Jakarta - Singapore leaders conveyed condolences on the death of former president Abdurrahman Wahid, or intimately addressed to by Gus Dur.

     The Singapore leaders who conveyed the condolences were President SR Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Shien Loong, senior minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, including Minister George Yeo.

     Singapore Embassy in its statement said here on Friday that the country`s leaders also sent letters of condolences to Gus Dur`s wife, Shinta Nuriyah Wahid.

     Singapore president SR Nathan in his letter among others said, "I have with many others in Singapore held Pak Gus Dur in high regard as a learned Islamic scholar and a leader who held true in his ideals."

     "He was a force for pluralism at a time when differing beliefs and ideologies beset Indonesian society. His leadership during the early years of Indonesia`s democratisation upheld inter-faith harmony and helps lay the foundations for Indonesia to become a moderate Islamic democracy as it is today," Nathan said.

     In addition, the Singapore president said, "I am certain that Pak Gus Dur will long be remembered for his contributions to both Indonesia and inter-faith understanding."

     Apart from that Singapore prime minister Lee Shien Loong among others said "Pak (Mr) Wahid will be remembered as an upholder of moderate Islam and a defender of the minorities. Even after he left the government, Pak Wahid remained a voice of tolerance and continued speaking but against extremism. He will be missed by his many friends in Indonesia and abroad."

     Gus Dur, the fourth Indonesian president died at the age of 69 after suffering from various ailments in Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital at 18.45 local time on Wednesday (Dec 30).

-Antara, 02 January 2010-