Lee Kuan Yew: Thousands queue to view founder lying in state

Thousands of people in Singapore are queuing to pay tribute to late statesman Lee Kuan Yew as he lies in state in parliament.

His body was moved by gun carriage on Wednesday morning from his official residence and through the city.

Lee, who died in hospital on Monday aged 91, led the city-state to independence and served as its prime minister for 31 years.

Singapore is observing a week of mourning ahead of Sunday's funeral.

Lee's body has been resting at the Istana - the compound which houses the president's official residence and the prime minister's office - for a private family mourning period. Thousands have already left flowers and message at its gates and signed books of condolence.

His flag-draped coffin, accompanied by representatives of the military and government, was then carried from the Istana through the main shopping and business districts, before arriving at Parliament House.

The BBC's Tessa Wong says the mood was expectant, even a little festive, along the Bras Basah Road thoroughfare, where hundreds of people - including schoolchildren holding handmade signs stating "RIP Mr Lee" - had gathered by the roadside and on rooftops.

But as traffic cleared and the gun carriage rolled into view, a hush descended on the crowd. A few threw bouquets of flowers on the road or shouted goodbye. Several looked teary-eyed.

Many organisations and businesses are giving employees time off to pay their respects. By midday, huge queues had formed in the area around parliament. The first in line had begun queueing the night before.

Visiting hours have been extended until midnight in response to the turnout.

"LKY is the founder of our country. It is a no-brainer that we have to pay respect," bank executive Zhang Wei Jie, 36, told AFP.

On Tuesday, Singapore's current prime minster, Lee's son Lee Hsien Loong, thanked all who had paid tribute, via his Facebook page.

He also announced that a new orchid - Singapore's national flower - had been named after his father. The orchid, named Aranda Lee Kuan Yew, is on display at Parliament House.