Rumours of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's death untrue: government sources

SINGAPORE - Rumours that former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew has died are untrue, government sources told The Straits Times on Wednesday night.

This comes after word started spreading online, including on social media channels like Twitter, on Wednesday about Mr Lee's demise.

Mr Lee, 91, was admitted to the Singapore General Hospital on Feb 5 with severe pneumonia.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had issued a statement on Saturday saying that Mr Lee was in intensive care, but that his condition had stabilised. It added that Mr Lee was on mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit and that he was "conscious and lightly sedated".

A mechanical ventilator takes over the breathing function of the lungs, giving medication time to work and allowing the body to recover.

On Wednesday night, Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin addressed the rumours in a Facebook post.

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"Rumours are circulating wildly. Many of you have messaged to ask about Mr Lee Kuan Yew's condition," he said. "Do continue to pray for his recovery."

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