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.

On Friday, Mr Lee had to miss the Chinese New Year dinner in his Tanjong Pagar constituency. It was the first time he has ever missed the dinner.

Host MP Indranee Rajah told the 1,200 residents at the dinner: "I would like, on his behalf, to extend his apologies for not being here, and thank you for coming in any event... I'm sure you would all join me in wishing him a speedy recovery in the hope that he feels better soon."