Ban Ki-moon Expresses Condolences Over Passing of Singapore's First PM

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement of condolence on the passing of longtime Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew calling the politician a “legendary figure.”

Early on Monday morning Lee Kuan Yew, 91, passed away at the Singapore Central Hospital.

“The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the death of H.E. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore. He offers his condolences to the family of the former Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Singapore,” the statement published the UN's website said.

“Lee Kuan Yew was a legendary figure in Asia, widely respected for his strong leadership and statesmanship. During his three decades in office, he helped Singapore to transition from a developing country to one of the most developed in the world, transforming it into a thriving international business hub,” the UN statement.

UN Secretary General also expressed gratitude for strong cooperation between the Singapore government and the United Nations and said he hopes for further strengthening of this partnership.

Lee Kuan Yew became first Prime Minister of Singapore in 1959 and was in power until November, 1990. He is widely recognized as a “founding father” of modern Singapore