S R Nathan is 'an inspiration to all': PM Lee in condolence letter

SINGAPORE — Former President S R Nathan is  “an inspiration to all of us”, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a condolence letter to Mrs Nathan on Tuesday (Aug 23). 

Mr Lee said Mr Nathan was a warm and approachable President who endeared himself to Singaporeans.

“I remember him as a man who lived his life guided by a deep sense of duty to the nation. Without fail, he stepped up each time. He was a true son of Singapore.”

Mr Lee’s condolence letter in full below: (click to enlarge)

Separately, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said he is "deeply saddened" by Mr Nathan's passing. In a condolence letter to Mrs Nathan, Mr Goh said: "From my years of interaction with him, I knew him to be of stout character and loyal to his friends and colleagues."

Mr Goh also revealed that when he had asked Mr Nathan to stand for President, the latter broke down. Mr Goh said: "He told me about his deliquent childhood, how he ran away from home and stayed away from his family for many years. He worried that this could be a liability. 

"I replied that on the contrary, it would be a great story of redemption and determination to succeed."

(Click to Enlarge)