Singapore's Lee fighting nerve disease: daughter

deathmaster

6 Nov 11, 15:13

By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 06/11/2011

Singapore's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew is fighting a neurological disease that is making it difficult for him to walk steadily, his daughter revealed.

Lee, who turned 88 in September, suffers from sensory peripheral neuropathy, his physician daughter Lee Wei Ling, director of the National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore, wrote in her weekly Sunday Times newspaper column.

"In my father's case, sensory peripheral neuropathy has caused the conduction of sensation from his legs to his spinal cord to be impaired. This makes his walking unsteady, as many Singaporeans have already noticed," she wrote.

The column, which deals with a wide range of issues, is closely followed for glimpses into the private life of Singapore's most influential family.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is the columnist's elder brother.

Lee Kuan Yew retired from the cabinet after general elections in May but continues to travel overseas and remains a member of parliament, a post he has held since 1955. He served as prime minister from 1959 to 1990.

"His day-to-day condition now fluctuates. On some days he is fairly steady and on other days his balance is poor. The problem is limited to the sensory nerves outside his central nervous system," his daughter wrote.

"His brain and muscles are working normally. But being deprived of sensation from his legs means he finds it a challenge to balance. Thus his unsteady walk," she said.

The patriarch, however, is determined to fight the disease and now practises walking on a treadmill at home three times a day without fail.

"I have no doubt my father will fight this disease for as long as he thinks he can contribute to Singapore," his daughter said.

"I think with medication and simple precaution, he can continue to be of service to his country and the world."

Dalforce 25

6 Nov 11, 15:31

Uncle Yap's sources were accurate after all.

They reported that Lee Kuan Yew could not walk without aid from helpers during the May elections.

I hope that God will be merciful and end his suffering soon.

Darkness_hacker99

6 Nov 11, 15:43

Soon... soon~

Hitman Factory 1

6 Nov 11, 15:55

sounds like too much aircon.bones stiff due to cool aircon comfort.

Dalforce 25

6 Nov 11, 15:58

Let's all pray for his suffering to come to a merciful end quickly.

Hitman Factory 1

6 Nov 11, 16:07

he would probably take a dip in a sauna japanese style.

probably live to overripe old age of 110 years old even.:)

Skyfve

6 Nov 11, 18:05

hmm..

Darkness_hacker99

6 Nov 11, 18:28

Good day to you skyfve

Dalforce 25

6 Nov 11, 18:36

Originally posted by Skyfve:

Just like how you express your earnest well wishes to LKY, I hope that your suffering ends soon too, Dalforce25 and Darkness_hacker99.

If he is suffering then I just want it to end quickly. Why drag it out and prolong the inevitable?

I pray to God to help him end his suffering.

Rooney_07

6 Nov 11, 18:41

Originally posted by Dalforce 25:

If he is suffering then I just want it to end quickly. Why drag it out and prolong the inevitable?

I pray to God to help him end his suffering.

aiyoh just let nature take its course la, why worry. but when he does die, what will you do? go and pay respects?

Skyfve

6 Nov 11, 18:41

hmm..

Dalforce 25

6 Nov 11, 18:45

Originally posted by Skyfve:

True, Dalforce25. Thus, on the very same note, I hope your suffering ends too.

If you suffer from same disease, I will also pray to God. Just don't like to see people suffer in agony.

QX179R

6 Nov 11, 22:32

Former MM Lee says he will contribute to S'pore as long as he is able to

SINGAPORE: Singapore's former minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew said he will continue to contribute to Singapore as long as his health permits.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Tree Planting Day celebrations at Buona Vista Court on Sunday evening.

Mr Lee also urged residents to contribute to build a cohesive Singapore.

Tree Planting Day is something Mr Lee has observed these past 40 years, and still does even though he's now 88 years old. Tree Planting Day started in 1971 and since then, the first Sunday in November has been set aside for the islandwide campaign.

Reporters asked Mr Lee to comment on his daughter's revelation in the Sunday Times, that he is suffering from sensory peripheral neuropathy, which makes his walking unsteady, hence he has to walk slowly.

"We learn to adjust. It started two years ago when I was 86, and at 86 many of my contemporaries are either on wheelchairs or are not around. So I am grateful to be still around at 86, although less steady than before," said Mr Lee.

"But as you see, one learns to adjust and I take steps which are wider apart to maintain a sound balance. I have no doubt at all that this has not affected my mind, my will nor my resolve. People in wheelchairs can make a contribution. I still got two legs, I will make a contribution," he added.

And Mr Lee spoke of how the leaders and the people have worked together to build the nation, by transforming shanty towns into clean and pleasant HDB estates.

The new blocks at Buona Vista Court at Holland Drive was built by HDB as replacement flats for residents in Holland Village under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS).

The flats were completed in Nov 2010 and since then, residents have moved into their new flats.

Mr Lee said the government has done its best to provide good housing and community facilities. It's now the role of the people to play their part in bringing the community together and contribute towards a harmonious nation.

"I encourage all of you to come forward to serve and build this community together, grow this new community together. Together, we can build a better home, a more cohesive community and stronger nation for all," said Mr Lee.

HDB said support for the SERS programme in the Buona Vista Court has been encouraging with residents liking the location, transportation and estate facilities most.

- CNA /ls

Dalforce 25

6 Nov 11, 22:37

Originally posted by QX179R:

Singapore's former minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew said he will continue to contribute to Singapore as long as his health permits.

Accept God's invitation will be the greatest contribution to Singapore.