FORMER Nauru President Ludwig Derangadage Scotty has died after a short illness.
The Nuru government announced that Scotty, 77, died on Wednesday, surrounded by his family.
A state funeral will be held with details to be released this week.
A lawyer by training, Scotty was a stalwart of Nauruan politics for more than three decades. He first entered parliament in 1983, representing the constituency of Anabar, Ijuw, and Anibare—a seat he would hold for much of his career.
Scotty served two terms as president, first from May to August 2003 and then from June 2004 until December 2007.
Scotty focused on economic reforms to address Nauru’s financial challenges. Notably, he became the first Nauruan president not to also serve as foreign minister.
During his career, Scotty served multiple terms as Speaker of Parliament between 2000 and 201. He also held ministerial portfolios, including Health and Justice.
Scotty is survived by his wife and seven children.