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SINGAPORE: Singapore's leaders have sent their condolences to Ibu Junisa, the wife of former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas, who died in Singapore on Thursday of a heart attack.
Condolence letters were sent by President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Deputy Prime Ministers S. Jayakumar and Wong Kan Seng, and Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo.
In his letter, President Nathan said Mr Ali Alatas "will be much missed for his valuable contributions to Indonesia and ASEAN."
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Pak Ali, as he was known, was a trusted and able minister, who applied his energies to advance his country's interests.
Mr Lee said Pak Ali had asked about Mr Lee's Latin America trip when he visited him at Mount Elizabeth Hospital recently.
And Mr Lee said Pak Ali will always be remembered as a "major figure in Indonesia's foreign policy, a driving force within the region, and a good friend of Singapore."
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong described Pak Ali as a "trustworthy, reliable and upright man" while Minister Mentor Lee, who called Pak Ali and "old friend," praised his "key role in ASEAN's development."
Deputy Prime Ministers S. Jayakumar and Wong Kan Seng, as well as Foreign Minister George Yeo had also visited Pak Ali in hospital - describing him as a "great friend," "a true son of Indonesia" and one who contributed to "our excellent bilateral relations." - CNA/de
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