Former Cabinet minister Othman Wok dies aged 92

One of Singapore's founding leaders, Tuan Haji Othman Bin Wok, has died.

According to an announcement on the official Facebook page of People's Action Party (PAP), Mr Othman, passed away peacefully on Monday (Apr 17).

The former member of the country's first Cabinet died at Singapore General Hospital at 12.21pm, said an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

He was 92 years old.

Mr Othman was an MP for Pasir Panjang constituency from 1963 to 1981 and had joined the People's Action Party soon after its founding in 1954.

The statement continued: "The Government will accord Mr Othman Bin Wok the honour of being borne on the Ceremonial Gun Carriage for his final journey from Sultan Mosque to Pusara Abadi at the Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery."

The PAP paid tribute to Mr Othman in a statement, saying he has dedicated his life to serving Singapore.

The party also pointed out that Mr Othman was one of the earliest proponents of multi-racialism in the country.

"Let us also preserve his ideals for a multi-racial, multi-cultural nation, and also re-dedicate ourselves to building on the legacy of our pioneers," the PAP added, and sent its "deepest condolences" to Mr Othman's family.

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Mr Othman will be buried at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery on Tuesday, according to PMO.

"The late Encik Othman was an integral member of Singapore's first Cabinet formed by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew," said the PAP in its Facebook post.

"He served as the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs Minister between 1963 and 1977."

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A memorial service will be organised by OnePeople.sg on Wednesday.

The state flag on all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast till the completion of the memorial service, the PMO statement added.

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