RETIRED top public lawyer S.Tiwari, who died on July 26 of a brain haemorrhage, worked closely with all three prime ministers - current PM Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

In a letter of condolence to the family, PM Lee said: "Mr Tiwari did much to advance Singapore's interests internationally. He was a determined, patient and skilful negotiator. He held his own against diplomats and lawyers from other countries, and could be counted upon to deliver results for Singapore."

Aside from his work in the legal service, Mr Tiwari, 64, was known for promoting the teaching of Hindi and his leadership of the Hindi Society (Singapore).