World leaders pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew
Leaders from around the world have paid tribute to Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew after his passing on Monday. Lee, 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. He was revered as the nation's father and well-respected among political leaders around the world.
The White House expressed its condolences on behalf of US President Barack Obama:
Statement by President Obama on the death of #Singapore’s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew: http://t.co/7EUF2B6BLJ.
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 22, 2015
On behalf of American ppl, POTUS & FLOTUS offer deepest condolences to Lee family & join ppl of #Singapore in mourning loss of Lee Kuan Yew
— WH National Security (@NSCPress) March 22, 2015
Our condolences to the people of Singapore. The world lost a great visionary and leader. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/iF9pNMisn3
— EAP Bureau (@USAsiaPacific) March 22, 2015
US Secretary of State John Kerry tweeted his condolences:
I join those around the world in honoring the life of Lee Kuan Yew – he turned #Singapore into one of most dynamic countries in the world.
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) March 22, 2015
Malaysia's Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak tweeted Lee Hsien Loong - son of Lee Kuan Yew and current Prime Minister of Singapore:
@leehsienloong so sorry to hear abt the loss of your father. Deepest condolences to u & the ppl of Singapore. My thoughts&prayers are with u
— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) March 22, 2015
Khairy Jamaluddin, Malaysia's Minister of Youth and Sports remembered Lee:
Condolences to Singapore PM @leehsienloong on the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore today is his legacy. A tremendous legacy it is.
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) March 22, 2015
Narendra Modi, Prime Minsiter of India called Lee a 'lion':
A far-sighted statesman &a lion among leaders, Mr Lee Kuan Yew's life teaches valuable lessons to everyone. News of his demise is saddening
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2015
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute on Twitter:
"He was a genuine political giant." Tony Blair pays tribute to Lee Kuan Yew > http://t.co/4EBhVEaEUe
— Tony Blair Office (@tonyblairoffice) March 22, 2015
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office tweeted on behalf of the Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond:
.@PHammondMP: I am deeply saddened by the death of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first Prime Minister. http://t.co/4McmgGWHLC
— Foreign Office (FCO) (@foreignoffice) March 23, 2015
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who knew Lee, said he was a great statesman:
Lee Kuan Yew died at 91, great uncompromising statesman, first met 50 years ago in Canberra. Advice always wise.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) March 22, 2015
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key praised Singapore's first Prime Minister:
Lee Kuan Yew was a man of rare qualities who unified Singaporeans. His loss will be deeply felt by his family and the people of Singapore.
— John Key (@johnkeypm) March 22, 2015
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he'll miss Lee:
Lee Kuan Yew was a rare statesman, both in Asia and the world, who always saw the big picture and we shall miss his counsel.
— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) March 22, 2015
