KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai, who is also president of Malaysia's Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), has paid tribute to Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, saying he had brought Singapore to the world stage.

"Remembering a visionary leader, MCA's friendship with PAP (People's Action Party) has journeyed more than 60 years when MCA's founder Tun Tan Cheng Lock along with Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman attended the inauguration of PAP on Nov 21, 1954," Datuk Seri Liow wrote in his tribute when he signed the condolence book at the Singapore High Commission here yesterday.

"Our friendship continues to grow. Our sympathies are united with all Singaporeans on Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing. RIP."

Mr Liow, who led a group of senior party leaders to pay their respects, was received by Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon and other Singaporean diplomats.

Exchanging wishes and reiterating the party's condolences to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and to all Singaporeans, Mr Liow lauded Mr Lee Kuan Yew for bringing Singapore and the region to the world stage.

Mr Liow said later there had been visits between PAP and MCA, and that Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a visionary leader.

"We value his contributions, development and relationship between our two parties.

"Because of the understanding between MCA and PAP, we have friendship, harmony and stability. We have ensured co-operation and economic development of both countries. Lee and Malaysian leaders worked together to ensure stability of the region."