'I first met See Beng when I joined politics in 1976. Very soon, I learnt that he was one of the PAP stalwarts who commanded the respect of the party leaders and his fellow backbenchers.

The reasons were many. He was an effective union leader and Member of Parliament. But more than that, as a person, he was humble and sincere.

As a new MP, I found him helpful and warm. He always had a ready smile for all and spoke from his heart.

See Beng's life was typical of many in the older generation, a generation who fought for independence, sacrificed and helped build today's Singapore.

He came to Singapore at a very young age. His father was a trishaw rider and his mother, a washerwoman.

See Beng himself did not go to university, like many children of poor families in those days.

But he had the intelligence and determination to succeed, and spoke many languages and dialects.

So See Beng went on to become a Member of Parliament.

He contributed to the success of Singapore through his service in NTUC, Parliament and the PAP.

See Beng was blessed to live a full life and to a ripe old age of 90.'