Singapore - Singapore`s leaders also sent condolences to Mr Suharto`s eldest daughter, Siti Hardiyanti Indra Rukmana.
President Nathan said Mr Suharto was a great leader who contributed much to Indonesia and the region.
He brought about social and economic progress, and transformed Indonesia into a modern economy.
Under his leadership, Indonesia was an anchor of stability in the region.
Mr Nathan said without Mr Suharto`s leadership, ASEAN would not have prospered as it did.
In his letter, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singaporeans will remember Mr Suharto for his leadership, vision and statesmanship.
His policies were crucial to the stability of Southeast Asia and enabled all countries to grow and prosper.
Mr Lee said more than once, Mr Suharto`s personal courage and leadership made the difference.
For example, in 1988, ASEAN planned to hold a summit meeting in Manila. The political situation was volatile, with the real possibility of military coups. Mr Suharto did not hesitate and announced he would be going to Manila. As a result, all the other ASEAN leaders attended the summit too, which passed uneventfully with rigorous security precautions.
Beyond ASEAN, Mr Lee said Mr Suharto was well respected internationally.
He was also steadfast in pursuing cooperative relationships with its neighbours, based on equality and mutual respect.
With Singapore, Mr Lee said relations started off tense after confrontation. But over time, Mr Suharto established close personal ties with Singapore leaders.
He said despite the different circumstances - Indonesia being the largest country in ASEAN and Singapore, one of the smallest - both recognised the countries enjoyed many complementary advantages and bilateral cooperation prospered.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also sent condolences to the former president`s daughter.
Mr Lee said he lost an old friend.
Although the two countries started off with lingering suspicions, but over time, they forged a firm friendship that endured more than 30 years.
Mr Lee said over the decades, Mr Suharto showed himself to be a man of his word.
Both countries also found many areas for collaborations.
Mr Lee said he would always remember Mr Suharto`s fortitude on the Indo-China issue and in bringing about reconciliation in the region.
He said history will accord Mr Suharto a place of honour in Indonesia`s history when his life`s work is studied in calm perspective.
In his letter to Ms Siti Hardiyanti, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said he had great respect for Mr Suharto, whose contributions went beyond Indonesia.
He was a strong and visionary leader of ASEAN and played a critical role in its formation and growth into a respected regional organisation.
Mr Goh said Mr Suharto is a friend of Singapore and when he was Prime Minister, he was able to build on the warm ties forged between Mr Suharto and Mr Lee.
Mr Goh described Mr Suharto as gracious and thoughtful - but beneath his quiet, smiling demeanour and gentle handshake, was a man of steel.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (28 Januari 2008)
