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