises successfully, which in turn has Lee Kuan Yew would bene tted us the workers, with better incomes be for the government, and working conditions.” employers and the labour movement to Mr SR Nathan, President of Singapore (1999-2011), Pioneer strengthen tripartite Director of NTUC Administration and Research Unit (1962-1966) relationship and further enhance industrial peace so that Singapore can surge Man Amongst Man forward con dently.” “In my adult life, I have some Mr Stephen Lee, President rare occasions to chair of Singapore National Employers’ Federation (1988- sessions of union leaders and 2014) tripartite seminars with Mr Lee Kuan Yew as the Guest- of-Honour. These are the occasions I will always cherish No Spoon Feeding – ‘The Man amongst Man’ who “In Singapore, if you always nds time to appreciate are prepared to work and empathise with workers’ for it, irrespective of issues.” what race you belong Mr John De Payva, Secretary-General to or religion that you Emeritus of The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (from 2014), believe in, you can be President Emeritus of NTUC (from 2011), successful. Mr Lee did President of NTUC (1997-2011), Secretary- not believe in spoon General of The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (from 1988 -2014) feeding and true to his words, “nothing is for free” and the world does not owe us a living. This is what that makes Singapore a Working Longer “He was very troubled that many workers in the early Progressive Society.” 90s were being retired when they were still in good Mr Rahman Mahbob, Founding health, able to work, wanting to work and still needing President of Union of Power and an income to support their families. The bill for the Gas Employees (1995-2007), Vice Retirement Age Act was passed in Parliament in April President of Public Utilities Board 1993. I can recall that at our next lunch encounter, his Staff Union (1989-1995) rst question was: When will the Ministry move to raise the retirement age beyond 60? We had taken the rst step and he was already thinking of the next step!”

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Manpower Minister (1992-2003) 14 A TRIBUTE TO LKY NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

Lessons Learnt “As an employee, I am encouraged by his vision, his leadership skills and draw many lessons from how he juggled many aspects Line-Up Of of his life. I learnt, with Speakers At The courage and strong Tribute Service believe in oneself, all our dreams can come true. Most importantly, I never stopped believing in myself.”

Nur Ra dah Rosdi, Deputy General Secretary, Singapore Industrial and Services Employees’ Union (from 2012) Uplifting Low-Wage Workers

新加坡的成功之道，不是一朝一夕的事。是由国父李光耀先生带领 着他的团队，和我们建国一代，一步一脚印地走过来的。五十年前 的新加坡不是这个样子的。新加坡能有今天的繁华，在世界上受到 一些大国的尊敬，有赖于建国总理。国父李光耀先生的诚信、多智及 远见，能做为新加坡公民，我感到无比的骄傲。

“The success Singapore enjoys today isn’t something that occurred overnight. Founding father Lee Kuan Yew, with our Pioneer Generation, led our people to do what was necessary and guided us step by step, to where we are today. The Singapore of 50 years ago was very different from the Singapore we know today. We have Mr Lee to thank for the prosperity and success we enjoy today and for the respect we have earned internationally. Lee Kuan Yew was a man of integrity, wisdom and foresight. I Equal Opportunities am truly proud to be called a Singaporean.” “Being a young worker in Singapore, I see fair and equal opportunities for all are always 我还记得总理说要提升低薪工友的生活，一定要让他们去接受培 there as long as you work hard, regardless of 训，以增加他们的提升他们的技术，从而提高生产力 race, language, religion or background. This is something which many of us take for granted. “I still remember meeting him in 1983, where With your leadership, global companies he spoke of bettering the lives of the low-wage chose to invest in Singapore, bringing in workers and the importance of allowing them to technology and equipment into Singapore upgrade themselves for increased productivity.” and this gave us jobs and a good life.” Mr Fang Chin Poh, General Secretary of National Mr Seah Keng Tia, Chairperson, Young NTUC (from 2014), Transport Workers Union (from 1999), NTUC Central Vice President of UWPI (from 2012) Committee Member (2007-2011)

Opportunities For All “Majority of Singaporeans today do not just have jobs, they have good meaningful jobs! When the present generation grows old, there is no need for any welfare state treatment because the CPF we have today is much more comprehensive than the form of CPF the colonial government had left us with. The lesson I learnt from Mr Lee was although no one owed us a living and that we have to stand on our own feet, the government will always give us opportunities to do so.”

