Even before the gates to the People's Association Headquarters opened at 10am yesterday, Madam Rohani Mohamad, 58, was among the many unionists who had gathered to show their support.

The senior engineer at a telco, who is an executive council member of the Union of Telecoms Employees of Singapore, said she had met Madam Halimah Yacob during training courses.

"She came to speak during some of our courses, like one on how to work with the tripartite partners. She is very credible, very wise. When she speaks, she gives facts and figures, not just opinions," said Madam Rohani. "We want the best for Singapore, and she is the best."

Joanna Seow