Decision Not to Hold State Funeral for Late Former President Ong Teng Cheong

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.

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.