Puan Noor Aishah a kind, remarkable woman who touched many Singaporeans: Political leaders

Straits Times

22-04-2025

Pallbearers loading the casket of Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim onto the gun carriage at Masjid Ba'alwie on April 22. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
SINGAPORE - Political leaders remembered Puan Noor Aishah Mohammad Salim as a remarkable woman who championed various social causes and touched many Singaporeans ' lives as they gathered to bid farewell to the country's former first lady on April 22.
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 to hear Puan Noor Aishah had been ill in hospital for some time. He visited her in hospital with his wife, Madam Ho Ching , last month.
'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.
PM Lawrence Wong (right) greeting the son of Puan Noor Aishah, Dr Imran Yusof Ishak (left), before leaving the funeral at Masjid Ba'alwie on April 22.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
'She has lived a full life and made a significant contribution to Singapore, particularly in the early years - the crucial years of our first years of independence. We will remember her for a very long time.'
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean also noted Puan Noor Aishah's contributions in Singapore's formative years, saying: 'It is the passing of a hero who represents all the tribulations that we came through at the time of independence.'
Former president Madam Halimah Yaco b, who was at the mosque with her husband Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee , said she remembered Puan Noor Aishah as someone who was very kind, gentle, and compassionate.
Madam Halimah, who was president from 2017 to 2023, pointed to Puan Noor Aishah's role in transforming the Istana. The imprint of the British legacy was strong in the Istana, and Puan Noor Aishah played a crucial role in localising it to the Singapore context.
That contribution was also noted by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam , who is in the United States on a working visit , but had earlier said in a Facebook post that Puan Noor Aishah had taught the Istana's chefs recipes for local favourites like epok epok and various kuih, which have remained part of the Istana's cuisine.
'That is important, and that is remembered by people not just in Singapore but around the world,' Madam Halimah said.
Other dignitaries at the funeral included Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng , Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Dr Maliki Osman, Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam as well as former minister in charge of Muslim affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
A few were teary-eyed as they left the mosque.
Nominated MP Razwana Begum, as well as PAP new face Hazlina Abdul Halim , also paid their respects.
Minister-in-charge for Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifl i said that Puan Noor Aishah had been a pillar and an example for the Malay community, particularly for women.
It was also a point highlighted by Ms Hazlina, who said Puan Noor Aishah was always kind to young female leaders who visited her. 'She would always encourage us to press on and fly the flag high. It is really a sorry day to lose a gem like her,' she said.
At the funeral, Singapore's Mufti, Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said a few words before the mosque's congregants prayed for Puan Noor Aishah.
After the funeral ended at about 1.35pm, her casket was carried by eight pallbearers, who transferred her to a ceremonial gun carriage in a silent, dignified ceremony.
Mosque-goers waved goodbye to the carriage as it pulled away and made its way to Kranji State Cemetery, where a large white marquee sheltered attendees from the blazing sun for her afternoon burial.
Puan Noor Aishah was laid to rest next to her husband, who died in 1970.
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