The modern-day founder of the island-state of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew dies at the age of 91 at the Singapore General Hospital, after being admitted on February 5, due to pneumonia. The first Prime Minister of Singapore died at 3:18 AM local time (3:18 PM EDT) as confirmed by the eldest son and current leader of Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
The man who transformed the former British colony into one of the most successful and richest country in Asia, Lee Kuan Yew (Harry Lee Kuan Yew) had receded from public and political life over the past few years, but he was still seen as a an influential figure in the government of Singapore.
For the past few days, thousands of people, not only Singaporeans but also foreigners had been leaving flowers and cards at the hospital over the past three days, praying for his recovery.
Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore in 1959 and held onto power for over three decades, instrumental for the island’s transformation from a port city battling crime and poverty into one of Asia’s most prosperous nations. Although he stepped down as a leader in 1990, became known worldwide as one of the longest-serving prime minister, he stayed in the cabinet as a member of the cabinet until his death.
As the leader of island-state of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew combined market-friendly policies with strict controls over the press, public protests and his political opponents, he was hailed internationally as a visionary, yet criticized by others as authoritarian.
The death of Lee Kuan Yew and his son’s expected retirement within the next few years will mark the end of the Lee Kuan Yew era, but according to industry leaders, any change of guard will have little impact on business in the city-state, renowned for its robust institutions.