SINGAPORE – Long before “selfie” was the in-thing, Mr S R Nathan had been taking photos with people he met.
This not only helped put people at ease with the president, it also endeared him to the people.
While his official photos that used to hang on walls of government buildings have long been removed, still on display are photos of Mr Nathan – a self-confessed foodie – at hawker stalls, which is proof of the man’s popularity.
Mr Nathan passed away at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Aug 22 at 9.48pm at the age of 92. He had been hospitalised at SGH since July 31, when he suffered a stroke.
A day after his passing, tributes to the late Mr Nathan, Singapore’s sixth and longest-serving president from 1999 to 2011, have been pouring in with many local dignitaries, celebrities and Singaporeans sharing their encounters with the “people’s president”.
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Many ministers were nervous about their first meeting with the then-president, but how Mr Nathan responded surprised them.
Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah called Mr Nathan “a President for all Singaporeans” in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
As a new Member of Parliament after the 2001 General Election, she had been worried about how to introduce herself to the then-head of state.
“I needn’t have worried. He looked up, saw me, beamed, called my name and crossed the room to clasp my hands in a fatherly manner to congratulate me on being elected,” she wrote.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen posted a photo of a fond memory that he had with Mr Nathan in 2002. He wrote: “President Nathan had sworn me in, when I first entered politics in 2002.
“My wife and I accompanied them on their official trip to South Africa and other nearby countries. We liked each other’s company and over the years, our families became friends.”
Mr Ng said he would marvel at how much Mr Nathan had accomplished in his life and yet he still wanted to do more even past 90 years old.
Singer Wang Leehom also posted a photograph he had taken with Mr Nathan and wrote: “I’ll always remember your warmth, humor and kindness.”
Mr Nathan, who lives at Ceylon Road, would often take walks or go jogging at nearby East Coast Park.
ONE FM 91.3 radion deejay Andre Hoeden posted on his Facebook page: “I’ll miss seeing you walk along East Coast Park in the mornings. You always replied when I wished you “good morning”. It made me happy to know that you were a humble man! Rest in Peace Sir!”
Mr K F Seetoh, founder of food guide Makansutra, shared one encounter he had with the former president at East Coast Park when he was on his daily run: “You wanted to try our nasi lemak but your aide said no as it would defeat the purpose of the run.”
“I know you have touched many more people in your meaningful life,” Mr Seetoh added.
Had the privilege of living in the same street as #SRNathan for 4 years. A great leader, Singapore will sorely miss. Rest in peace, sir!
— T-Man (@thyag1994) August 22, 2016
The Straits Times
Other condolences from various embassies and the international community:
My deepest sympathies to the family of former President Nathan. He was a true patriot who served Singapore with distinction.
— Jonathan Austin (@jaustinNZ) August 22, 2016
Former President Nathan on his state visit to New Zealand. RIP. pic.twitter.com/G1nQf1blrq
— Jonathan Austin (@jaustinNZ) August 22, 2016
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Singaporean people and government following the passing of former President S.R. #Nathan
— France in Singapore (@FranceinSG) August 23, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the family of former President SR Nathan and the people of Singapore. https://t.co/CG1FlPgvhB
— Mongolian Embassy SG (@MGLEmbassy_SG) August 22, 2016
The Straits Times, Zawiyah Salleh, New Nation, Wee Kim Wee, The Business Times, The New Paper, The Ong family, Lianhe Zaobao
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