Decision Not to Hold State Funeral for Late Former President Ong Teng Cheong
Prime Minister's OfficeSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the decision-making process for holding a State Funeral for late former President Ong Teng Cheong and the future policy for past presidents. Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired if the Cabinet offered the family a choice and what considerations influenced the decision to provide a State-Assisted funeral instead. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the Government determines honours after consulting the family, as no fixed formula exists based solely on rank. She explained that for Mr Ong, a State-Assisted funeral was arranged in 2002, featuring the state flag at half-mast and ceremonial involvement from the SAF and Police. These arrangements included a coffin bearer party, vigil guards, an escort band, and logistical support for the wake and crematorium service to mark his national contributions.
Transcript
64 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Prime Minister (a) whether the Cabinet offered the family of the late former President Ong Teng Cheong the choice to hold a State Funeral; (b) if so, what was the decision of Mr Ong's family when offered; (c) if not, what were the considerations by the Cabinet in deciding not to offer a State Funeral to Mr Ong's family; and (d) whether the Government will consider honouring all past presidents with a State Funeral when they pass on.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien (for the Prime Minister): This issue has been raised before and the Government has explained its position publicly.
It is right and fitting that when Singaporeans who have made major contributions to the country pass away, they are honoured and mourned by the nation. The decision of how to honour the person, including whether to hold a State Funeral, is made by the Government of the day after consulting the family. The appropriate way to do so will vary with each individual. It is not feasible to set a formula as to who should receive a State Funeral, simply based on the person’s rank or appointment held.
When Mr Ong Teng Cheong passed away in 2002, the then Cabinet arranged a State-Assisted funeral for Mr Ong after consulting with his family. This included the following the state flag was flown at half-mast on all Government buildings on 11 February 2002; the SAF and Police provided the Coffin Bearer party; vigil guards were deployed as a mark of respect; there was an escort band for the funeral march; the SAF helped to organise the family wake and crematorium service and the Police assisted in crowd and traffic control.