Presidential flag flies at half mast to mourn late president in Singapore

The presidential flag of Singapore flies at half mast to mourn the passing of former President S. R. Nathan at Singapore's Istana, Aug 23, 2016. S. R. Nathan died at the age of 92 Monday night. [Photo/Xinhua]

SINGAPORE - Singapore's former President S R Nathan died at age of 92, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

"The Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues are sad to learn of the passing of Mr. S R Nathan and would like to convey their condolences to his family. The late Mr. Nathan passed away peacefully at Singapore General Hospital on Monday at 9:48 pm," PMO said, adding that arrangements for the public to pay respects and for the funeral will be announced later.

Nathan suffered a stroke on July 31. He has been "in critical condition" in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore General Hospital since then.

The State flag of Singapore on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast from Tuesday to Friday, and a state funeral service will be held as a mark of respect to Mr Nathan, who died at hospital at age of 92 Monday night, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The body of the late Mr Nathan will lie in state at Parliament House from 10:00 am on Thursday, Aug. 25 to 12:00 pm on Friday, Aug 26. The public may pay their last respects at Parliament House from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday, PMO said.

A state funeral service will take place from 4:00 pm on Friday at the University Cultural Center (NUS). It will be attended by Mr Nathan's family, friends and former colleagues, the President, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliaments, civil servants as well as Singaporeans from all walks of life.

The State Funeral Service will be followed by a private cremation at Mandai Crematorium.

Nathan, 92, was the sixth and longest-serving president in Singapore, and was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011.