Former president S R Nathan dies, aged 92

Former president S R Nathan died on Monday (Aug 22) night, three weeks after suffering a stroke on July 31.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the Prime Minister and the Cabinet were sad to learn of Mr Nathan's passing and conveyed their condolences to his family.

"The late Mr Nathan passed away peacefully at Singapore General Hospital on Monday at 9.48 pm. He was 92," the statement said.

"Arrangements for the public to pay respects and for the funeral will be announced later."

Mr Nathan, who was the Republic's sixth and longest-serving president, had been warded at Singapore General Hospital.

After working many years in the Civil Service, he was elected into office as President in 1999, serving two terms before stepping down in 2011.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong remembered Mr Nathan as "a true son of Singapore".

Writing his condolences on his Facebook page, PM Lee said he was "deeply saddened".

"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 held many public service posts, and occupied the highest office in the land.

"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.

"I have known Mr Nathan for 40 years, since I was a young officer in SAF. I remember him as a man guided by a deep sense of duty to the nation. He stepped up each time duty called. He was a true son of Singapore."

 

 

Recalling his predecessor's long career in the Civil Service, President Tony Tan Keng Yam said Mr Nathan had served the nation with "dedication and distinction".

"Mr Nathan had an outstanding career in public service. He rose from humble beginnings to become the sixth and longest serving President of Singapore," wrote President Tan on Facebook.

"In his long public service, Mr Nathan served with dedication and distinction, including years in leadership positions in the Labour movement, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Defence.

"I had the privilege of working with Mr Nathan from 1996 to 1999 when I was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. He helped set up the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, which is now the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. The School is ranked among the top think tanks in the region.

"Mr Nathan also played an active role in uplifting the Indian community when he was Chairman of the Hindu Endowment Board and founding member of Sinda."

 

 

Mr Nathan, who began his career in the Civil Service as a medical social worker in 1955, also left a lasting impression on the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

A statement from the ministry said Mr Nathan "guided us on how to do good, and how to do it well".

"His advice was simple – everything we do should serve the needs of the disadvantaged and improve the quality of their lives."

It added that Mr Nathan's "visionary step" of starting the President's Challenge in 2000 has resulted in a total of $160 million raised for supported charities.

"Since then, more than 20,000 Singaporeans from all walks of life have also volunteered their time and skills for the President's Challenge Volunteer Drive."

Mr Nathan leaves behind his wife Urmila Nandey, two children - a son and a daughter - and three grandchildren.