A delegation from Malaysia's opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) led by party veteran Lim Kit Siang arrived at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday morning to pay their last respects and sign the condolence book for Singapore's founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr Lim praised Mr Lee for transforming Singapore from a colonial backwater into a first-world economy.

"Singapore has been punching above its weight in many areas of human endeavour and it is something Malaysians also should ponder, why we are not punching above our weight. In many aspects, we are punching below our weight," he said.

"But in any event, I think Singapore is set on a new course in the post-Lee Kuan Yew era, whether it can continue to punch above its weight not only in areas it has excelled in but also in new areas such as upholding human rights and democracy."

Chief Secretary to the government of Malaysia Ali Hamsa said the late Mr Lee made invaluable contributions to what modern Singapore is today.

"On behalf of the Malaysian civil service, my deepest condolences to the people of Singapore on the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding prime minister of Singapore. He made valuable contributions to Singapore," Tan Sri Ali Hamsa said.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamad said he was a Lee Kuan Yew fan, and cherished the relationship he had with the latter, especially when he visited Datuk Seri Mustapa's home state of Kelantan in 2009.

"Lee Kuan Yew has been a great leader for Singapore, Asean and the world. What is important is that he transformed Singapore. He brought wealth, peace and stability to Singapore and the region. He has been an exemplary leader and it's a big loss to the region," Dr Mustapa said.

Singaporean wedding dress designer Celest Thoi, who was also there to sign the condolence book, will miss seeing Lee Kuan Yew on television, especially at the National Day parade.

"I am very proud to be a Singaporean because of him. I am a product of his far sightedness and I am very proud to be called a Singaporean.

"I think it is definitely a big loss to the country and most definitely the region because a lot of people, even friends I know around the region, really respected and looked up to him."