Puan Noor Aishah, wife of first president Yusof Ishak, dies at 91

Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim, Singapore's former first lady and the widow of the country's first president Yusof Ishak, died on April 22. She was 91.

- Hariz Baharudin

Her death was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in a Facebook post on April 22, and he said he was deeply saddened to learn of her passing.

"With grace and quiet strength, she stood by Encik Yusof Ishak and steadfastly supported him throughout our tumultuous years of nation building," said PM Wong in his tribute.

"Beyond the Istana, she dedicated herself to serving others through organisations like the Singapore Red Cross and the Singapore Muslim Women's Association.

"Her kindness and service touched countless lives — may her legacy continue to inspire us all."

Puan Noor Aishah died peacefully at Singapore General Hospital on April 22 at 4.28am, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement. It said PM Wong and his Cabinet colleagues are deeply saddened by her passing, and that they extend their deepest condolences to her family.

It added that the Government would help her family with funeral arrangements, and that as a mark of respect, she would be accorded the honour of being borne on the ceremonial gun carriage for her final journey from Masjid Ba'alwie to Kranji State Cemetery.

Puan Noor Aishah was laid to rest at the cemetery alongside her husband on April 22.

A steadfast pillar of support to Mr Yusof throughout his tenure as head of state from 1959 to 1970, Puan Noor Aishah was also deeply involved in charitable causes and championed various social initiatives, particularly in support of women, children and the less privileged, added the PMO.

In a Facebook post, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted Puan Noor Aishah's humble beginnings and how she will always be remembered for her grace, compassion and service to others. He said Puan Noor Aishah became an emblem of heritage and local traditions, wearing the sarong kebaya at state events and teaching Istana chefs recipes for local favourites like epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of Istana cuisine.