Leaders pay tribute to Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew on his 90th birthday

Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew received a standing ovation from members of parliament, cabinet ministers and visitors in the public gallery yesterday as he arrived at parliament in a wheelchair on his 90th birthday.

Former vice-premier Li Lanqing and Britain's Queen Elizabeth led a high-profile list of dignitaries offering birthday greetings to him.

A short tribute speech by leader of the house and Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen was greeted with much armchair-thumping. MPs lined up to greet him and shake his hand shortly after the house adjourned. However Lee, who devoted more than half a century of his life to public service, marked the milestone with little fanfare and enjoyed a private dinner with his family.

In an e-mail interview with The Straits Times, Lee said he felt lucky to have enjoyed such a momentous occasion.

Queen Elizabeth led tributes to the former British colony, saying: "It is notable that this year also marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence from the UK, and I am delighted that the links between our countries remain so strong".

Li Lanqing expressed gratitude for the ex-prime minister's efforts in building friendship between their two nations.