Singapore bids farewell to founding father Lee Kuan Yew

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Pretoria- A state funeral for Singapore's former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew began on Sunday with thousands of Singaporeans gathering along the street in heavy rain to bid farewell to founding father of the city state.

The procession, which covered a distance of 15.4 km, passed through major landmarks, such as Old Parliament House, City Hall and the Padang, as well as heartland areas, en route to the University Cultural Center (UCC) of National University of Singapore.

Singaporeans, young and old, gathered along the street to pay their last respects to the first prime minister who ruled Singapore from 1965 to 1990.

After the state funeral, Lee, who died last Monday at the age of 91, made his final journey to Mandai Crematorium.

The Minister of Public Works, Thulas Nxesi, is representing President Jacob Zuma  at the funeral.

President Zuma has hailed Lee as a great leader who spearheaded the transformation of Singapore from a tiny port city to the prosperous international financial, business and transport hub that it is today. 

“We once again extend our deepest condolences to the people of Singapore on the passing of their icon. We are reminded of our own painful passing of President Nelson Mandela recently and understand too well the pain that they are going through.

“We wish the government and people of Singapore strength during this difficult period,” said President Zuma on Saturday.-SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua