He will be celebrating his 100th birthday in two weeks, which makes him one of the oldest Singaporeans around.
But with the month of Ramadan starting today, Mr Othman Nasir will not be having his usual birthday celebrations on June 20 because he will be fasting.
He told The New Paper that he wants to observe Ramadan because he is still capable of fulfilling his obligations as a Muslim.
His daughter, Madam Norlela Othman, 44, who is the youngest of his 10 children, said her father often fasts throughout Ramadan despite his advanced age.
Mr Othman, who was born in Batu Pahat in Johor, moved to Singapore in 1939 to serve in the British army.
His time spent in the army is what made him a disciplined and responsible man and father, said Madam Norlela.
Speaking from Mr Othman’s four-room flat in Tampines, where he has lived since 1984, the mother of four daughters said: “He was a strict father when we were growing up, especially with his words.”
It is this discipline that may have contributed to his longevity.
He eats plenty of vegetables and fruits. When he eats meat, it is mostly fish.
He also leads a relatively stress-free life, spending his free time reading the Quran.
Mr Othman still looks healthy at his age. Other than gout, he has no major illnesses.
His memory remains good although his hearing has weakened and his speech has slowed down considerably.
He used to be able to walk with the help of a walker, but has been using a wheelchair since a fall last year.
“If I were to tell my life story, it would be too long,” Mr Othman told TNP in Malay, with a chuckle.
After leaving the army, Mr Othman worked as a messenger.
He was then at a security company for 25 years before retiring in 1997.
Mr Othman has only vague memories of kampung life in Malaysia and Singapore, but he said he prefers life in Singapore today – everything is easier here.
His domestic helper, who wanted to be known only as Ms Setyani, has looked after him for eight years.
“Every two weeks or so, we take him out to get some fresh air,” said the 32-year-old Indonesian.
BH, Reuters, AFP
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Madam Norlela, who works as an airline ticketing officer, said her father often asks to be taken to Geylang Serai and Beach Road, to places he remembers fondly.
“He used to take his children to Geylang during Ramadan to look for Hari Raya clothes” she added.
“And his old army quarters was at Beach Road.”
When asked about the birthday celebrations, Madam Norlela said she has nothing planned, but it is likely that her siblings and their families will break fast together with Mr Othman on that day.
The last day of Ramadan will be on July 5 in Singapore, the day before Hari Raya Puasa.
This article was first published on June 6, 2016.
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