Singaporeans pray as Lee's condition worsens

[Lite Beer]

Singaporeans pray as Lee's condition worsens
The Straits Times, Reuters
Asia News Network
Singapore

SINGAPORE: -- Four-year-old Lim Kai Jun is usually at his English tuition class on Saturday afternoons. But this week, he skipped the class to go to the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and wish Singapore's former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew well.

His father Adrian Lim said in Mandarin: "I want my son to understand that we have to be grateful for what Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our founding father, has done."

Lee, 91, has been hospitalised at SGH since February 5 for pneumonia. Yesterday, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said his condition had worsened.

Although Kai Jun does not understand much about Singapore';s history, he now remembers Lee's face and identifies him respectfully as "grandfather" whenever he sees Lee's picture, said Lim.

Yesterday, the Lim family placed a daisy at a public area outside Block 7 at SGH - which the hospital has designated for well-wishers to leave cards and gifts - to convey their best to Mr Lee and his family.

As of noon yesterday, people from all walks of life had left more than 100 bouquets as well as handwritten cards and notes, balloons, soft toys and a box of paper cranes.

There were also those who just came to pray silently for Mr Lee to get well.

National Junior College student Hari Haran, 17, was one of them.

He said: "Mr Lee is the one who brought Singapore from third world to first world. Without him, we would not have such a good life."

Lee's health took a turn for the worse on Tuesday and he has been in critical condition since then.

Since news emerged of his condition, many members of the public

have visited SGH to wish him well.

Singapore residents have been leaving flowers, cards andother gifts at the Singapore General Hospital to show supportfor Lee.

Brenda Chua Jock Suan, 63, a retiree, has been visiting the hospital every day to offer prayers, and encouraged her middle-aged children to do the same.

She said she remembers Lee fondly as the man who single-handedly built Singapore up from a small nation to the successful financial hub it is today.

"I do it because I don't want him to suffer," an emotional Chua said in Mandarin. "I don't buy flowers or cards, but I just hope that my prayers will make things easier for him."

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. His son, Lee Hsien Loong, has been prime minister since 2004.

"Well, life still goes on," said Singaporean Tan Kim Lee when asked about the future of Singapore without Lee Kuan Yew.

"Singapore is not run by one man, that's for sure. So we have a good government team in place so I guess life will be normal, except without Mr Lee."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/Singaporeans-pray-as-Lees-condition-worsens-30256507.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-22

[NeilSA1]

91 is a milestone age, and Mr Lee is revered for his achievements in his own life time, which is a great accomplishment. Whatever happens in future, he will be remembered. Wish him well.

[F4UCorsair]

Lee was truly a great leader and politician, but none of us last forever amd 91 is a good innings.

[Eric Loh]

Ater he lost his wife 3 years ago, he really lost the will to live. His wife was a pillar of strength behind this great man.

[moobie]

Lee has passed away..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32012346

[webfact]

Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore, dies at 91
STEPHEN WRIGHT, Associated Press

SINGAPORE (AP) — Lee Kuan Yew, who founded modern Singapore and was both feared for his authoritarian tactics and admired for turning the city-state into one of the world's richest nations, died Monday, the government said. He was 91.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/811017-lee-kuan-yew-founder-of-modern-singapore-dies-at-91/

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