Mr Arasu Duraisamy, NTUC Central Committee member (from 2011), General Secretary of Singapore Port Workers Union (from 2014) NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 A TRIBUTE TO LKY 15 Condolences from the ILO By Fawwaz Baktee

n behalf of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body (GB), Chairperson Apolinário Jorge Correia oered condolences to the Government of Singapore on the passing of OMr Lee Kuan Yew, stating that the organisation joins Singaporeans in this dicult time. Mr Correia was speaking at the ILO GB Plenary on 25 March 2015. In her speech, NTUC Central Committee member and ILO GB Workers’ Delegate Mary Liew thanked the Chairperson for his kind words of condolences and said that the late Mr Lee was a brother to the Labour Movement. “He strongly believed in the importance of Tripartism. It was so important to him that the year when Singapore became independent, it was also the same year that Singapore joined ILO and became a Member State… ’ere are just too many great things to name one by one what this great humble man had accomplished. Singapore has lost a giant who is irreplaceable,” said Ms Liew, in her speech. ILO Director General Guy Ryder mentioned that the International community had lost a global statesman and a leader of the region, and that they are all conscious of the lost. Tributes From Abroad

(As of: 27 Mar, 1010am) “He transformed Singapore into one u Trade Union Congress (UK TUC) of Asia’s wealthiest and least corrupt countries. He championed a strong u Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) spirit of tripartism, bringing labour, u All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) management and government u Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia (FNPR) together as well.” u Hong Kong & Kowloon Trades Union Council (HKTUC) President Nobuaki Koga, Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) u Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC-RENGO) u Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (HKFTU) u UNI-Asia Paci c Regional Organisation (UNI-APRO) u Vietnam National Union of Post and Telecom Workers (VNUPTW) “I rmly believe that one of the immensely u Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) valuable assets that the late Mr. Lee had u Confederation of Indonesia Trade Union (KSPI) bequeathed to the people of Singapore is the unique tri-partism for national u Chinese Federation of Labour (CFL) development; a social infrastructure upon u International Labour Organisation (ILO) which the economy grows and bene ts u International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Paci c are adequately shared. The remarkable (ITUC – Asia Paci c) economic growth since the independence u International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) of Singapore is the visible evidence of the u Japanese Federation of Textile, Chemical, Food, effectiveness of this distinctive industrial Commercial, Service and General Workers’’ Unions relations in your country.” (UA ZENSEN) General Secretary Noriyuki Suzuki, International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Paci c (ITUC – Asia Paci c) u Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)

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The Labour Movement, Now Closer To U On The Go! IPHONE & IPAD Scan here for mobile app My NTUC featuring exclusive content: get the latest news, special offers, merchants listing and a lot more! ANDROID TRIBUTES NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 16

