The first Singapore prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, died at 3.18 am today (23/3) at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Lee Kuan Yew passed away after being hospitalised since 5 February due to severe pneumonia. During past two weeks, his worsening condition kept being monitored by media especially after false rumour about his death .
Mr Lee was Singapore founding father who had brought a tiny island into a big economy. He led Singapore since 1959 including during the union with Malaysia in 1963 and during a tough period when the country first being independent in 1965. He is acknowledged as a great political leader not only by Singaporean but also worldwide. His success to transform a country who is lack of resources into a vibrant and modern hub is remarkable.
His death is definitely a great loss for Singapore and the world. He leaves behind three children, PM Lee Hsien Loong, Lee Hsien Yang and Lee Wei Ling.
“We lose a great man who has led us, inspire us, and keep us together”, said PM Lee in his emotional speech this morning.
Singapore President Tony Tan has conveyed his condolences to PM Lee Hsien Loong and his family.
“On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to convey my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dear father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Mr Lee dedicated his entire life to Singapore from his first position as a legal advisor to the labour unions in the 1950s after his graduation from Cambridge University to his undisputed role as the architect of our modern Republic. Few have demonstrated such complete commitment to a cause greater than themselves,” Presiden Tony wrote on his condolences letter.
The US President Barack Obama and The UK Prime Minister David Cameron have also sent their condolences on the passing of Mr Lee.
Lee Kuan Yew’s body will lie in state at Parliament House from 25 March to 28 March and the funeral will be held at 2 pm on 29 March at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore, followed by a privat cremation at Mandai Crematorium.
The Prime Minister has declared a period of National Mourning from 23 March (Monday) to 29 March (Sunday) and to respect to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the State flags on all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast from today to Sunday (CIDISS/OS).
