Rivlin pays respects to Singapore’s first PM
At memorial for leader who died Monday, president calls Lee Kuan Yew 'dear friend' of Jews and Israel
President Reuven Rivlin was in Singapore on Friday afternoon to pay his respects to the late Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister.
Writing in Lee’s official book of condolences, Rivlin cited Ecclesiastes 7:1, saying “‘a good name is better than a good perfume, for a good name will last forever.’ In memory of a leader whose deeds and legacy will be remembered always. A dear friend of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Rivlin later extolled the relationship between the two countries, remarking on the similarities between the two. “The realization of miracles requires true tenacity. We as a people have experienced this very need in the realization of a vision, the establishment of the State of Israel, and we see you, the people of Singapore, as real partners in the realization of a vision, a miracle that became reality,” Rivlin said.
“It is a great privilege for me to participate in the funeral of Lee Kuan Yew, and during my visit, I intend to do all in my power to strengthen ties, and to express our deep appreciation for all that you do, and continue to do for the State of Israel,” the president added.
Although the two countries enjoy strong bilateral relations, the visit marked the first by an Israeli president since Chaim Herzog visited the tiny Southeast Asian country in 1986.
Israel played a major role in the country’s development, as Israeli military generals were tasked with setting up the country’s armed services after major unrest caused it to become independent from Malaysia in 1965. Today, much of the country’s military is based on the Israel Defense Force’s model of training, conscription and reserve duty.
Lee, aged 91, passed away on Monday after being hospitalized with pneumonia for a month. The city-state has been overwhelmed with grief as tens of thousands of Singaporeans braved waits of up to 10 hours outside parliament Friday to bid farewell.
More than 250,000 mourners had paid their respects by mid-afternoon Friday, according to an official count, up from about 150,000 at midnight Thursday; an enormous figure for a country with a population of 5.5 million people.
Lee, who served as prime minister from 1965-1990, is credited for Singapore’s massive success and revered for transforming the city-state from a modest British colonial outpost into one of the world’s richest societies.
He also ruled the nation with an iron grip. His legacy includes a muzzled press, restrictions on free speech and a stunted democracy.
Former US President Bill Clinton, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian King Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah are among the confirmed state representatives attending Lee’s funeral on Sunday.
AP contributed to this report.