S R Nathan: A ‘courageous gentleman deeply committed to S’pore’
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli wiping away tears while speaking to reporters at the private wake of the late former President S R Nathan on Aug 24, 2016. Video grab: Kelly Ng
SINGAPORE — A pioneer who was “intricately involved” in building the foundations of today’s Singapore, the late S R Nathan was a “fearless defender of Singapore’s interests abroad, and a passionate nation-builder at home”, said President Tony Tan on Wednesday (Aug 24).
Dr Tan shared these thoughts in a condolence letter that was released on Wednesday, as dignitaries and parliamentarians past and present continued to pay their respects to Mr Nathan at his Ceylon Road home. Many of the visitors recounted gestures big and small extended by the former President.
Mr Nathan died on Monday night after suffering a stroke three weeks ago. He was 92.
In the letter, addressed to Mr Nathan’s wife, Madam Urmila, Dr Tan noted that Mr Nathan, the Republic’s sixth president, had lived through “an extraordinary period” in Singapore’s history. “I will always remember S R as a courageous, approachable and honourable gentleman who was deeply committed to Singapore. Whether as a steadfast diplomat or as a resolute advocate for social causes, S R’s lifetime focus was always on how Singapore can be a better home for Singaporeans,” said Dr Tan.
As a medical social worker and a seamen’s welfare officer, Mr Nathan championed these groups’ welfare with “commitment and conviction”.
Mr Nathan also “embodied the values of public service in his actions” in leadership positions in various agencies and ministries, including the labour movement, ministries of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Defence.
“Mr Nathan demonstrated utmost courage during the Laju hostage crisis in 1974 when he and a team of officials bravely volunteered to take the place of some people who had been held hostage by the Palestinian and Japanese Red Army terrorists, and successfully negotiated with the terrorists,” said Dr Tan.
He also helped lift the Indian community when he was chairman of the Hindu Endowment Board, and as founding member of the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda) and its term trustee till 1999.
Extending his condolences to Mr Nathan’s family, Dr Tan said: “His heart for the people of Singapore is an inspiration for me and for all Singaporeans.”
Arriving at Mr Nathan’s Ceylon Road home on Wednesday, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli held back tears as he recalled a lunch he had with Mr Nathan in his first year as a Member of Parliament.
“We all thought he was a President, full of protocol, respectful, dignified, till the door closed and lunch started. And suddenly, he was a grandfather and it was such a hilarious lunch, it was unforgettable, ” said Mr Masagos, who could not hold back his tears and had to stop speaking for some 20 seconds.
He continued: “So that was him, personal, knowing how to treat the young with love, care and full of advice.”
Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said his first personal encounter with Mr Nathan was when he organised the National Day Parade in 2009.
“He was frank with his comments on what he has liked and what he did not like, very down to earth, very humble man,” said Mr Tan.
Mediacorp’s senior vice-president Remesh Kumar recalled how Mr Nathan would show up at rehearsals when the annual President’s Star Charity Show came around, with his security officers armed with bags of chocolates.
“He used to distribute chocolates to all the artistes and everybody involved in the rehearsal that day,” he said.
Others who turned up on Wednesday included Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, former Cabinet ministers Mah Bow Tan and Othman Wok, Sinda chief executive Kumaran Barathan and representatives from various religious organisations.
The condolence boards outside the Istana also continued to draw well-wishers who penned their tributes, with Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean dropping by around 11am to read the notes.
Among those who penned messages was retiree Saraj Din, 70, one of the police officers, who, with Mr Nathan, escorted the Laju hijackers out of the country in 1974.
Said Mr Saraj: “Before I left, I didn’t tell anyone about (it), not even my wife who was expecting our first child. We were all apprehensive, we weren’t sure if we would return to safety ... But because of his leadership, strong personality pragmatism, and skilful negotiation, we were reassured and prepared to take whatever came out way.”
Years after the incident, Mr Nathan would continue to invite him over to his house, but he was too “shy” to go, he added.
Mr Krishnasamy M, 60, security supervisor, shared how a chance meeting with Mr Nathan in Marine Parade last year transformed his life.
“At that time, I was struggling to make ends meet,” he said, recalling how Mr Nathan had listened patiently as he poured out his troubles. “He said he would talk to my MPs. He showed me there are doors out there, that I’m not alone, and to go for it and build up my dreams,” he said.
The encounter encouraged Mr Krishnasamy to push on. Then a security officer, he took courses to brush up his skills and managed to become a security supervisor.
“He didn’t just see the high-level people but the people on the ground,” he added.
