National mourning declared for Lee Kuan Yew; PM Lee to address nation

Singapore's Prime Minister has declared a period of National Mourning from Monday, March 23, to Sunday, March 29. Founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew died early Monday morning.

As a mark of respect, the State flags on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast from today till Sunday, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

A private family wake will be held on Monday and Tuesday at Sri Temasek.

Mr Lee's body will then lie in state at Parliament House from Wednesday to Saturday, for the public to pay their respects from 10am to 8pm on those days.

A State Funeral Service will be held at 2pm on March 29, Sunday, at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore. The funeral service will be attended by the late Mr Lee's family, friends and staff, the President, Cabinet ministers, members of parliament, Old Guards, senior civil servants, grassroots leaders and Singaporeans from all walks of life. The funeral service will be followed by a private cremation at Mandai Crematorium.

Condolence books and cards will also be available in front of Istana, by the main gate, from Monday till Sunday, for those who wish to pen their tributes to the late Mr Lee. Condolence books will also be opened at all overseas missions for overseas Singaporeans and friends.

An official website has also been set up for the public to express their condolences and share their memories of the late Mr Lee: http://www.rememberingleekuanyew.sg. A Facebook page has also been set up.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be addressing Singapore at 8am on Monday.