It brings sadness to write this post on the passing of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, our founding Prime Minister of Singapore. To some, he is the true founding father of Singapore. Condolences to our Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, and family.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew passed away peacefully on 23rd March 2015 at 03:18am. I guess even when he leaves, he leaves at a quiet moment, not wanting to disturb anyone. He has been hospitalized since 5th February 2015 and conditions had deteriorated over the months (especially recent days). Here is the official satement from Prime Minister Office.
Passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister of Singapore
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 3.18am. He was 91.
Arrangements for the public to pay respects and for the funeral proceedings will be announced later.
PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
23 MARCH 2015
Some may not agree with him on his tactics used in the early days, I guess it is the best interest of the country when he decided on that. Regardless of what people had mentioned past and present, it is always true that he has shaped Singapore to become what it is today. Now, we should continue to live in peace and harmony, regardless of language or religion, to build a better Singapore.
Thank you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. You have fight a good fight. It is time to rest..
Updated from PMO (copy from Straits Times).
Here is the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office in full:
The Prime Minister has declared a period of National Mourning from 23 March (Monday) to 29 March (Sunday).
As a mark of 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.
A private family wake will be held from 23 March (Monday) to 24 March (Tuesday) at Sri Temasek.
Mr Lee’s body will lie in state at Parliament House from 25 March (Wednesday) to 28 March (Saturday), for the public to pay their respects. Those who wish to pay their last respects at Parliament House can do so from 10 am to 8 pm daily from Wednesday to Saturday.
A State Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm on 29 March (Sunday) at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore.
The State Funeral Service will be attended by the late Mr Lee’s family, friends and staff, the President, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Old Guards, senior civil servants, grassroots leaders and Singaporeans from all walks of life. The State Funeral Service will be followed by a private cremation at Mandai Crematorium.
Condolence books and cards will be available in front of Istana by the Main Gate from Monday to Sunday, for those who wish to pen their tributes to the late Mr Lee. 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.
The Prime Minister will be addressing the nation “live” at 8 am today.
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