Surprise!!Surprise!!
Farewell Ben, writes President Nathan
THOSE at Mr J B Jeyaretnam’s wake at 4 pm yesterday received a presidential surprise, when Mr S R Nathan and his wife came by to pay their respects.
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In a low-key visit without any members of the press present, the President and his wife, accompanied by bodyguards, spent about 30 to 45 minutes at the wake.
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They sat and chatted with Mr Jeyaratnam’s sons, Philip and Kenneth, as well as Philip’s wife, helpers said.
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The President also took the time to pen a farewell message to Mr Jeyaratnam in the condolence book. He wrote: “Farewell, Ben Jeyaratnam, farewell. You fought a long battle for your ideals. You were destined not to see it through. May you now rest in peace,” and signed off as “S R Nathan”.
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Others who came to pay their respects yesterday included British High Commissoner Paul Madden, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Law and Ministry of Home Affairs Ho Peng Kee and Nominated Member of Parliament Eunice Olsen, as well as members of various Opposition parties.
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About 1,200 people came yesterday, said Philip.
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Mr Jeyaretnam’s wake is being held at Mount Vernon Funeral ParlourNo 1 till this Saturday. The funeral service will be at St Andrew’s Cathedral this Saturday at 2pm. The cortege will leave for the Mandai crematorium at 3.30pm.Alicia Wong THOSE at Mr J B Jeyaretnam’s wake at 4 pm yesterday received a presidential surprise, when Mr S R Nathan and his wife came by to pay their respects.
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Alicia Wong-TODAY