Honour Lee Kuan Yew by keeping Singapore exceptional and successful: PM Lee

PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation on Monday morning, following the death of Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew earlier in the morning.

Speaking in a television broadcast, the prime minister spoke in English, Malay and Chinese, appearing visibly moved.

"He gave of himself in full measure to Singapore," Mr Lee Hsien Loong said of Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

"I am grieved beyond words at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew," the prime minister added.

"I know that we all feel the same way. But even as we mourn his passing, let us also honour his spirit. Let us dedicate ourselves as one people to build on his foundations, strive for his ideals, and keep Singapore exceptional and successful for many years to come."

Below is a transcript of Mr Lee Hsien Loong's statement in English:

The first of our founding fathers is no more. He inspired us, gave us courage, kept us together and brought us here. He fought for our independence, built a nation where there was none and made us proud to be Singaporeans. We won't see another man like him.

To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore. As Prime Minister, he pushed us hard to achieve what had seemed impossible. After he stepped down, he guided his successors with wisdom and tact. In old age, he continued to keep a watchful eye on Singapore.

Singapore was his abiding passion. He gave of himself, in full measure, to Singapore. As he himself put it towards the end of his life and I quote: "I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There's nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life."

I am grieved beyond words at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I know that we all feel the same way. But even as we mourn his passing, let us also honour his spirit. Let us dedicate ourselves as one people to build on his foundations, strive for his ideals, and keep Singapore exceptional and successful for many years to come. May Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace. For full coverage, visit bt.sg/lky2015