singapore

Politicians, celebs share personal encounters with S R Nathan, the "people's president"

Politicians, celebs share personal encounters with S R Nathan, the "people's president"
PUBLISHED ONAugust 23, 2016 3:54 AM

SINGAPORE - Long before "selfie" was the in-thing, Mr S R Nathan had been taking photos with people he met.

This not only helped put people at ease with the president, it also endeared him to the people.

While his official photos that used to hang on walls of government buildings have long been removed, still on display are photos of Mr Nathan - a self-confessed foodie - at hawker stalls, which is proof of the man's popularity.

Mr Nathan passed away at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Aug 22 at 9.48pm at the age of 92. He had been hospitalised at SGH since July 31, when he suffered a stroke.

A day after his passing, tributes to the late Mr Nathan, Singapore's sixth and longest-serving president from 1999 to 2011, have been pouring in with many local dignitaries, celebrities and Singaporeans sharing their encounters with the "people's president".

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Many ministers were nervous about their first meeting with the then-president, but how Mr Nathan responded surprised them.

Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah called Mr Nathan "a President for all Singaporeans" in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

As a new Member of Parliament after the 2001 General Election, she had been worried about how to introduce herself to the then-head of state.

"I needn't have worried. He looked up, saw me, beamed, called my name and crossed the room to clasp my hands in a fatherly manner to congratulate me on being elected," she wrote.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/IndraneeRajah/posts/1461271287223169[/embed]

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen posted a photo of a fond memory that he had with Mr Nathan in 2002. He wrote: "President Nathan had sworn me in, when I first entered politics in 2002.

"My wife and I accompanied them on their official trip to South Africa and other nearby countries. We liked each other's company and over the years, our families became friends."

Mr Ng said he would marvel at how much Mr Nathan had accomplished in his life and yet he still wanted to do more even past 90 years old.

Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim said that her father and Mr Nathan became friends for life after working together in the Ministry of the Interior and Defence. She added that Mr Nathan was very kind to her when she was a Non-Constituency Member.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan described Mr Nathan's life as "a paragon of devotion to the national cause and care for the most vulnerable members of our community", noting that he started the President's Challenge to get Singaporeans to express their care in practical ways.

Senior Minister of State Josephine Teo remembers how Mr Nathan had the charm and wits to put anyone immediately at ease although he was President.

MP for Tampines GRC Baey Yam Keng recalled how Mr Nathan once translated a Tamil play for him throughout the show.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/BaeyYamKeng/photos/a.115248718502843.14666.115142085180173/1372944842733218[/embed]

Marine Parade GRC MP Edwin Tong called Mr Nathan a President who made every community of Singaporeans his parish.

Singer Wang Leehom also posted a photograph he had taken with Mr Nathan and wrote: "I'll always remember your warmth, humor and kindness."

Mr Nathan, who lived at Ceylon Road, would often take walks or go jogging at nearby East Coast Park.

ONE FM 91.3 radio deejay Andre Hoeden posted on his Facebook page: "I'll miss seeing you walk along East Coast Park in the mornings. You always replied when I wished you "good morning". It made me happy to know that you were a humble man! Rest in Peace Sir!"

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/andre.hoeden/posts/10154091958518884?pnref=story[/embed]

Mr K F Seetoh, founder of food guide Makansutra, shared one encounter he had with the former president at East Coast Park when he was on his daily run: "You wanted to try our nasi lemak but your aide said no as it would defeat the purpose of the run."

"I know you have touched many more people in your meaningful life," Mr Seetoh added.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/kfseetoh/posts/10154420798652052[/embed]

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Other condolences from various embassies and the international community: 

[embed]https://twitter.com/NajibRazak/status/767867947503144961[/embed]

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInSingapore/posts/1176560245743170[/embed]

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maryanns@sph.com.sg

[embed]https://studio.brightcove.com/products/videocloud/media/videos/5095030208001[/embed]

S R NathanS R Nathan tributes
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