Singapore pole vaulter Rachel Yang cleared 3.83m at the Malaysian Open on Sunday to win a gold medal and set a new national record.

It re-writes her 2011 mark of 3.82m set in Singapore at the Singapore Athletic Association's Track & Field Series.

The 33-year-old set the mark on her second attempt, after clearing 3.4m, 3.6m and what was a season-best 3.7m on her first attempt.

Yang, in a Facebook post, dedicated her achievement to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who died on March 23 and whose state funeral was held on Sunday.

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She wrote: "Before each of my attempts, I told myself, 'Mr Lee, this is for you, I will make you proud'. I cleared 3.40m, 3.60m and 3.70m on my first attempt.

"When the official asked me what was the next height I wanted to attempt, I replied 3.80m but quickly changed my mind to 3.83m. It would be a new national record if I cleared it. But the problem was, I had been trying so many times in my last few competitions and I didn't even come close to it."

She said she battled negative thoughts such as how she was already 33 and juggling work and being a mother.

She added: "(His) passing has made me realise that what I am facing is nothing... I let go of every negative thought and I only thought about (Mr Lee).

"Thank you, Sir, for being a role model and inspiration."