Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew dies, Australia's prime minister's condolences: a giant

May 14, 2011, Lee Kuan Yew announced the withdrawal of the Singapore cabinet, marking the end of an era.

Xinhua Beijing, March 23, according to the Singapore Chancellery website News, Singapore's former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew died on March 23, aged 91. The people and politicians in Singapore are mourning the memory of the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Australian Prime Minister Abbott and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Singapore's Prime minister's office 23rd announced that Singapore's former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew died 3:18 A.M. the same day, aged 91. The Prime Minister's office said that the public will be announced later on the arrangements for memorial and funeral.

One hour after Lee Kuan Yew's eldest son, the current Singaporean Prime minister, announced the death of Lee Kuan Yew, thousands of people have left a message on their social-networking site accounts to pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew.

In a statement, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Lee Kuan Yew and praised him as a well-respected "Asian legend". He expressed his condolences to Lee Kuan Yew's family, the government and people of Singapore.

Australian Prime Minister Abbott called Lee Kuan Yew "a giant". Abbott said he conveyed his condolences to Lee Kuan Yew's family and Singaporeans on behalf of the Australian Government and people. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said that Lee Kuan Yew's courage, determination, commitment, character and ability made him a strong leader.

Singapore President Tan The condolence to Lee Hsien Loong, according to the Asia news website. The letter said Lee Kuan Yew has brought Singapore's people together, turning Singapore into a global metropolis that has won international recognition. Tan said he expressed his heartfelt condolences to Lee Hsien Loong and his family on behalf of the people of Singapore.

The former prime minister of Singapore, Secretary of State, Goh Chok Tong, published an article in the face book to mourn the death of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding prime Minister, and to thank him for his life's contribution to Singapore. Mr Goh said Mr Lee was a "selfless leader". In addition, many of the Singaporean government ministers also expressed their condolences.

On February 5 This year, Lee Kuan Yew was admitted to the Central Hospital of Singapore for treatment due to severe pneumonia, the Lianhe Zaobao reported. The Office of the Prime Minister of Singapore said March 17 that the situation of Lee Kuan Yew was aggravated by infection. March 18 1:20 P.M., the Prime Minister's office issued a brief statement saying that Lee Kuan Yew, who was treated in the intensive care unit, was still seriously ill and his condition had deteriorated further.

Lee Kuan Yew was born on September 16, 1923, and he founded the Singapore People's Action Party in 1954 as Secretary-General. 1959 Singapore Autonomy, 36-Year-old Lee Kuan Yew as prime minister, resigned in November 1990, after the Cabinet minister. He completely withdrew from the cabinet in May 2011 and served as a cabinet member for 52 years, the most senior in Singapore's history.