Singapore Prior to the death of Lee Kuan Yew, when he was hospitalised at the
Singapore General Hospital on 5 February, Singaporeans expressed concern for his health through social media websites. On 17 March 2015, the Prime Minister's office announced that Lee's condition has worsened due to an infection. Following that, many Singaporeans went to the hospital to pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, however as Lee was in the Intensive Care Unit, no visitors were allowed and the hospital could not accept gifts such as flowers and cards. On 20 March 2015, the Singapore General Hospital designated an area for well-wishers to leave cards and flowers for Lee Kuan Yew. Several Singaporeans and foreigners were seen leaving cards and flowers at the designated site. Additionally, the Tanjong Pagar Community Club set up a "get well corner" for residents to write messages and leave flowers and cards for Lee Kuan Yew. After the death of Lee Kuan Yew was announced on 23 March 2015, an estimated 447,299 Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans went to the
Parliament House of Singapore to pay their respects to Lee Kuan Yew. A tribute site was set up at the Istana, as well as other community clubs around the country for Singaporeans to pen their wishes for the late Lee Kuan Yew. On 25 March 2015, as the private wake for friends and family of Lee Kuan Yew ended, a ceremonial gun carriage carried the body of Lee Kuan Yew from the Istana to Parliament House. Singaporeans lined up from the gates of parliament house to the Istana. Many in the crowd outside the Istana clapped and cheered Mr Lee Kuan Yew's name as his hearse drove past, while many wept for Lee. Members of the public were soon allowed inside parliament house to pay their respects to Lee Kuan Yew. A queue started to form from parliament house stretching to Hong Lim Park and Fort Canning Park. Authorities advised members of the public not to join the queue as the wait was estimated to be 8 hours. • Lee Hsien Loong, the then
Prime Minister of Singapore and son of Lee Kuan Yew, said "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." •
Goh Chok Tong, the former prime minister of Singapore, said Lee Kuan Yew was the man he looked up to most and that Lee had "bequeathed a monumental legacy to Singaporeans—a safe, secure, harmonious and prosperous independent Singapore". •
Tony Tan, the then
President of Singapore, sent his condolences to Lee's family saying "The greatest tribute that Singaporeans can pay him is to treasure and build upon the legacy that Lee and his team have left us, and make Singapore an even better home for our future generations." •
Low Thia Kiang, secretary-general for the
Workers' Party of Singapore, said that Lee's "passing marks an end of an era in Singapore's history", and that "his contributions to Singapore will be remembered for generations to come". •
Nicole Seah, former second assistant secretary-general of the
National Solidarity Party, said that Lee "left behind a nation that will miss [him]. Not out of fear, but [out] of love." •
Desmond Lim, Chairman of
Singapore Democratic Alliance, said that Lee "had no doubt, with his comrades, had [sic] brought and push Singapore from third world country to what we enjoy now-first world state [sic]. This is something we had witnessed and cannot be denied.
Supranational organisations •
United Nations:
Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon said that "As Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary, he will be missed by many". •
World Bank:
World Bank Group President
Jim Yong Kim said that "The late Prime Minister was instrumental in the establishment of the Association of South-east Asian Nations" and that he "has left a lasting legacy not only for Singapore but also for Asean and he will be greatly missed". •
Association of South East Asian Nations:
ASEAN Secretary General
Le Luong Minh said that "The late Prime Minister is recognized around the world for transforming Singapore in a short time from an undeveloped nation to one of the most successful high-income countries in the world." •
Human Rights Watch: Phil Robertson, deputy director in Asia said that "Lee's tremendous role in Singapore's economic development is beyond doubt.
Governments Africa • : Then-Nigerian president
Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement praising the "achievements of Singapore under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew have been a great source of inspiration over the years, join his compatriots and many admirers across the developing world in paying very well deserved tribute to the late Prime Minister who moved his country "from the third world to the first world" with immense wisdom, courage, resilience and perseverance". • : President
Paul Kagame on Wednesday paid homage to Singapore's first leader: "Lee Kuan Yew was a remarkable leader for his people and the transformation he has led is envy to many." • : The South African government released a statement -"South Africa mourns the death of a great Asian leader who spearheaded the transformation of Singapore from a tiny port city to the prosperous international financial, business, and transport hub that it is today." • : Then-President
Jakaya Kikwete sent a message of condolence to the Prime Minister of Singapore. Kikwete called him a "nation builder" and said that he was admired by Tanzanians as a selfless leader.
