Edmund W. Barker

Career Barker practised law in Singapore from 1956 to 1964, working at the law firms Braddell Brothers and Lee & Lee. He was persuaded to enter politics in 1963 by Lee Kuan Yew. In 1964, he was appointed Minister for Law, a post he held until 1988. As Minister for Law, Barker was responsible for drafting the Proclamation of Singapore in 1965, which formally announced Singapore's separation from Malaysia. During his 25 years in Parliament, he also served as Minister for National Development from 1965 to 1975, Minister for Home Affairs briefly in 1972, Minister for the Environment between 1975 and 1979, Minister for Science and Technology from 1977 to 1981, and Minister for Labour in 1983.

Barker retired from politics in 1988 after a quarter century of public service. Beyond his political career, he held several prominent roles in sports and business administration. He was the first President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) from 1970 to 1990 and served as President of the South-East Asia Peninsular Games Federation Council in 1973. Barker also chaired the Bukit Turf Club from 1989 to 1994 and was Chairman of the Singapore Exchange (SGX) between 1989 and 1993.

Death and legacy Barker died on 12 April 2001 at 12:40 pm at the National University Hospital (NUH), following two months of intensive care after undergoing emergency colon surgery in February 2001. He was survived by his wife, Gloria Hyacinth Quintal, and their four children. He was 80.

Lam, Peng Er & Tan, Kevin Y.L. (1999). Lee's Lieutenants. South Wind Production. . "Old guard Stalwart Eddie Barker dies", The Straits Times, (2001, April 13), p1 "The reluctant politician", The Straits Times, Home, (2001, April 13), p2 "Breadwinner", (1970, May 8), The Straits Times, p6