SINGAPORE — They had to wait five hours in the heat and humidity, but it was nothing compared to what the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew went through to build Singapore, said Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF) president Jessie Phua.

Earlier today (March 25), Mrs Phua, who led more than 20 staff, council members and national bowlers from the SBF, were amongst thousands who lined up patiently for the opportunity to pay their final respects to Mr Lee at Parliament House.

Mrs Phua told TODAY the best tribute to Mr Lee would be for the national side, which is preparing for this year’s South-east Asian Games in June in Singapore, to continue to “punch above our weight”.

“I’m glad to be able to lead the team from SingaporeBowling to pay our last respects to our Founding Father. Thanks to his wisdom, tenacity and dedication, we are proud to call ourselves Singaporeans,” said Mrs Phua, “The best way to repay this debt of gratitude is to continue to work hard at what we do best and punch above our weight.”

Mr Lee, who was Singapore’s first Prime Minister from 1965 to 1990, died at 3.18am on Monday. He was 91.

Mr Lee’s body will lay in state at Parliament House until this Saturday before the state funeral service at the National University of Singapore’s University Cultural Centre on Sunday.