Paying their last respects to a man who played an instrumental part in the setting up of what the National Trades Union Congress is today.
That was what some 750 representatives from the NTUC did on 25 August 2016 as they gathered and proceeded on foot towards Parliament House from the Central Business District where the Late Mr S R Nathan was Lying in State.
Led by NTUC President Mary Liew and NTUC Secretary-General (SG) Chan Chun Sing, the delegation comprised top leaders from the NTUC Central Committee.
Also joining them were unionists from affiliated unions and associations and staff of NTUC social enterprises and NTUC's Administration and Research Unit.
Sincere Thoughts
Speaking to the media at Parliament House after paying his respects, SG Chan recounted that many of the values imparted by the Late Mr S R Nathan remain relevant today.
“Mr S R Nathan has always been a very integral part of our Labour Movement ever since the 1960s when he first joined the Labour Research Unit. His heart has always been for the common folks, the people who need the most help.
“We will dearly miss him. But what he has left us will be with us for a very long time, for many generations to come. He has given the Labour Movement a very strong foundation,” said SG Chan.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Zainal Sapari added: “The passing of Mr S R Nathan is a loss to the Labour Movement. Nevertheless he lives on in every unionist because we will continue to fight for the cause of the Labour Movement which he has been championing for when he joined us.”
To bring all the races together was one area the Late Mr S R Nathan devoted much effort to, said Central Committee member and Nominated Member of Parliament K Thanaletchimi.
“During his term of office, he was a symbol of unity in terms of getting all the members of the different race groups together… Like we had the President’s Challenge and this was significant as he also cared for the disadvantaged, the low wage and those with disabilities.
“As history tells, he was part of the Labour Movement community at a certain point in time and he played a significant role in trying to establish a very cordial approach to negotiations and getting people together,” she said.
Lying In State
The Lying In State and its ceremonies are the highest honours accorded to a leader.
At Parliament House, the State Flag was draped over the casket in the presence of Mr S R Nathan’s family.
Medals representing his achievements were also displayed. They included the The Order of Temasek (Darjah Utama Temasek) (First Class; 2013), Meritorious Service Award (Pingat Jasa Gemilang) (1974), Public Administration Medal (Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Perak) (Silver; 1967), and Public Service Star (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat) (1964).
Vigil Guards were also mounted as a special mark of respect.
