KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who signed the condolence book for former Singapore president S R Nathan at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Aug 26), has lauded the veteran diplomat's contributions to bilateral ties.

Speaking to the press afterwards, he expressed his gratitude to Mr Nathan's work in civil service, which included serving as High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1988.

"The late president, when he was high commissioner and subsequently as president of Singapore, was a great advocate of closer ties between Malaysia and Singapore," said Datuk Seri Najib.

"For this, we are very appreciative of all his contributions."

The signing of the condolence book was observed by Singapore High Commisioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon.

The funeral service for Mr Nathan will be held from 3pm on Friday at the University Cultural Centre in Singapore.