WASHINGTON — United States President Barack Obama today (March 26) announced that a presidential delegation will travel to Singapore to attend Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s State Funeral Service on Sunday.

Tributes have been pouring in from US leaders after Mr Lee’s death, as a testament to the former Prime Minister’s efforts to promote Singapore-US relations, decoding Asia for Washington and contributing to regional peace and stability.

Former US President Bill Clinton will lead the delegation.

Members of the presidential delegation include US Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former US Ambassador to Singapore Steven Green and former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Thomas Donilon.

On Monday, Mr Obama conveyed his condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his family and the people of Singapore.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew,” said Mr Obama in a statement. “On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to the Lee family and join the people of Singapore in mourning the loss of this remarkable man.”

Mr Obama added: “A visionary who led his country from Singapore’s independence in 1965 to build one of the most prosperous countries in the world today, he was a devoted public servant and a remarkable leader.”

Mr Obama noted how Mr Lee’s views and insights on Asian dynamics and economic management were respected by many around the world. Past generations of world leaders have sought Mr Lee’s advice on governance and development.

“I personally appreciated his wisdom, including our discussions during my trip to Singapore in 2009, which were hugely important in helping me formulate our policy of rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific,” said the US President.

Mr Obama described Mr Lee as “a true giant of history who will be remembered for generations to come as the father of modern Singapore and as one of the great strategists of Asian affairs”.

Adding a more personal touch, Mr Obama telephoned Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday evening.

According to a press release from The White House on Tuesday, Mr Obama told Prime Minister Lee he recognised Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s remarkable leadership and lasting contributions, both to Singapore and to the region.

He also expressed his appreciation for Mr Lee’s wise counsel and strong support for US-Singapore relations.

US Vice-President Joe Biden said: “I valued his insights on Asia, geopolitics and economics, which have shaped the thinking of many around the world. I will always cherish the wisdom he imparted on me when I had the honour to sit and talk with him in Singapore in July 2013. Then, just shy of 90 years old, he remained formidable.

“Lee’s legacy lives on in the nation of Singapore. He was a believer in the importance of America’s enduring role as a resident Pacific power and a friend and admirer of the United States,”
said the US Vice-President.

“Lee Kuan Yew exuded wisdom. The counsel I was fortunate to glean from conversations with him — about life and politics and global affairs — is among the most valuable and insightful I have received. He was, of course, a uniquely astute analyst and observer of Asia, and it is largely through his life’s work that Singapore became one of the US’ strongest strategic partners in the region.”

Also conveying their condolences were former presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton. Mr Bush noted how “the father of today’s Singapore transformed his country and helped usher the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) into the modern era. The Singapore he leaves behind is an influential force for stability and prosperity and a friend to the US”.

Mr Clinton said: “Prime Minister Lee firmly established his country as an important friend and partner of the US. After leaving office, he continued to offer brilliant analysis and wise advice to those who sought it.”

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell added: “He was remarkable, with a vision for his nation and his people. He made that vision a reality through his determination and force of personality. He built a great nation.” AGENCIES