Singapore founder Lee in hospital for heart problem
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Lee Kuan Yew, 84-year-old founder of modern Singapore, has undergone successful treatment for an abnormal heart rhythm at a local hospital, his press secretary said on Saturday.
"He is still in the hospital," Yeong Yoon Ying told Reuters, adding that he would remain under observation for the time being.
It was the first time that Lee has suffered from the complaint, known medically as "atrial flutter", Yeong said.
Lee is credited with transforming Singapore from a swampy Third World seaport into a First World financial dynamo. He was Singapore's first prime minister for 31 years until 1990.
He remains deeply involved in Singapore politics, where his party has been dominant for more than 40 years. He now holds the advisory post of minister mentor in the cabinet of his son, Lee Hsien Loong, 56, who was appointed prime minister in 2004.
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
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