Govt leaders pay tribute to ‘great friend of Singapore’ John McCain

SINGAPORE — Singapore leaders have conveyed their condolences to the widow of Senator John McCain, noting that the Republican politician was a friend of Singapore and a strong supporter of America's presence in Asia.

In a press release on Sunday (Aug 26) evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had all written letters to Mrs Cindy McCain.

Sen McCain, who was the chairman of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee, passed away last Saturday (Aug 25) after battling brain cancer. He was 81.

In his letter, Mr Lee said that he and Madam Ho Ching were deeply saddened by the passing of Sen McCain, adding that he was a “true hero”.

“His strength in adversity, moral fortitude, and courageous acts of patriotic service to his country were a model for us all. He was also a great friend of Singapore, visiting regularly over the years, and was an outspoken and unstinting supporter of the United States’ continued presence in the Asia-Pacific,” said the Prime Minister.

Mr Lee added that he had the privilege of meeting Sen McCain on many occasions over the years. “He always spoke his mind, and I will remember his wise words of counsel,” he said. The two last met in October when Mr Lee was in Washington.

“Senator McCain has left an indelible legacy, and will be remembered as a man of principle and true conviction. His passing is a loss for us all.”

Sen McCain, a former prisoner of war in Vietnam who ran unsuccessfully for president as a self-styled maverick Republican in 2008, later became a prominent critic of US President Donald Trump.

He had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, discovered by his doctors in July 2017, and had not been at the US Capitol in 2018. On Friday, his family said that Sen McCain was discontinuing further cancer treatment.

Over the weekend, allies and political foes rallied in a rare show of unity in offering condolences.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean added that he and his wife send their heartfelt condolences to the McCain family. Mr Teo recounted that the two had last met at a “delightful gathering in Sedona a year ago”.

“I have greatly benefitted from my conversations with John over some two decades. I will always remember him for his deep and abiding sense of duty and service to his country, and his steadfast commitment to fighting for what he believed to be right. True to his indomitable spirit, John fought the good fight until the very end,” said Mr Teo.

He added: “He was a dear friend of Singapore and will be greatly missed.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan wrote in his condolence message that he always looked forward to meeting Sen McCain on his regular visits for the Shangri-La Dialogue with congressional colleagues from both sides of the aisle.

“Senator McCain’s tireless diplomacy, unwavering sense of conviction, and outstanding service to his country earned him respect and admiration the world over. He was a tireless advocate of the United States’ interests, striving to enhance its international standing… He was a good friend of Singapore, and contributed immensely to the Singapore-United States relationship,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

He added: “The life and service of Senator McCain are a profound inspiration to all of us. With his passing, the United States has lost a true patriot and a statesman. He will be deeply missed.”

Earlier on Sunday, the minister also paid tribute to Sen McCain in a Facebook post where he referred to the late senator as a "real hero".

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