29 Mar 2015

Huge crowds farewell Singapore's founder

7:44 pm on 29 March 2015

Tens of thousands of people have braved heavy rain and lined the streets of Singapore to catch a last glimpse of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who died last Monday at the age of 91.

The coffin carrying Lee Kuan Yew's body is transferred from Parliament House for his funeral procession.

The coffin carrying Lee Kuan Yew's body is transferred from Parliament House for his funeral procession. Photo: AFP

The unprecedented tribute honoured the man who transformed the tiny country from a British colonial outpost into one of the world's wealthiest nations.

Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae was there representing New Zealand.

Singaporeans, many dressed in the mourning colours of black and white, waited for hours to watch the funeral procession, chanting "Lee Kuan Yew" as it passed.

Before the procession, the waiting time to enter Parliament House where Mr Lee's body was lying in state was as long as six hours - a rare sight in a city where public gatherings are tightly controlled.

Mourners walked by the coffin, draped with a Singaporean flag and flanked by five uniformed military officers in silence. Many bowed. Some saluted. Others sobbed.

Almost 500,000 people went to Parliament House over the past four days and more than 1 million visited condolence sites set up at community centres across the country.

Lee will be cremated in a private ceremony after the funeral.

Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Photo: AFP

- Reuters