State funeral to be held to commemorate Singapore's former president Nathan

The State flag of Singapore on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast from Tuesday to Friday, and a state funeral service will be held as a mark of respect to Mr Nathan, who died at hospital at age of 92 on Monday night, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The former president died at 9:48 pm on Monday after suffering a stroke on July 31. He has been "in critical condition" in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore General Hospital since then.

The State flag of Singapore on Presidential Palace is flown at half-mast. Photo By: Xinhua

The body of the late Mr Nathan will lie in state at Parliament House from 10:00 am on Thursday, Aug. 25 to 12:00 pm on Friday, Aug. 26. The public may pay their last respects at Parliament House from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday, PMO said.

A state funeral service will take place from 4:00 pm on Friday at the University Cultural Center (NUS). It will be attended by Mr Nathan's family, friends and former colleagues, the President, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliaments, civil servants as well as Singaporeans from all walks of life.

The State Funeral Service will be followed by a private cremation at Mandai Crematorium.

Singapore's national flag flies at half mast to mourn the passing of former president S.R. Nathan at the parliament house in Singapore. Photo By: Reuters

Singapore leaders have conveyed their condolences after hearing Singapore former president Mr SR Nathan's decease.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr SR Nathan today," wrote Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Facebook. "Mr Nathan's life is an inspiration to us all. His was a story of how a young boy strove to triumph over his circumstances and make a contribution to society...He was a warm and approachable President who endeared himself to Singaporeans.

"He impressed visitors with his knowledge of world affairs, and served with dignity and distinction... My condolences to Mrs Nathan and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief," the Prime Minister said.

S.R. Nathan. Photo By: SPH

Singapore's current president, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, who took over the post from Nathan in 2011, also sent his condolences.

"Mary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of former President S R Nathan. Mr Nathan had an outstanding career in public service. He rose from humble beginnings to become the sixth and longest serving President of Singapore," he wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Nathan and Mr Nathan's family during this time of mourning."

LIFE REVIEW

Nathan was the sixth and longest-serving President in Singapore, and was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011.

Prior to becoming President, he started his career as a social worker and rose up the ranks to become ambassador to Malaysia and the United States, two of the most prestigious jobs in the Singapore government service.

A file photo of Nathan and Najib taken during the latter’s official visit to Malaysia in 2010.

It was during his tenure as ambassador that he had to defend Singapore’s caning of an American teenager, Michael Fay, for vandalism in 1994, which caused a serious diplomatic rift with Washington.

Nathan also served as an intelligence chief in the military and held various positions in the private sector.

On Aug. 31, 2011 Nathan officially stepped down after announcing that he would not seek a third term in office, and was succeeded by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong with former President S R Nathan during his 90th birthday on July 3, 2014. Photo By: Lee Hsien Loong/Facebook

After stepping down as President, he took up appointments as Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and at the Singapore Management University's School of Social Sciences.

Nathan leaves behind a wife, daughter, son and three grandchildren.

(APD)