The late Mr. Rajaratnam, a co-founder of the People’s Action Party, was the first Foreign Affairs Minister after Singapore gained independence and the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Labour and Culture. He was often hailed for his vision of multi-racialism in Singapore, as reflected by the line, "one united people, regardless of race, language or religion" in the national pledge he drafted together with former Minister of Education, Mr. Ong Pang Boon in 1966.
This watch was likely a gift presented to Mr. Rajaratnam, and he was not known to have worn it. Family members and associates recall that he was not fond of extravagance, and preferred to use simple accessories in his daily life.
