SINGAPORE: President S R Nathan said he is deeply saddened by news of the passing of Mr Ho See Beng – a long-time stalwart of the Labour Movement and a Parliamentarian for many years.

Offering his deepest condolences to Mr Ho's family, the president said the former MP worked hard to keep the unions that were rallying around then newly formed National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) from straying back to their previous pro-communist affiliations.

He also gave confidence to many unionists who were hesitant to remain in its fold and fought the pro-communist remnants with equal vigour and determination.

Mr Nathan added that as a Member of Parliament representing labour interest, Mr Ho was outspoken in meetings with both management and government, presenting the workers' point of view in matters debated in Parliament.

Mr Ho's daughter, MP for West Coast GRC Ho Geok Choo, said her father had been in hospital for two months and died on Friday evening.


- CNA/so