Lee Kuan Yew in hospital for observation

Former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was hospitalised on Friday because an irregular heartbeat had led to a brief stoppage of blood flow to a part of the brain.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office released on Saturday said that Mr Lee was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on Friday after experiencing a suspected "Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) associated with a prolonged episode of atrial fibrillation (i.e. irregular heartbeat)."

A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief period of time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms which clear in less than 24 hours.

It added that Mr Lee had recovered but will remain warded for a few days for the doctors to adjust his medications and for observation.