Kuan Yew Spent Entire Life For Successful Singapore - Hsien Loong

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, March 24 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says the late Lee Kuan Yew spent his entire life for a successful Singapore and called on Singaporeans to continue his legacy to make the city exceptional and successful for many years to come. Addressing the nation Monday, following the demise of the former prime minister who was his father, he said Singapore was Kuan Yew's 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,'". Hsien Loong said the first of Singapore's founding fathers was 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," the prime minister said. According to Hsien Loong, to many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, 'Lee Kuan Yew is Singapore'. As prime minister, he said Kuan Yew "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. "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." Kuan Yew, 91, died peacefully at 3.18am Monday at the Singapore General Hospital where he had been admitted on Feb 5 for severe pneumonia. -- BERNAMA