"As we mourn his passing, let's build on his legacy"
As Singaporeans share their memories of the country's key founding father, tributes for Mr Lee Kuan Yew continue pouring in.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan, chairman of the People's Action Party Central Executive Committee, said in a statement:
Founding Secretary General Comrade Lee Kuan Yew has devoted his whole life to Singapore.
Millions of Singaporeans have improved their lives because of his dedication and sacrifice.
As we mourn his passing, let's also re-dedicate ourselves to building on his legacy, for the Party and for Singapore.
Our deepest condolences to Secretary General Comrade Lee Hsien Loong and the family of Comrade Lee Kuan Yew.
The Islamic Religious Council (Muis) also issued a statement:
Muis, along with the Singapore Muslim community, is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and expresses its deepest condolences and sympathies to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family.
The community has always held the late Mr Lee in high esteem, as a leader and a nation-builder.
As the first Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee led the government from 1959 to 1990 and transformed Singapore from a third-world country to a first-world developed city despite our small population, limited land space and scarce resources.
As the nation developed, Mr Lee also supported and helped the Malay Muslim community grow.
Then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (seated, third from left) at Geylang Serai Malay settlement. PHOTO: Muis
Among his many contributions was facilitating the formation of Muis as a statutory body when the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA) took effect in 1968.
He will also always be remembered for his strong support for the introduction of the Mosque Building Fund Scheme in 1975, which helped the community to rally together and strengthen this key community institution during Singapore’s period of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.
Mr Lee’s leadership contributed to the growth of our economy, progress in the field of education, and peace, stability and harmony.
Mr Lee gracing the iftar (break of fast) session at Al Amin Mosque in 2010. PHOTO: Muis
The Singaporean Muslim community too has grown and prospered in tandem with Singapore, and has garnered respect in the international arena as a successful minority community in a secular state.
We join the nation in mourning the loss of a great statesman and leader.
Our thoughts and prayers are with PM Lee and his family during this very difficult moment.
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Related reports:
Mr Goh Chok Tong to PM Lee: Condolences cannot erase the pain of your bereavement
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