The leaders of both sides of the Malaysian political divide paid tribute to the life and legacy of Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away early this morning.
In a statement released by his office, Prime Minister Najib Razak praised the late Singaporean patriarch’s achievement in developing the island state from a British colonial outpost into one of the world’s economic success stories in the span of a few short decades.
“I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister of Singapore.
“I pay tribute to Mr 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 is assured.”
Despite the often-rocky relationship between Malaysia and Singapore since the island nation’s exit from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, the ties between the two countries have improved in recent times under the stewardship of Najib and Lee’s son, current Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong.
“Malaysia is committed to the future of our relationship with Singapore; to peace, stability and shared prosperity between our nations,” Najib said, as quoted by AFP.
Meanwhile, the president of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and wife of jailed Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, lauded Lee’s role as one of the instrumental figures securing Malaya and Singapore’s independence from British rule, and praised his determination to turn Singapore into an exemplary egalitarian state.
“Lee Kuan Yew was a freedom fighter of the same generation as Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman, and fought for Malaya and Singapore’s independence from the clasps of the British.
“We should take heed of his efforts to govern Singapore while ensuring the welfare of all its people without regard to race and religion,” she said in a statement, as quoted by The Malay Mail Online.
Lee, 91, had hospitalised since February 5, where he was treated for severe pneumonia. He had later been sedated and placed under life support. He passed away at 3.18am this morning.
Premier Lee Hsien Loong has announced a week of national mourning in Singapore. His father’s remains are to be cremated on Friday.
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