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SINGAPORE -
Political leaders remembered Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim as a remarkable woman who championed various social causes and touched many Singaporeans’ lives as they gathered to bid farewell to the country’s former first lady on April 22.
Puan Noor Aishah, the widow of the country’s first president Yusof Ishak, died earlier in the day at the age of 91.
“I had the chance to meet her at a few public events and interact with her, and I was always struck by her grace, her poise and her dignity. I’m sure many Singaporeans who have interacted with her have that same impression,” Prime Minister Lawrence Wong told the media after he had paid his respects at Masjid Ba’alwie.
He said her legacy of selfless service would truly inspire many generations of Singaporeans.
PM Wong was among an estimated 500 people – many of them political and community leaders – who visited the Lewis Road mosque in the late morning for her funeral.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who arrived at about 11.45am, said he was sad when he heard about Puan Noor Aishah, who had been ill in hospital for some time. He visited her in hospital with his wife Ho Ching last month.
“She was still conscious, recognised us and gave us a broad smile. I’ve known her for a very long time, since I was seven years old,” said SM Lee.
PM Lawrence Wong (right) speaking to Puan Noor Aishah’s son, Dr Imran Yusof Ishak (left), before leaving the funeral at Masjid Ba’alwie on April 22. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
“She has lived a full life and made a significant contribution to Singapore, particularly in the early years – the crucial years of our first years of independence. We will remember her for a very long time.”
Senior Minister Teo Chee H...
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