By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz
SINGAPORE, April 16 (Bernama) -- Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday signed the book of condolence for former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore.
Gan, who also serves as Trade and Industry Minister, was among several Singaporean and foreign dignitaries who took the time to pen heartfelt messages in memory of Malaysia’s fifth premier, who passed away on Monday.
Among those who paid their respects were Singapore’s former prime minister, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong; former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Prof. S. Jayakumar; former deputy prime minister Wong Kan Seng; as well as various foreign High Commissioners and Ambassadors based in the republic.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar shared that the dignitaries – some of whom had fond memories of Abdullah – described him as a leader who was close to the people and instrumental in strengthening Malaysia-Singapore relations.
“DPM Gan stated that Tun played a significant role in Malaysia-Singapore relations.
“Professor Jayakumar, meanwhile, shared his experience of having dealt with Tun during their time as foreign ministers.
“He said that Tun was a soft-spoken and diplomatic figure, which helped facilitate discussions and the resolution of many outstanding issues between Malaysia and Singapore,” he told Bernama when met at the High Commission on Wednesday.
Azfar, representing the High Commission staff, also conveyed his condolences to Abdullah’s family.
Also paying their last respects to the late statesman were Malaysians based in the republic, including individuals working in Singapore and representatives of Malaysia-related associations and non-governmental organisations.
Abdullah, affectionately known as “Pak Lah”, passed away at the age of 85 at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. He was laid to rest at the Heroes' Mausoleum on Tuesday.
-- BERNAMA
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