Reflecting the close ties forged by Mr Alatas with Singapore, the messages were sent by President S R Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Deputy Prime Ministers S. Jayakumar and Wong Kan Seng, as well as Foreign Minister George Yeo.

The respected Asean statesman died of a heart attack yesterday in a Singapore hospital.

His remains were flown to Jakarta and he will be buried today.

The message from President Nathan recalled his association with Mr Alatas from the mid-1960s, when the late diplomat was the secretary to Indonesian vice-president Adam Malik.

'This association continued when he became foreign minister and frequently visited Singapore. He will be much missed for his valuable contributions to Indonesia and Asean,' President Nathan wrote.

In his letter, Prime Minister Lee said he visited Mr Alatas at Mount Elizabeth, upon learning the diplomat had been hospitalised in Singapore.

The Asean statesman was hospitalised here late last month.

'His voice was hoarse, but he was in good spirits. He was tracking what was happening in the world, and asked about my recent trip to Latin America.

'I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing,' Mr Lee said.

PM Lee noted that Indonesia being the largest country in Asean, and Singapore the smallest, 'from time to time we would have different perspectives on issues. This was only to be expected.

'Nevertheless we respected each other's positions, and cooperated for mutual benefit.'

Mr Lee added: 'We worked harmoniously together, and over time developed a warm personal friendship.'

SM Goh in his message said he had visited Mr Alatas in hospital last Friday, and the diplomat 'was as alert, charming and gracious as ever'.

'I am glad to have at least seen him before his unexpected demise and shall remember my last conversation with him and Ibu Junisa about family and grandchildren.'

Wrote Mr Goh of Mr Alatas: 'A firm believer in regional cooperation, he played a critical role in the drafting of the Asean Charter. Pak Ali was also instrumental in developing closer ties between Singapore and Indonesia.'

MM Lee said he and Mr Alatas were old friends.

'In his many years as Indonesia's foreign minister from 1988 to 1999, Pak Ali had presented Indonesia's position ably and deftly, especially at the United Nations.

'He played a key role in Asean's development. He made significant contributions to his country, to the region and to bilateral ties between Indonesia and Singapore,' MM Lee noted.

Prof Jayakumar described Mr Alatas as someone with 'legendary' diplomatic and oratory skills, and who had a 'strong sense of integrity and personality'.

'Pak Ali has left behind a legacy in Indonesian foreign policy, and an enduring example that all diplomats seek to follow,' Prof Jayakumar said.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong said he had visited Mr Alatas only a few days ago.

'He looked like he was recovering well and was in good spirits. We were happily chatting about our times together as foreign ministers.

'It is with the deepest regret and sadness that I learnt of this sudden turn of events,' Mr Wong wrote.

Foreign Minister Yeo in his letter said he met both Mr Alatas and his wife at the hospital last week.

He described Mr Alatas as 'a very good friend of Singapore and contributed hugely to our excellent bilateral relations. We shall miss him'.

In his Facebook account, Mr Yeo wrote that before embarking on the Asean Charter, he had sought the help of Mr Alatas over a private dinner at a Japanese restaurant.

'He had already retired but responded enthusiastically. He never rested, never turned people away.'

reme@sph.com.sg