Lee Kuan Yew a lion among leaders: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the demise of Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew.

"A far-sighted statesman and a lion among leaders, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's life teaches valuable lessons to everyone. News of his demise is saddening,” Mr. Modi tweeted.

“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,” he added.

Mr. Yew passed away at Singapore General Hospital in the early hours on Monday. He was 91.

“Mr. Lee passed away peacefully at the Singapore General Hospital today at 3.18 am,” said a statement on the Singapore government website.

As Prime Minister for 31 years, Mr. Lee transformed the city-state into one of the wealthiest nations in Asia. He advocated market-friendly policies but also strict control over the press and public protests.

Mr. Lee was known for his tough stance towards India but later turned his policy which was evident when he delivered the 37th “Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture” in November 2005 in New Delhi which he called “India in an Asian Renaissance.” He also developed close bonding with former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

President offers condolences

President Pranab Mukherjee joined world leaders in condoling the passing away of Mr. Lee. “Heartfelt condolences on sad demise of former PM Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Asia will mourn the loss of a towering leader,” the President said in his tweet.

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Lee Kuan Yew

Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, often described as the "shrewdest politician of the region," was the head of Singapore's Government since 1959, through three general elections.

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Factfile

• ›September 16, 1923: Lee Kuan Yew is born in Singapore as a British subject.
• ›1942-1945: Worked as transcriber of Allied wire reports under Japanese occupation of Singapore.
• › Studied law at Cambridge University, graduated with double First Class Honours.
• ›1949: Returned to Singapore with firm belief in self-governance.
• › When the People's Action Party was formed in 1954, he became its Secretary-General.
• › He has been the head of Singapore's Government since 1959, through three general elections.
• › Mr. Yew had visited India three times.
• › A look at the founding father of Singapore in pictures: >Click here.