Very thoughtful of President Ong's family, who decided not to give him a state funeral in 2002 because it was close to Chinese New Year by then. Before his death, he had asked to be cremated and for the ashes to be placed at Mandai Columbarium with those of ordinary citizens instead of Kranji State Cemetery, where late dignitaries are usually buried. For the first time in history, the Singapore flags flew at half mast on the government buildings, including the Istana, to pay him his last respects.
Rest In Peace.
