Prime Minister Najib Razak has expressed his condolences to the southern nation on the passing of its first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew early this morning.

 

"I am saddened to hear about the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, founding prime minister of Singapore.

 

"My thoughts and prayers are with‎ Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and family‎.

 

“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.

 

“Malaysia is committed to the future of our relationship with Singapore; to peace, stability and shared prosperity between our nations, and within Asean as a whole,” said Najib in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office today.

After weeks in critical condition over pneumonia, the 91-year-old succumbed at 3.18am at Singapore General Hospital.

PKR: Loss of nation-builder

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail also expressed her condolences on Lee's passing.

"Lee Kuan Yew was a nation-builder like the late amarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman; both struggled for the independence of Malaya and Singapore from the British.

 

"We must take stock of his efforts in administering Singapore, which focused the welfare of the people regardless of race or religion.

 

"As the founder and first prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew initiated developmental policies that were transparent and efficient, and was successful at attracting foreign investors to the point that his country was dubbed the ‘Swiss of Asia’.

 

"The people of Singapore have lost an important figure who has done much for his country, and we hope that the close and warm ties between South East Asian neighbours initiated during the time of Lee Kuan Yew and other past leaders can only be strengthened from hereon."