Americas • : Then-Prime Minister
Stephen Harper said that Lee "was a highly respected and accomplished leader who transformed Singapore from a developing country into a global leader in finance, shipping, education and technology. His memory will live on in the stability and prosperity of the peaceful and dynamic Southeast Asian nation to which he contributed so much of his life." • : A Chilean government spokesperson said that it "shares in the sorrow and mourning" of the loss of Lee Kuan Yew. The press release also acknowledged essential principles of governance between Singapore and Chile. • : Mexican president
Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted in Spanish "I regret the passing of the ex-Prime Minister of Singapore." • : Prime Minister
Kamla Persad-Bissessar said "Mr Lee was the architect of the modern state of Singapore, which he transformed from a tiny developing country to a model nation of which all Singaporeans are proud." • : Then-US president
Barack Obama said he was "very saddened" and that Lee was "visionary". In a statement issued from the
White House, he described Lee as "a true giant of history" and "...one of the great strategists of Asian affairs", and "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." • Former president
George H. W. Bush said "I will always be proud that Lee Kuan Yew was my friend. I respected his effective leadership of his wonderful, resilient and innovative country in ways that lifted living standards without indulging a culture of corruption. I was also proud of the progress Singapore and the United States achieved together as partners. Because of the example set by Lee Kuan Yew's singular leadership, let me add I am confident that the future will be bright for Singapore." • Former president
George W. Bush said that he was incredibly saddened by the loss of Lee Kuan Yew and sent his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Singapore. He said that Lee "transformed his country and helped usher the ASEAN region into the modern era". He added that Lee left behind an "influential force for stability and prosperity and a friend to the United States". • Former president Bill Clinton also offered his condolences. He wrote that "Lee transformed Singapore into one of the world's strongest and most sustainable economies. He also firmly established his country as an important friend and partner of the United States". • Secretary of State
John Kerry said in a message of condolences that "Lee Kuan Yew exuded wisdom ... The counsel ... with him—about life and politics and global affairs—is among the most valuable and insightful". Kerry added that Lee was a "uniquely astute analyst and observer of Asia, and it is largely through his life's work that Singapore became one of the United States' strongest strategic partners in the region". • Former United States
Secretaries of State,
George Shultz,
Colin Powell and
Henry Kissinger offered condolences. Schultz said that Lee was "one of the most intelligent people I have ever known' and he often travelled to Singapore just to visit Lee Kuan Yew. In a separate statement, Kissinger wrote a tribute in
The Washington Post stating that "Lee Kuan Yew was a great man. And he was a close personal friend, a fact that I consider one of the great blessings of my life. A world needing to distil order from incipient chaos will miss his leadership" Separately, Powell said that Lee "created a nation that is one of the most influential in the world that takes care of its people, one that ensures that it plays a major role on the world stage". • : The
sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah released a statement calling Lee a "....charismatic and exemplary leader", whose "vast contributions towards maintaining regional peace and stability" • : The
King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck commanded the National Flag was flown at Half Mast in respect to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister. Ministers, Senior Government Officials, well-wishers, and Singaporeans residing in Bhutan participated in a ceremony to light a thousand butterlamps, and offered prayers for Mr Lee Kuan Yew, at the Kuenrey of the Tashichhodzong. • : Prime Minister
Hun Sen said "Mr Lee Kuan Yew has been the father of modern Singapore since 1965. Under his guidance, Singapore has prospered and is famous throughout the world. • : President
Xi Jinping described Lee as an old friend of China. Premier
Li Keqiang sent condolences to Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. Congress chairman
Zhang Dejiang and Vice-premier
Zhang Gaoli also send condolences to Singapore officers. China's Foreign Ministry described Lee as "...a politician who possessed unique influence on Asia. He was also a strategist with oriental values and international perspectives." • : the
chief executive,
Leung Chun-ying said that "Mr Lee's integrity, tenacity, vision and drive laid the most solid foundation possible for the impressive economic development, prosperity and social harmony that epitomises Singapore today." • :
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi described Lee as a "...far-sighted statesman and a lion among leaders". India's government has also declared a day of national mourning on Sunday (29 Mar) as a mark of respect for the passing of Lee Kuan Yew. The national flag will be flown at half mast and there will be no official entertainment. • :
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo tributed: "The government and people of Indonesia wish to convey their deep sorrow over the passing of former PM Lee Kuan Yew on Monday, 3.18am." • :
President of Iran Hassan Rouhani offered his condolences and called Lee an "Inspiration leader" saying "Courage, leadership and his strength was an important factor in the independence of Singapore as a city-state and turn it into a major financial center in East and Southeast Asia. His services will never be forgotten ." • : Israeli president
Reuven Rivlin offered his condolences and said that he has a "feeling of great respect for the people of Singapore" and that he was going to attend to the state funeral to express Israel's "utmost appreciation to an important and valued leader". Prime Minister of Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew by stating that he "was not only a great leader of his nation, but also a figure of great international renown", leading Singapore to "become an economic powerhouse by harnessing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its people". • :
