on Gus Dur's passing away. He was a great religous leader and humanist
who, by word and action, preached tolerance. I sent the letter below to his wife.
George Yeo
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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