Eddie Barker was a pivotal figure in our history. To begin with, he was our longest-serving law minister. Twenty-five years to be exact. Nobody in our history has helmed any ministry – apart from Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the premiership – as long as Mr Barker has helmed Law. He also helmed other ministries, like National Development at a crucial time in our history, where he made an especial mark.
Despite his various portfolios, all of which he handled successfully, it is his stint in Law that I think Mr Barker is remembered most for. Even among the generation of huge historical figures, Eddie Barker defined the Law Ministry more than most other ministers defined their ministries in their generation. He is the template of what a law minister should be; the ideal as a model.