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe called Lee a "...great Asian leader who laid the foundation for the prosperity of Singapore today." • : Prime Minister
Thongsing Thammavong described him as "an outstanding leader" who contributed to "the development of friendly ties and cooperation" between Singapore and Laos and among ASEAN countries. • :
Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak sent his condolences saying "I am saddened to hear about the passing of Lee, founding PM of Singapore" and that Lee's "achievements were great" and "his legacy is assured". • Former 4th and longest-serving prime minister of Malaysia
Mahathir Mohamad wrote in his blog: "The passing away of a man you know well saddens you. Now Kuan Yew is no more. His passage marks the end of the period when those who fought for independence lead their countries and knew the value of independence. ASEAN lost a strong leadership after President
Suharto and Lee Kuan Yew." • : President of Mongolia
Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj expressed his condolences. He said that Lee was "an outstanding statesman" and that "his legacy and contributions to the independence and development of Singapore will be remembered forever, which made the country one of the "Four Asian Tigers" economic powerhouses and a leading country in the social, economic sector not only in Asia, but throughout the whole world". • : Nepalese prime minister
Sushil Koirala expressed condolences to the family of Lee Kuan Yew. Koirala added that Lee was a "legendary leader of his time" and that his "contributions made by him in the rapid transformation of Singapore as a modern and prosperous country remain inspiring. In his death, the world has lost a fine statesman and Singapore its architect". Foreign Minister
Mahendra Pandey also expressed condolences on Twitter, he said that Lee's vision and dedication "made himself immortal in the form of modern Singapore. Every political leader must learn from his life". • : The
premier of North Korea Pak Pong Ju sent his condolences saying that he expressed the deepest condolences to the prime minister and the bereaved families. • :
Palestine Ambassador
Saadi Salama Tomeizy expressed condolences over Lee's death on behalf of the
president of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas and the
Palestinian people. • : Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea,
Peter O'Neill expressed his condolences. He wrote that Lee's "political career is a study in triumph over adversity". O'Neill accredited Lee for making Singapore a "true economic success story" and that Lee "transformed the economy of Singapore to deliver higher living standards for his people, and achieved long term GDP growth despite an absence of natural resources". The Prime Minister also acknowledged the instrumental part Lee played in forming good bilateral relations with Papua New Guinea. • :
Philippine president Benigno Aquino said "An era has passed, one upon which Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment. 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. 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." • : President
Park Geun-hye stated that "...the late Lee Kwan Yew was the father of Singapore and led it to become a centre of finance and commerce through 31 years of rule; his prophesy of a greater Singapore and efforts exerted upon such a goal has garnered respect all around the world, especially in South Korea ... He has visited this nation multiple times and was a friend to the Korean people." She is to also visit the funeral and comfort the family. • : Sri Lankan President
Maithripala Sirisena extended his condolences to the people and government of Singapore, . He said that Lee "set an example to the world in building up the modern Singapore and has rendered a precious service to buildup world peace". • (Republic of China): President
Ma Ying-jeou released a statement calling Lee an "...admirable and outstanding leader." In addition, the
King and Queen of Thailand, offered their condolences to Singapore's president Tony Tan, writing that Lee's "sacrifice and dedication led to the birth and prosperity of the nation" • : Timor-Leste's prime minister,
Rui Maria de Araújo wrote a condolence message, honouring Lee Kuan Yew to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. He said that the "miracle of Singapore provides many developing countries with a model of progress and a symbol of hope and possibility". He also acknowledge the good relations Lee Kuan Yew established with Timor Leste. • : UAE president Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed sent his condolences to the people and government of Singapore. In addition, the vice-president and prime minister, Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed offered "cables of condolences", according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the United Arab Emirates. • : Prime Minister
Nguyen Tan Dung wrote a condolence message stating "The passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew is a great loss not only to Singapore but to the ASEAN community as a whole. His thinking, and his contribution to Singapore's development will always be a source of encouragement for future generations. Vietnamese people will remember the love and valuable support of Mr Lee Kuan Yew to Vietnam. May the government and people of Singapore soon overcome this difficult time." • :
Angela Merkel,
Chancellor of Germany, sent her "heartfelt condolences" to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. She stated that Mr Lee Kuan Yew had led Singapore to "become the epitome of progress and modernity in South-East Asia", "a global centre for trade, logistics, finance and research took place in close cooperation with Germany". She fondly recalled "the stimulating discussion" she had with Mr Lee Kuan Yew during her "visit to Singapore in 2011". • : Italian prime minister
Matteo Renzi sent a message to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to express his "deep and sincere condolences" of the death of Lee Kuan Yew. He added that under Lee Kuan Yew's leadership, Singapore has achieved "extraordinary growth that has led Singapore to become a thriving and prosperous state." • : The president of Lithuania
