'Iconic' leader who shaped Singapore's destiny dies at 91

Lee Kuan Yew, the leader who turned a small port city of Singapore into a rich global hub, has passed away at the age of 91.

Yew served as the city-state's prime minister for 31 years and garnered respect as the architect of Singapore's prosperity, reported the BBC.

He oversaw Singapore's independence from Britain and separation from Malaysia.

However, he also faced criticism for his iron-clad control over the state and for placing tight restrictions on the freedom of speech. Also, his political opponents were targeted by the courts during his rule.

A state funeral is due to be held on March 29, after a week of mourning.

Paying tribute to the former leader in a televised address, his son Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recalled his contribution towards the city's freedom and the creation of a nation "where there was none." He added that the leader made the citizens of the nation proud and that they will not see "another man like him."

Yew had been hospitalized for several weeks with pneumonia and was on life support.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that he was "deeply saddened" by Yew's death. U.S. President Barack Obama described the leader as a "giant of history," while the Chinese foreign ministry called him "a uniquely influential statesman in Asia.