Failing health
March 17, 2015
An infection contracted by Singapore's first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, has worsened his condition in hospital as he fights severe pneumonia.
A government statement, issued by the office of his son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, said "Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's condition has worsened due to an infection. He is on antibiotics. The doctors are closely monitoring his condition."
Lee Kuan Yew was hospitalized on February 5 and has been in intensive care ever since, although his condition was initially said to have improved.
As co-founder of the People's Action Party, which has been in power in Singapore since 1959, Lee served as Prime Minister for 31 years until 1990. He is credited with helping the city-state gain its status as wealthy financial hub with a robust economy.
The former leader is 91 years old.
mz/rc (dpa, Reuters, AFP)