Tributes From Pioneer Leaders

Mdm Lee Loke Yan, Mr Tan Soon Yam, Amalgamated Union of Public Food Drinks and Employees (AUPE) Allied Workers Union Mr Govindasamy, (FDAWU) Singapore Union of “It is a great loss for our nation as Broadcasting Employees he was a great man for not just our “As we all know, (SUBE) country, but for the world. He was Singapore emerged an extraordinary man and no one from colonial rule with “I was introduced to Mr Lee Mr Oscar Oliveiro, Union can replace him. Although it is sad, very poor workers Kuan Yew at the Singapore of Telecoms Employees his memory will live on forever… he facing housing and Conference Hall many of Singapore (UTES) fought hard for Singapore. He has education problems. years during a gathering of the unions by the then I really do marvel Mr had a wonderful life though, seeing We had to unite and how the nation changed…. He create a conducive President of NTUC Brother Lee’s determination, Oscar Oliveiro. He enquired determination that made has trained and mentored a great environment to team that will carry on his legacy.” create jobs and for which union I was from Singapore rise from the and wished me well. I am swamps to what it is today. investments to survive. Mr Lee had always very saddened by the My heart goes out to passing of Mr Lee and the the Lee family, the family been a true supporter of NTUC. During my nation has lost a great that has supported him statesman and leader throughout his life. brief interactions with him in FDAWU, of all times. He spent his he always listened whole life for Singapore attentively to us.” and lived for the people of Singapore.”

Mr Lim Chee Pheng – National Taxi Association (NTA) “I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. I used to stay in a kampung, and I remembered how he would make his rounds during the elections, staying till as late as 5 or 6 in the morning. I’ve seen for myself how this country has evolved from kampungs to a cosmopolitan city. He’s an approachable man, and I have autographs from him that I still keep even till today.”

Mr Chua Kim Soon, Mr Fauzie Omar Altway – NatSteel Employees’ Union (NEU) Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) “We have lost a giant among men in this century. He has lived for the modernisation of Singapore. Singapore has succeeded in its pursuit for “You only need to look success by him picking the right people to do the job for the success around you today to see of Singapore. Not only Singapore but the world will miss his direction... the monuments of his Can we continue this job successfully? Now it is left for us to do so.” achievements. There may be policies that not all may agree with, but they have been undeniably effective.” NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 IN FOCUS 17

Text and photos by Bob Lee

reat men illuminate the room they walk into, and it was no dierent with Mr Lee Kuan Yew, whom I rst met in 2008 at the Istana for a photo Gshoot. Countless tributes and testimonials have poured in, reminiscing of how strong and fearless Mr Lee Kuan Yew was as a leader. He was also seen as an approachable man, but there was no helping the feelings of nervousness as I introduced myself as he walked into his oce. “Why Mandarin?” he asked, immediately noticing my choice of language. “It’s because I’m more comfortable with it,” I nervously laughed. Sensing my nervousness, Mr Lee continued to speak to me in Mandarin, THROUGH helping me feel at ease. As a photographer, I have met many people from various walks of life. It is our job to capture the raw emotions they evoke and oer a perspective we see that others may not. Many THE LENS great leaders in history built great empires, but rarely took into consideration the feelings of people at the ground level.

CAPTURING THE MOOD Taken in 2008 at the Istana, a few of the photos you see here show Mr Lee looking away from the camera, focusing on an object in the distance. It depicts him being deep in NTUC thanks Bob Lee for sharing these special thought, a representation of his long-term plans and photos and allowing us to use them. goals that he imagined for the nation. 18 THE DRIVE PAST NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

Photo by Bob Lee

efore arriving at the University Cultural Centre, the gun carriage carrying Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s con passed by some important landmarkers around the island, among which wereB the NTUC Centre and Trade Union House along Shenton Way e rain did not deter the Labour Movement as they assembled to bid their nal farewell, ogether with members of the public. Many chanted Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s name as the THE FINAL cortege passed by, along with enthusiastic screams of ‘Majulah Singapura!’

Last Respects A nal vigil was also held at NTUC’s Tribute Centre FAREWELL immediately after the cortege’s passed the NTUC Centre, followed by a minute of silence and singing of NTUC is Week joins Singaporeans the national anthem. Over the week following Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s death, from all walks of life as they gather nearly 5000 people comprising those working in the Central Business District, unionists and workers around NTUC Centre to bid Mr Lee had come to the Tribute Centre at the NTUC Centre to pay their respects and pen their thoughts in the Kuan Yew goodbye. Condolence Book. When Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s con arrived at the University Cultural Centre just before 2pm, it was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister arman Shanmugaratnam, NTUC President Diana Chia, Secretary-General Lim Swee Say, Emeritus NTUC President John De Payva and several dignitaries. NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 THE DRIVE PAST 19

