SINGAPORE’S sixth and longest-serving president Sellapan Ramanathan died Monday at age 92, the government announced.
The former leader widely known as S.R. Nathan was put in intensive care after he suffered a stroke on July 31. It was his second stroke in less than two years.
“The late Mr. Nathan passed away peacefully at Singapore General Hospital on Monday,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
“The Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues are sad to learn of the passing of Mr SR Nathan and would like to convey their condolences to his family.”
Ramanathan served two terms as Singapore’s head of state from 1999 to 2011 he was succeeded by Tony Tan Keng Yam.
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He held top positions in the civil service and was appointed high commissioner to Malaysia in 1988. From 1990 to 1996, Ramanathan served as Singapore’s ambassador to the United States.
According to Straits Times, Nathan’s remains will lie in state on Thursday at Parliament House, where the public can pay their last respects. The government will also hold a state funeral service on Friday.
Just after his stroke in July, social media in Singapore went abuzz with accounts of Ramanathan’s humble beginnings and how he had started work without completing his studies.
On Facebook, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to the iconic leader.
“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,” Lee said.
“He was a warm and approachable president who endeared himself to Singaporeans. 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.”
Additional reporting from the Associated Press
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