The Greek poet Homer said, "when someone battles hard, there is an equal portion for one who lingers behind." When Comrade Ong Teng Cheong was at the helm in NTUC, he fought hard for workers and what he has done more than just lingers behind. He has left such a deep impression that it will be manifestly impossible to describe the full extent of what he has done.

We have come to say good bye to him, as an NTUC leader, as Singapore's first elected President, and as a friend. This is neither the time nor occasion to list all his achievements - we already know them - but yet not to describe what he has done for workers today will be improper and truly disrespectful.

Comrade Ong was at the Secretary-General of NTUC from 1983 to 1993. Under his leadership, the trade union movement grew in strength and stature. He was a man of great vision. He steered the labour movement through a decade of growth and transformation. He provided strong and vital leadership in the labour movement during the recession in the mid-1980s. In 1994, he was conferred the labour movement's highest award: the Distinguished Comrade of Labour.

There is a common saying, "what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is remembered." This more than aptly describes the legacy that Comrade Ong left behind. As the leader of the labour movement, he took a deep personal interest in the lives of ordinary workers and their families. He did much for them. He fought to improve the working conditions in the workplaces and the earnings of workers. He set up co-operatives to lower the cost of living and built recreational facilities for workers and their families. He shared his passion for the arts and culture with workers, actively supporting NTUC and union's involvement in artistic and cultural pursuits. He encouraged workers to appreciate the finer things in life. If I were to sum it up, HE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN WORKERS' LIVES. The things that Comrade Ong has done for workers will be remembered.

The NTUC will remember him in our own way. We will be renaming the Singapore Institute of Labour Studies in his honour. We will also be setting up an education fund to support the training and upgrading of union leaders. Through these, the legacy of Comrade Ong will live on in our hearts.

As I was looking for words to describe Comrade Ong, I asked union leaders and workers to share with me their thoughts and impressions. There was an overwhelming response. These are some of the things they've said:
- "He is sincere and warm. A true gentleman, truest to the full sense of word."
- "I am struck by his humility. He always has time to listen to us."
- "I miss his smile and handshake, and the way he treated us like his equal."
- "He is approachable, always ready to listen to our problems and resolve them."
- "He is always polite and friendly, but firm and decisive at the same time."
- "He lived a life of principle, purpose and compassion. Although he attained high positions, he did not lose the common touch."

On 29 July 1983, in one of his first speeches as NTUC Secretary-General, he said, "There is only one class of people in Singapore. All citizens of Singapore enjoy equal opportunities… Singapore workers are co-owner of this country." This showed his high regard to the contributions of the ordinary workers. In his speech when he was sworn in as Singapore's first elected President on 1 Sept 1993, he said, "I intend to maintain my ties and friendships with my fellow Singaporeans from all walks of life, whom I have had the privilege to know over the years. This will keep me in touch with the people - their aspirations, hopes and fears." This showed how deeply he felt connected to the ordinary Singaporeans.

I want to share a personal thought. Some of you may have heard the song Xiao Ren Wu De Xin Sheng. The English title of the song is "Voices from the Heart." The song was a winner in an NTUC song-writing competition. It was about the struggles and aspirations of ordinary Singaporeans. It tugged the heartstrings of the ordinary folks. I remember that Comrade Ong liked the song very much. He had a part in translating the song into English, and has even played it for us on the piano on private occasions. He promoted the song widely in NTUC, and the song became the unofficial song for workers. For me, the fact that he liked the song showed how passionately he cared for ordinary workers and how deeply he felt connected to them.

English-American writer Thomas Paine said, "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. He whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

Comrade Ong fought a hard battle. When he was in NTUC, he fought for workers interest and rights. In his political career, he fought to improve the lives of Singaporeans. In his personal life, he fought cancer and the grief of losing his wife. He held his ground in the face of adversity, and he stood firmly anchored to his beliefs and principles. By doing so, he has endeared himself to many and provided inspiration to all.

Good bye, our comrade and friend. Even as we bid you farewell today, we will continue draw your strength and fortitude, and continue to fight the battles that you have so bravely fought for workers.