SINGAPORE, Aug 25 — After an emotional send-off from his Ceylon Road home, a private hearse bearing the body of former president SR Nathan arrived this morning at Parliament House, where his body will lie in state.

Nathan, who suffered a stroke on July 31, died on Monday. He was 92.

The hearse was received by Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob. A coffin bearer party, comprising nine officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police Force, transferred the casket onto the bier for the lying in state.

The State Flag was draped over the casket in the presence of Nathan’s family, in a show of the highest State honour accorded to a Singapore leader.

Tang Ai Ngock, 65, a security officer at Beatty Secondary School, said she had traveled to Istana at 6.30am yesterday for a glimpse of the casket but realised the viewing was at Parliament House starting today.

She recalls how Nathan had once came down to the school to deliver a talk. "He's like a father figure, who loves and respect us," she said in Mandarin.

Nathan was Singapore's sixth and longest-serving President. 

Vigil guards will be mounted at his lying in state as a special mark of respect.

Members of the public who wish to pay their last respects may do so at the Parliament House from 10am till 10pm today. 

Officials and members of the diplomatic corps may pay their last respects tomorrow from 9am to 12pm, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

A State Funeral will be held tomorrow at the University Cultural Centre for Nathan. — TODAY