Photo by Bob Lee

Photo by Alvin Toh Photo by Alvin Toh

Photo by Alvin Toh Photo by Bob Lee 20 THE DRIVE PAST NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

Photos on this page by Alvin Toh

“DEAR MR LEE KUAN YEW, WE THANK YOU, WE SALUTE YOU. WE WILL MISS YOU.” NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 THE DRIVE PAST 21

When I was young, often when Mr LKY appeared on TV, family members will say that “...your Ah Gong, is speaking....better listen...” it was only many years later that I understood the pun of it. In this nal series of photographs, I dedicate this to you Mr Lee Kuan Yew, although you are my “Ah Gong” who I never met, you inspired me so so much. ank you for what you have done for Singapore, try as I may, no words can express how I feel. I let the pictures do the talking. 一路走好! 一路走好!” – Erwin Tan, Photographer

Photos on this page by Erwin Tan 22 THE DRIVE PAST NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

SINGAPORE RIVER A eet of human feet huddle, a sea of human tears gathers, you rede ne the Singapore River once more, a river of united force that ows relentlessly, a river that pays homage to your human spirit, your Singapore spirit. By Erwin Tan, Photographer Photos: A Dedication To Mr LKY (from pages 21 - 23), by Erwin Tan

Photos on this page by Erwin Tan NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015 FINAL WORDS 23

The Eulogies “e light that has guided us all these years has been extinguished. We have lost our founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who lived and breathed Singapore all his life.” – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

By Ramesh Subbaraman and Shukry Rashid

hese were the words of Singapore’s Many heeded his Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien T Loong as he led 10 speakers who call to do so and paid their tributes in their eulogies at the State Funeral of the rst Prime Minister of became technicians Singpore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. and engineers. Mr. Lee Trade unionist G Muthukumarasamy was one of those who also spoke at the would also encourage State Funeral. Delivering an emotional eulogy, PM union members to live Lee Hsien Loong noted that Mr Lee Kuan and work together Yew ensured that in Singapore, every problem got xed. harmoniously and “He educated our young. He transformed labour relations from strikes help each other out. and confrontation to tripartism and He would often say, cooperation. He campaigned to upgrade skills and raise productivity, calling it a do not be contented marathon with no nish line. “With Devan Nair in the NTUC, he with what you have, transformed the union movement into a and motivated all to positive force, cooperating with employers and the government to improve the lot of progress in life. We are workers,” said PM Lee. very fortunate to have Support For Unionists had a leader like him.” Speaking to the solemn gathering in Tamil, G Muthukumarasamy, General Secretary for the General Secretary for the Amalgamated Amalgamated Union of Public Daily Rated Workers Union of Public Daily Rated Workers G Muthukumarasamy said Mr Lee Kuan Yew gave much support to the unions and their members. The Final Salute “In those days, there used to be A minute’s silence was observed lembaga (Adult Education Board). He nationwide during the State Funeral, strongly encouraged union members followed by the National Pledge and to study at the Board. In his May Day National Anthem. speeches, he would urge union members Mr Lee Kuan Yew was laid to rest at to upgrade their skills. Mandai Crematorium. Photo by Erwin Tan 24 A TRIBUTE TO LKY NTUC This Week 29 MARCH 2015

For the young, let me tell you the sky has turned brighter. ere’s a glorious rainbow that beckons those with the spirit of adventure. And there are rich ndings at the end of the rainbow. To the young and to the not-so-old, I say, look at that horizon, follow that rainbow, go ride it.” Founding father of Singapore, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Photo taken by Alvin Toh on 29 March 2015 morning from the Ascott Raes Place when Singapore was preparing to say a nal farewell to our founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew. is stunning and majestic shot, with the NTUC Centre in view, delivers up a huge dosage of hope and gratitude.