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Leaders pay tribute to Singapore's founding father
US President Barack Obama was among the first world leaders to pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, Singaporeâs first prime minister, who died on Monday at the age of 91
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S President Barack Obama was among the first world leaders to pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, who died on Monday at the age of 91.
'On behalf of the American people, (First lady) Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to the Lee family and join the people of Singapore in mourning the loss of this remarkable man,' he said, in a statement released just hours after news broke of Lee's passing.
He hailed the Lee as a 'visionary' as well as a 'devoted public servant and remarkable leader' and said he was deeply saddened by the news.
'Minister Mentor Lee's views and insights on Asian dynamics and economic management were respected by many around the world, and no small number of this and past generations of world leaders have sought his advice on governance and development. I personally appreciated his wisdom, including our discussions during my trip to Singapore in 2009, which were hugely important in helping me formulate our policy of rebalancing to the Asia Pacific,' he added, referring to Lee using a previous title.
Obama added to that: 'He (Lee) 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.'
Asian leaders also expressed their grief over Lee Kuan Yew's death.
'My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and family," Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement.
'I pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew's determination in developing Singapore from a new nation to the modern and dynamic city we see today. His achievements were great and his legacy assured.'
Earlier in a post on Facebook, Najib had conveyed his condolences to his Singapore counterpart.
'Lee Hsien Loong I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
'On behalf of all Malaysians, my deepest condolences to the people of Singapore.
'Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew's achievements were great, and his legacy is assured,' Najib posted on his Facebook page.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has extended the Filipino people's "solidarity with Singapore at this time of mourning", as he honoured the senior Lee.
"An era has passed, one upon which Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment," said Aquino.
"Throughout his long life, as prime minister and senior minister, Mr Lee demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country, turning it into a statement that would be an exemplar of efficient, modern and honest governance," he said.
He added: "The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work there and visit the country."
Aquino also extended his personal condolences to PM Lee.
China also mourned Lee's death, calling him a statesman of unique influence in Asia.
Lee was a strategist with both oriental values and international visions, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said in a statement.
"He was the founder and cornerstone of Sino-Singapore relationship, advancing mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation and making historic contributions to the founding and development of the bilateral relationship," said Hong.
"China expresses deep sorrow over Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing and extends its sincere condolences to the Singapore government, Singaporeans and Mr Lee Kuan Yew's family." (***)
