NTUC backs former speaker’s presidential bid

The labour movement yesterday threw its support behind former Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob’s presidential bid, noting her contributions in her three decades as a unionist.

“We are very proud of her achievements over all these years, we have always known her to be a champion for the workers, especially the less-privileged workers,” said labour chief Chan Chun Sing. He spoke to reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) National Day Observance Ceremony 2017, held at Our Tampines Hub. When asked whether NTUC will support Mdm Halimah in her presidential election campaign, Mr Chan said: “... I think many people will be very ready to help her in whatever ways that they can.”

NTUC president Mary Liew, describing Mdm Halimah as a “very good candidate”, reiterated that many unionists have previously worked with her “on the ground”. Mdm Halimah, 62, started her career as a legal officer at the NTUC and worked her way up to become its deputy secretary-general.

“(She) is very compassionate towards the workers and (contributed) in many different capacities,” said Mrs Liew. For example, when Mdm Halimah was director of NTUC’s legal services department, “anyone can just come to her” and she would provide them with legal counselling. “She has helped many workers on the ground,” Mrs Liew added.

Mdm Halimah attended the ceremony in her capacity as former NTUC deputy secretary-general and an honorary fellow of Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute. She did not speak to the media.

The Presidential Election is slated to be held next month. Mr Chan was also asked if there will be a by-election now that Mdm Halimah has stepped down as a Member of Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

Mr Chan noted that the issue had been discussed in Parliament before. “Under the law, there’s no need for a by-election, but any decision on a by-election is the prerogative of the Prime Minister,” he added.