Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong led a high-level delegation to Malaysia to express condolences to his counterpart Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the death of his wife, Endon Mahmood.

Lee, Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar, President SR Nathan and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong paid a visit to Abdullah at his residence in Putrajaya, the nation's administrative centre.

"She was a very warm person, a friend of ours and a friend of Singapore. We will all miss her," said Lee.

After a long battle with breast cancer, Endon passed away early today at the prime minister's residence.

When asked if Endon's death would be a blow to the Malaysian prime minister, Lee said he believed Abdullah would have the strength to cope with his loss.

"It is a heavy blow to lose your spouse. I'm sure he will have the strength and fortitude," he said.

Gracious and caring

Nathan called on Malaysians to support Abdullah.

"Naturally she has been with him at good times and bad times. I hope the country will rally to give him support," he said.

In a letter of condolence released to the media before Lee travelled to Malaysia, he wrote to Abdullah: "A loving wife and mother, Datin Endon was a gracious and caring lady, much loved and respected by the people.

"May she rest in peace, and may you find courage and consolation in her memory."

Lee, 53, lost his first wife in 1982 and has since remarried. He has also overcome a brush with lymphatic cancer in 1992.