SINGAPORE - The coffin bearing the late pioneer Cabinet minister Othman Wok's body was carried out of Sultan Mosque amid a heavy downpour, following a prayer session held for him a day after he died.

In the highest honour accorded to a deceased Singaporean, a state flag was draped over the casket, with the crescent and stars lying over the head and close to the heart of Mr Othman.

The casket was then carried onto the ceremonial gun carriage, and began its final journey through Singapore to Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery where Mr Othman was buried later on Tuesday afternoon (April 18).

The procession passed by North Bridge Road, North Boat Quay and River Valley Road, through Alexandra Road, Commonwealth Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue West and Clementi Avenue 6.

Mr Muhammad Haziq, 20, who is waiting to enlist for National Service, braved the rain to catch a glimpse of the cortege as it passed by River Valley Road.

"I didn't know him personally, but he's done a lot for the country, so I wanted to pay my respects," he said.

Mr Othman, who died on Monday at age 92, leaves behind his wife Lina, four daughters, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

More than 100 family members, politicians and unionists gathered at the cemetery to observe the burial service.

The procession arrived at the cemetery at around 3.15pm, and men from Mr Othman's family lowered his body into the grave as the rain continued to fall.

After soil was poured onto the grave, Mufti Fatris Bakaram read the talqin - the last rites for the deceased, which remind the dead of the tests of the afterlife.

Finally, Mr Othman's family and relatives poured flowers and perfumed water on the grave as they said their last farewells.