State funeral to be given to Singapore ex-President SR Nathan

Indian-origin former Singapore President SR Nathan, who passed away last night, will be given a state funeral on August 26, the Prime Minister’s Office in Singapore said on August 23. As a mark of respect to the 92-year-old Nathan, the State flag on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast till August 26.

A state funeral service will take place from 4:00 PM on Friday at the University Cultural Centre of the National University of Singapore, it said in a statement.

It will be attended by Nathan’s family, friends and former colleagues.

President Tony Tan will lead Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, civil servants as well as Singaporeans from all walks of life at the state funeral which will be followed by a private cremation.

Nathan’s body will lie in state at the Parliament House from around 10:00 AM on Thursday till Friday for the public to pay their last respects.

On August 26, members of the diplomatic corps and other officials will pay their last respects to Nathan.

Condolence boards will be available at Istana for those who wish to pay tributes to the late Nathan from August 24 morning.

Condolence books will also be opened at all Overseas Missions for overseas Singaporeans and friends.

Nathan suffered a stroke on July 31 and had been hospitalised. He died last night at Singapore General Hospital.

He was the sixth and longest-serving President of Singapore and served two terms from 1999 to 2011.

He officially stepped down as President on August 31, 2011 after announcing that he would not seek a third term. Nathan was succeeded by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

After stepping down as President, Nathan 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.

He had a distinguished 40-year career in the civil service, and served as Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia and Ambassador to the US.

Nathan also served as Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large, and later pro-chancellor of the National University of Singapore.

Nathan was survived by his wife, daughter, son and three grandchildren.

Sulur Minor Girl Murder: Aunt Alleges Body Was Cremated Without Mother’s Consent

Fresh controversy has emerged in the Sulur minor girl sexual assault and murder case after a relative alleged that the g...

Coimbatore Girl Murder Case: Eeranenjam Shelter Home Elders Hold Candlelight Vigil Seeking Justice

Elderly residents of Eeranenjam shelter home in Coimbatore held a tearful candlelight vigil demanding justice for the 10...

Solayar Dam Water Level Stands at 21.39 Feet with Steady Inflow

Solayar Dam in Valparai recorded a water level of 21.39 feet as of May 24, with an inflow of 113 cubic feet per second d...

Parambikulam Dam Water Level Rises to 27.05 Feet Following Southwest Monsoon Rainfall

Parambikulam Dam near Pollachi has recorded a water level of 27.05 feet as of August 24, with continuous inflow of 45 cu...

Azhiyar Dam Water Level Stands at 64.7 Feet with Steady Inflow Following Rainfall

Azhiyar Dam near Anaimalai records water level at 64.7 feet against 120 feet capacity. Inflow stands at 320 cusecs while...

Chief Minister's Talent Search Exam Winners Visit Semmozhipoonkavai in Coimbatore

As part of the summer camp for Chief Minister's Talent Search Exam winners organized by the School Education Department...