A pioneering leader in our struggle for independence against British rule, he was a leader of the Barisan Socialis, co-founder of the People’s Action Party, and an ardent trade unionist. Mr Fong Swee Suan left his mark on the early struggles for Singapore’s political freedom, self-determination and fight for the common workers’ dignity.
Think Centre sends our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Fong Swee Suan and calls on all fellow Singaporeans to remember his life story.
A pioneering leader in our struggle for independence against British rule, he was a leader of the Barisan Socialis, co-founder of the People’s Action Party, and an ardent trade unionist. Mr Fong Swee Suan left his mark on the early struggles for Singapore’s political freedom, self-determination and fight for the common workers’ dignity.
He paid the price for staying steadfast to his principles. He was branded a communist and detained by the colonial authorities, and later prevented from entering Singapore for more than a decade by his former political allies.
Photo (click for source): Lim Chin Siong, S. Woodhull, Fong Swee Suan and Devan Nair
"Devan Nair was also my mentor and teacher, because of differences in our political beliefs and convictions, we were engaged in competition and opposition, proving true the maxim that there are no permanent enemies nor friends in politics. Whatever the case, we remain cordial with each other. I have always believed that politics should not negate friendship." translated by Chan Cheow Pong from the 2007 book 方水双回忆录 [Memoirs of Fong Swee Suan]
