The condition of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, has worsened and doctors are closely monitoring his condition, the government said today.

“Lee Kuan Yew’s condition has worsened due to an infection. He is on antibiotics. The doctors are closely monitoring his condition,” the office of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a statement.

The founding father of modern Singapore, Lee, who turned 91 last September, has been in hospital since Feb 5. He is widely credited with the city-state's economic success.

Although Lee has receded from the public and political scene, his health is watched closely as he is still seen as an influential figure for the current government, headed by his oldest son.

- Reuters