Aquino, DFA condole with Singapore over Lee Kuan Yew passing

Department of Foreign Affairs building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino condoled with the Singaporean people Monday over the death of their nation’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino extended his personal condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong.

Valte said the founding father of the Republic of Singapore “demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country, turning it into a state that would be an exemplar of efficient, modern, and honest governance.”

BACKSTORY: Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew dies at 91 

“The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work there and visit the country,” she said.

“Prime Minister Lee has always extended every official and personal courtesy to the President in his visits to Singapore and their official interactions in the ASEAN community,” she said.

Valte said Lee’s death signaled the end of an era for Singapore. An era that “Singaporeans can look back on with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

BACKSTORY: Singapore’s founding PM Lee Kuan Yew in hospital

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) joined Singaporeans in mourning the passing of the “visionary statesman,” the first prime minister of Singapore.

“His fortitude, political will, and wisdom will continue to be an inspiration in the years to come,” the DFA said.

“Mr. Lee was a visionary statesman who built Singapore into an economic powerhouse and modern society that has been a positive force not only in the region but also in the world,” it said.

Lee, 91, was hospitalized last February 5, 2015, for severe pneumonia. His condition slightly improved in the first weeks before it eventually worsened due to an infection.