Lee Kuan Yew dies

Lee Kuan Yew, the Founding Prime Minister of Singapore has died at age, 91.

According to a statement from the office of the Prime Minister, he died Sunday March 22, 2015.

“The Prime Minister is deeply grieved to announce the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore. Mr Lee passed away peacefully at the Singapore General Hospital today at 3.18 am. He was 91,” the statement said.

The BBC describes Lee Kuan Yew, as the statesman who transformed Singapore from a small port city into a wealthy global hub.

Mr Lee served as the city-state’s prime minister for 31 years, and continued to work in government until 2011.

Highly respected as the architect of Singapore’s prosperity, Mr Lee was also criticised for his iron grip on power, the BBC notes.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi