SINGAPORE - The loudest cheers on Saturday's National Day Parade were reserved for Singapore's founding father and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Mr Lee, 90, was helped to his seat by security officers. Minutes before he made his appearance, it started to drizzle lightly. The 27,000 spectators rose to their feet and erupted in applause and cheers when Mr Lee stood up, waving a mini Singapore flag.

People craned their necks as they tried to snap a picture of Mr Lee, who has not missed a single National Day celebration since the first in 1966 at the Padang.