Former President Ibrahim Nasir has passed away at the age of 82 in Singapore on Saturday, 22nd November 2008 after a prolonged illness.

Late President Nasir was the first President of the 2nd Republic declared on 11th November 1968. He completed two 5-year terms as President before resigning in November 1978.

Following the sad demise of the former President, the Government of Maldives has declared 23rd November 2008 a national holiday. The Maldivian national flag will be flown at half mast for 7 days as the country mourns the death of its former leader who laid the foundations for the modernisation of the Maldives.

President Nasir’s body has been flown to Male’ where he is expected to be laid to rest late evening on Sunday.