Madam Sopiah Mahmud
Dear Sister Sopiah,
All of us in the Labour Movement are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your father, Brother Mahmud Awang. The National Trades Union Congress, together with our affiliated unions and associations, and social enterprises will never forget his selflessness and devotion to our workers and nation, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies as you mourn his loss and reflect upon his life.
Brother Mahmud was a man of true courage and conviction. Working as a bus conductor with the Singapore Traction Company in 1956, he found himself in the middle of a strike and experienced first-hand the negative impact that it had on workers who genuinely wanted to make an honest living. Spurred by the incident, he began his journey with the Singapore Traction Company Employees' Union (STCEU), believing that "this should not be the way to go. We are all trying to make a living and I had just gotten married and had to fend for my wife and two children."
Brother Mahmud was subsequently elected as the Organising Secretary of STCEU. As a young union leader, he recognised the importance of workers, Government and employers "working together for our country" and lobbied to abandon the confrontational approach of the time to adopt the win-win-win approach of tripartism. That was at a time when strikes were rampant and political uncertainties were strife. This is the same unique formula of tripartism that has given Singapore her competitive edge - birthed in struggle but more importantly in spirit. Without pioneer union leaders such as Brother Mahmud, Singapore would perhaps not be able to stand apart or even transform from third world to first.
His passion and dedication eventually led to him taking on the role as President of STCEU. During this period, he was also President of Singapore Trades Union Congress (STUC). When STUC was disbanded and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) was born, Brother Mahmud was appointed caretaker President and first Chairman of NTUC's Pro-Tern Committee. Subsequently, he took on the role as Vice-President of NTUC. As one of the forefathers of the then-infant Labour Movement , he carried the ground and laid the foundations of one of the most unique and effective Labour Movements around the world.
But while he held high office, Brother Mahmud's heart was always with the ground and particularly with the poor. We had the privilege of witnessing this during an exclusive interview with him back in 2014. Then 86 years old, he remained full of verve and heart as he declared "I like to help the poor." And he did, often to the point of sacrificing self for the collective good. We will always recall fondly one such incident which he had shared with us, "One day my wife scolded me like hell. She was born, my last daughter Sophia. I had a meeting. So I asked somebody, my friend from my committee, name was Gopal. [I said] Gopal, please take my wife, go back from the hospital. So they did. When I went back, my wife, she scolded me. [She said] I hoped that you would come take me. I said, I had a meeting. [My wife said] So cancel the meeting! It's a very important meeting so I must settle the meeting first then I'll see you." Such was his dedication to the cause of our workers, and his life was and will continue to be a sterling example for all of us.
At the national level, Brother Mahmud was among the first three NTUC union leaders to be elected Legislative Assemblymen, further strengthening the symbiotic ties between NTUC and the People's Action Party.
Till today, your father's largeness of spirit continues to inspire all of us in the Labour Movement. Brother Mahmud was a man of service who persevered, not for personal gain but because he believed his efforts would deliver a better life for those who followed. The Labour Movement will continue to honour him by following his example to help our workers because Brother Mahmud has inspired us, and as he would say: "We'll help anytime".
We will sadly miss Brother Mahmud and our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Yours Sincerely,
Mary Liew
President
National Trades Union Congress
Ng Chee Meng
Secretary-General
National Trades Union Congress
