MFA Press Statement: Passing of Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid

Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid passed away on 30
December 2009. President S R Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, and
Minister George Yeo have written to his widow Madam Shinta Nuriyah Wahid
to convey their condolences. Their letters are attached.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
31 DECEMBER 2009
___________________________________________________________________

31 December 2009

Madam Shinta Nuriyah Wahid
Jalan Warung Silah No 10
Ciganjur
Jakarta Selatan 12630

Dear Ibu Shinta,

It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Bapak Abdurrahman Wahid late last evening.

I have with many others in Singapore held Pak Gus Dur in high regard as a learned Islamic scholar and a leader who held true to his ideals. He was a force for pluralism at a time when differing beliefs and ideologies beset Indonesian society. His leadership during the early years of Indonesia's democratisation upheld inter-faith harmony and helped lay the foundations for Indonesia to become the moderate Islamic democracy it is today. I am certain that Pak Gus Dur will long be remembered for his contributions to both Indonesia and inter-faith understanding.

My wife and I would like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family as you grieve his loss.

Yours Sincerely,
S R NATHAN
____________________________________________

31 December 2009

Dear Ibu Shinta,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pak Abdurrahman Wahid.

Pak Wahid will be remembered as an upholder of moderate Islam and a defender of the minorities. Even after he left government, Pak Wahid remained a voice of tolerance and continued speaking out against extremism. He will be missed by his many friends in Indonesia and abroad. Indonesia has lost one of its respected leaders.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

With deepest sympathies.

Yours sincerely,
LEE HSIEN LOONG

Madam Shinta Nuriyah Wahid
Jalan Warung Silah No 10
Ciganjur
Jakarta Selatan 12630
___________________________________________________________________

31 December 2009

Madam Shinta Nuriyah Wahid
Jalan Warung Silah No 10
Ciganjur
Jakarta Selatan 12630

Dear Ibu Shinta,

I am deeply saddened to learn that Pak Abdurrahman Wahid had passed away.

I had the privilege of working closely with Pak Wahid when he was President and got to know him well. I will always remember his quick wit, sense of humour, liberalism and optimism. Pak Wahid was a very skilled and experienced politician and a nationalist who bravely led Indonesia at a time of transition.

Pak Wahid was an Islamic scholar and a staunch reformist. The reforms introduced by him when he was Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama rejuvenated the organisation. He was also one of the leading figures in the reformasi movement that ushered in democracy to Indonesia.

We worked well together to maintain the good relations between our two countries.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Yours sincerely,
GOH CHOK TONG
___________________________________________________________________

31 December 2009

Dear Ibu Shinta,

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Pak Abdurrahman Wahid.

Pak Wahid was one of the leading Islamic figures of his time. He was a staunch defender of moderate Islam and secularism, and always had the courage to speak up to defend these beliefs even when he was in the minority. Pak Wahid's contributions and legacy will be remembered by his many friends and supporters in Indonesia and around the world.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult moment.

Yours sincerely,
LEE KUAN YEW

Madam Shinta Nuriyah Wahid
Jalan Warung Silah No 10
Ciganjur
Jakarta Selatan 12630
___________________________________________________________________

31 December 2009

Madam Shinta Nuriyah Wahid
Jalan Warung Silah No 10
Ciganjur
Jakarta Selatan 12630

Dear Ibu Shinta,

My wife and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Pak Abdurrahman Wahid.

I first met him in 1996 at Pak Jusuf Wanandi's house when he gave me an insightful analysis of developments in Indonesian politics. Since then we had met many times both in Indonesia and in Singapore. When as President he made his first official visit to Singapore in November 1999, I was honoured to be the Minister introducing him at a special seminar. He was eloquent, charming and brilliant, speaking a few words of Chinese to the audience. I remember the affection with which he talked about the people of Aceh. Pak Wahid was a man of great principle and humanity. As an esteemed Islamic scholar, he advocated peaceful coexistence with other faiths. As a political leader and as President, he held true to Indonesia's founding principles of Pancasila. He was a bold leader at a time of turbulence. His stamp on Nahdlatul Ulama, the National Awakening Party and indeed the religious and political life of Indonesia, is a legacy that will not be forgotten for a long time. Above all, he had a wonderful sense of humour, often self-deprecatory, which endeared him to everyone he met. His light will shine forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this moment of grief.

Yours sincerely,
GEORGE YEO

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