Lee Kuan Yew, who founded modern Singapore and was admired for turning the city-state into one of the world's richest nations, died on Monday. He was 91 years old. The country's first and longest-serving prime minister, Lee took Singapore through a traumatic split with Malaysia in 1965 and helped the country to transform what was then a sleepy port city into a global trade and finance centre. World leaders expressed their condolences on Lee's demise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: A far-sighted statesman &a lion among leaders, Mr Lee Kuan Yew's life teaches valuable lessons to everyone. News of his demise is saddening. In this hour of bereavement, our prayers are with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's family and the people of Singapore. May his soul rest in peace.
Barack Obama (US President): A visionary who led his country from Singapore’s independence in 1965 to build one of the most prosperous countries in the world today, he was a devoted public servant and a remarkable leader. He was a true giant of history who will be remembered for generations to come as the father of modern Singapore and as one the great strategists of Asian affairs.
Ban Ki-moon (UN Secretary General): During his three decades in office, he helped Singapore to transition from a developing country to one of the most developed in the world, transforming it into a thriving international business hub. Its founding father will be remembered as one of the most inspiring Asian leaders.
David Cameron (British PM): Mr Lee made Singapore into one of the great success stories of our modern world. He was always a friend to Britain, if sometimes a critical one and many British Prime Ministers benefited from his wise advice, including me.
"He was a genuine political giant." Tony Blair pays tribute to Lee Kuan Yew.
George W Bush (Former US President): Laura and I are saddened by the death of Lee Kuan Yew. The father of today's Singapore transformed his country and helped usher the ASEAN region into the modern era.
John Kerry, I join those around the world in honoring the life of Lee Kuan Yew - he turned #Singapore into one of most dynamic countries in the world.
Tony Abbott (Australian PM): Fifty years ago, Lee Kuan Yew led a vulnerable fledgling nation to independence. Today, thanks to his vision and determination, Singapore is one of the world's most successful countries.
Lee Hsien Loong (Yew's son and current Singaporean PM): We won't see another man like him. To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore.
Tony Tan (Singaporean President): 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.
Najib Razak (Malaysian PM): I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister of Singapore. I pay tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew's determination in developing Singapore from a new nation to the modern and dynamic city we see today.
John Key (New Zealand PM), Lee Kuan Yew was a man of rare qualities who unified Singaporeans. His loss will be deeply felt by his family and the people of Singapore.
By Premji