Dalia Grybauskaitė expressed her condolences in a message to President Tony Tan. She said that Lee "took on decisive responsibility for the fate of his country and its people at a very challenging and difficult time for Singapore. A profound and far-sighted statesman, Lee Kuan Yew laid down strong and lasting foundations for modern multicultural Singapore". • : The Royal House of Norway released a statement of condolences written by
King Harald to the Singaporean president. Separately, the prime minister of Norway,
Erna Solberg wrote to Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong to express her condolences to the Lee Kuan Yew. Solberg wrote that Lee Kuan Yew will be remembered for his "visionary leadership" and "extraordinary contributions to Singapore's economic development and social progress, and as a remarkable international statesman". • : Polish president
Bronisław Komorowski wrote in a letter of condolences to President Tony Tan that he was grieved to hear the demise of Lee Kuan Yew. He said that Lee was "eminent politician and the creator of modern Singapore state" and that Lee was "one of the greatest Asian leaders, ... completely devoted to his country, building its position and prosperity" Polish prime minister
Ewa Kopacz also wrote a letter of condolences. She wrote that Lee was a "prominent politician and charismatic leader" and that the creation of Singapore was due to Lee's "creation of an outstanding political elite capable of courageous and effective management of the country". • :
Russian president Vladimir Putin sent his condolences saying "Over his decades of work as prime minister and in other high government posts, he earned his compatriots' sincere love and respect and won the highest international influence." • : Spanish prime minister
Mariano Rajoy Brey expressed the sadness of the Government of Spain upon learning of the demise of Lee Kuan Yew. A government spokesman said that Lee "facilitated the transformation of Singapore into an economic and financial centre of global importance and a benchmark in the Asia-Pacific region. Lee "helped make South-east Asia a region of peace and stability, and improve the quality of life of its people". The spokesman also said that "Lee Kuan Yew was a statesman whose ideas had a profound influence on Asia-Pacific development and served as a benchmark for many other statesmen". • : Turkish president
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Loong to offer his heartfelt condolences for the death of his father the founder of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew. Also The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey issued an official statement of condolence for death of Lee Kuan Yew. • :
UK prime minister David Cameron said Lee was "a friend of Britain". • Former UK prime minister
Tony Blair paid tribute to Lee Kuan Yew by saying that he "was one of the most extraordinary leaders of modern times", "a genuine political giant" who was "the first to understand that modern politics was about effective Government not old-fashioned ideology" and gave advice "with typical acumen and frankness". • UK
Queen Elizabeth II said Lee's "vision and dedication to the service of his country helped to make Singapore the successful country it is today."
Oceania • :
Prime Minister of Australia,
Tony Abbott said "Today, we mourn the passing of a giant of our region. 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."
Prominent persons •
Rupert Murdoch, chairman of
News Corporation, called Lee a "great uncompromising statesman" and said his advice was "always wise". •
Li Ka-shing, a Hong Kong business magnate, said Lee was a "veritable force of nature" who accomplished what few managed to do. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the death of Lee. •
Steve Forbes, an American publishing executive, wrote on his blog after Lee's death that he was "one of the great statesmen of the post-WWII era. He made Singapore an economic powerhouse, demonstrating that so-called natural resources aren't necessary for prosperity, that the key is creating an environment in which human ingenuity can thrive". Forbes also acknowledged Lee's intolerance for corruption and foreign policy decision. •
Muthuvel Karunanidhi, an Indian politician who has served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and chief the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party said that Tamils across the world has lost a "good friend". He added that Lee "brought together various nationalities—Tamils, Malaysians and Chinese—and made Tamil one of the official languages" in Singapore. •
The Dalai Lama, conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the death of Lee. He said that Lee was an "exemplary nation builder" and that he had made and extraordinary contribution with vision and determination to Singapore's evolution into a highly developed, prosperous state. He said that the "best tribute that can be paid to the late leader is to maintain the dedication he showed to Singapore, which has become a state its citizens can be proud of and which the world at large views as a model of education, peace and diversity." •
Fareed Zakaria, journalist and columnist, paid tribute to Lee by saying that he was a man of both great ideas and great action, "conceptualising and strategising but then also executing. He saw the big picture but then he could fill in the details."
International brands •
MasterCard grayscaled their logos on social media profile on
Facebook and "express our deepest condolences to the family of Singapore's founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew." •
Visa grayscaled their logos on social media profile on Facebook and "express its sincere condolences at the passing of Singapore's First Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew." •
Citibank in a Facebook post said, "We will always remember Mr Lee as a visionary leader who has dedicated his life to transforming Singapore into a thriving international hub it is today." •
Singtel in a media statement said, "We are grateful for his leadership in transforming Singapore, which has allowed us to enjoy and build on its many successes and strengths." ==Memorial==