'He was a people's leader who cared for us . . . '

"Mr Nathan. . . once said, 'The trade union movement is the place where the small man rises. The small man is important. Don't take him for granted.' And he humbly added, 'It's the trade union movement that gave me the courage to stand up and speak to big people without fear.'

His indomitable and fearless fighting spirit in the 1960s, when he was with the National Trades Union Congress' Labour Research Unit, helped win over workers' and unions' trust, including pro-communist unions, despite all political, economic and social odds. He was all hands on when negotiating for workers and encouraged union leaders to stay rooted to the cause; be close to the ground; and change with the times with an eye for the future.

He showed union leaders what it meant to stand tall against irresponsible employers and be a responsible labour movement that prized co-operation over confrontation; and tripartism over self-interest. He was a people's leader who cared for us and the Labour Movement was indeed honoured and proud to give him our strongest support when he stood to be the President of Singapore." Mary Liew, president of NTUC, and Chan Chun Sing, secretary-general of NTUC