“The Prime Minister is deeply grieved to announce the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore. Mr Lee passed away peacefully at the Singapore General Hospital today at 3.18 am. He was 91,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office in Singapore on 23 March 2015.
“Arrangements for the public to pay respects and for the funeral proceedings will be announced later.“
Later the Statement By Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was published:
“Good morning my fellow Singaporeans
I am deeply saddened to tell you that Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away peacefully this morning at the Singapore General Hospital.
The first of our founding fathers is no more. He inspired us, gave us courage, kept us together, and brought us here. He fought for our independence, built a nation where there was none, and made us proud to be Singaporeans. We won’t see another man like him.
To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore. As Prime Minister, he pushed us hard to achieve what had seemed impossible. After he stepped down, he guided his successors with wisdom and tact. In old age, he continued to keep a watchful eye on Singapore.
Singapore was his abiding passion. He gave of himself, in full measure, to Singapore. As he himself put it towards the end of his life and I quote: “I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.
I am grieved beyond words at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I know that we all feel the same way. But even as we mourn his passing, let us also honour his spirit. Let us dedicate ourselves as one people to build on his foundations, strive for his ideals, and keep Singapore exceptional and successful for many years to come.
May Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace.
Thank you.”
Condolence boards are available in front of the Istana by the Main Gate from 23 March (Monday) to 29 March (Sunday), for those who wish to pen their tributes to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Similar condolence boards will also be set up in front of Parliament House from 12pm today till Sunday. Those who wish may lay flowers at these two locations too.
Condolence books will also be opened at all Overseas Missions for overseas Singaporeans and friends.
The public can express their condolences and share their memories of the late Mr Lee at the official website, http://www.rememberingleekuanyew.sg.
The public can call the 24-hour hotline at 6336 1166 with queries, or visit http://www.rememberingleekuanyew.sg and http://www.facebook.com/rememberingleekuanyew for more details.
Official condolences and messages from the Nordic countries’ missions and other representatives will be published here as they come in.
Message from the Swedish Ambassador:
“On behalf of the Embassy of Sweden, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and to the people of Singapore on the passing of former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
He was a visionary statesman who led his country to independence, with remarkable leadership and determination. He laid the foundation for the Singapore of today, one of the most prosperous countries in the world.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Lee’s family and the people of Singapore during this difficult time.
Håkan Jevrell
Ambassador of Sweden to Singapore”
Message from the Norwegian Ambassador:
“On behalf of the Norwegian Embassy I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the Singaporean people and government for the great loss your nation have sustained in the passing of former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He will be remembered for his visionary leadership, his extraordinary contribution to Singapore’s economic and social progress, and as a remarkable international statesman.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Lee’s family, the people of Singapore and our many Singaporean friends during this time of sorrow.
Tormod C. Endresen”
“Message from the Danish Ambassador to Singapore:
On behalf of the Royal Danish Embassy, I extend my sincerest condolences to the Singaporean people and government for the great loss your nation have sustained in the passing of former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He will be remembered for his visionary leadership, his extraordinary contribution to Singapore’s economic and social progress, and as a remarkable international statesman. Our thoughts are with Lee Kuan Yew’s family and our many Singaporean friends during this time of sorrow.
– Berit Basse”
See also:
The best quotes from Lee Kuan Yew
Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, ‘a true giant of history’, dies aged 91
