SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching stopped by the main gates of the Istana, where Singaporeans are lining up to pay tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, on Tuesday afternoon.

He spent about 10 minutes looking at the messages, cards and flowers that Singaporeans have been leaving at a designated spot in front of the Istana in tribute to his father.

The Prime Minister also chatted with well wishers, who expressed their sorrow at Mr Lee's death and conveyed their condolences.

A few people shouted in his direction: "Be strong, Mr Lee!"

He called back: "Thank you!"

Madam Hiap Cheng Lay, 71, who sells drinks at a hawker centre, was one of those who shook Mr Lee's hand.

"When I saw him, all the feelings about Mr Lee Kuan Yew just welled up and I couldn't speak," she said.

Earlier in the day, President Tony Tan also visited the Istana tribute site to greet those leaving their condolences.