A kind, remarkable woman who touched lives of many, say Singapore leaders

Singapore leaders remembered Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim as a remarkable woman who championed social causes and touched the lives of many Singaporeans as they bid farewell to the former first lady on April 22.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

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 in March.

"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.