MFA Press Release: Transcript of Doorstop Interview by Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo at the Indonesian Embassy on 4 January 2010 after signing the condolence book for former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid

Minister Yeo: On behalf of the people and the government of Singapore, I came here to convey our deepest condolences to the family and to the people and government of Indonesia on the passing away of a great man. President Wahid was a humanist who preached - sometimes using his wonderful sense of humour - clear messages on plurality, on tolerance, on the importance of goodwill among all men regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnicity. I was fortunate to have known him personally. We knew each other before he entered politics, when he was the head of Nahdlatul Ulama, and he gave me wonderful insights into Indonesian politics. We continued to meet when he was President and the last time we met was, after he had stepped down, in my office. It is a great loss. But his light will shine in our hearts forever.

Question: Minister, can you share your last meeting with him or your last memory of President Wahid?

Minister: You know, we were not talking about politics this time. We were talking about Israel - he was a great friend of Shimon Peres and had been to Israel many times. Somehow, no one criticised him. That was because no one doubted his religious credentials as an Islamic leader. I remember when he first came to Singapore as President. I introduced him to a seminar which he gave. We were talking about Aceh and he made some moving words that the Acehnese must be given autonomy so that they will feel that the land they live on is their own. So I was very struck by the depth of his feeling and his affection for the Acehnese people and that helped lay the groundwork for the things that were to follow.

Question: Which year was that?

Minister: I can't remember. When he last visited Singapore? That must be about two years or three years ago. I can't quite remember now. (Note: Minister last met Gus Dur in Singapore over tea on 12 October 2004.)

Question: Minister, could you share some of the words you used to write in the condolence book today?

Minister: I think you can go and take a look. Thank you very much.

Question: Can I ask a question about the Romanian diplomat and the accident? Can we just find out, has the Ministry or the government been in touch with the Romanian authorities on this issue?

Minister: Oh, yes. The Romanian Embassy is assisting the Police in the investigation. Investigations are still ongoing, so it would not be proper for me to comment on them.

Question: The sentiment on the ground right now seems to be quite strong now. Do you have anything to say?

Minister: What happened was very bad. A man was killed. People were injured. The police are pursuing the matter very thoroughly but investigations are still ongoing and I shall not be commenting on them.

Question: Despite the immunity that he enjoys is there anything that he could have done to appease some of the hurt or anger?

Minister: No, let us take this one step at the time. I think there must be due process in such matters.

Question: Minister, do you have any idea how long we are looking at towards resolving the issue because it has been I think two weeks plus already?

Minister: The Police are not sitting on their hands. Thank you.

. . . . . .