TRIBUTE TO MR S RAJARATNAM

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

TRIBUTE TO MR S RAJARATNAM:

(Announcement by Mr Speaker) Mr Speaker: Order. On behalf of the House, I would like to place on record the death of Mr S Rajaratnam, former Senior Minister, on 22nd February 2006.

Column: 123

Mr S Rajaratnam was elected as a Member of the 1st Legislative Assembly for Kampong Glam in May 1959, and remained in that seat until his retirement in 1988. During this 29-year period, Mr Rajaratnam served the nation in various capacities in the Cabinet, first as Minister for Culture and later as Minister for Foreign Affairs for 15 years, from 1965 to 1980. He was also concurrently the Minister for Labour from 1968 to 1971. Mr Rajaratnam was appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister (Foreign Affairs) in 1980 and went on to become Senior Minister from 1985 until his retirement from politics.

Mr Rajaratnam will be remembered as a person of great intellect and eloquence, yet humble and in touch with the common man. He made significant contributions to this House and to Singapore.

I desire, on behalf of this House, to express our deep sense of loss at the sad passing of Mr S Rajaratnam. I wish to join all Members in expressing our deep sympathy and condolence to the family of the late Mr S Rajaratnam.

As a mark of respect to the late Mr S Rajaratnam, I propose that the House observe a one-minute silence. Will Members please rise?

The House rose and paid respect.