Former MM Lee Kuan Yew misses Lunar New Year dinner

SINGAPORE: Former Minister Mentor and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC), Lee Kuan Yew, did not attend the annual Lunar New year dinner at his GRC on Friday evening.

Mr Lee was scheduled to be the guest of honour at the event.

Senior Minister of State for Law and MP for the area, Indranee Rajah, told grassroots leaders and residents at the dinner that Mr Lee was not feeling well and had extended his apologies for not being at the event.

Mr Lee thanked all residents for attending the event.

On behalf of the gathering, Ms Indranee wished Mr Lee a speedy recovery and hopes he feels better soon.

Channel NewsAsia understands from grassroots leaders in the division that this is the first time Mr Lee has missed the Tanjong Pagar division's Lunar New Year dinner celebrations.

Ms Indranee also elaborated on some of the plans in store for the division after the Lunar New Year celebrations.

These include the upgrading of two markets -- at Block 112, Jalan Bukit Merah and at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Describing the markets as old, she is confident that the upgrading would be very much welcomed.

Mr Indranee also spoke of plans for Tiong Bahru, where residents have expressed concern over the traffic and noise problems, and some social inconveniences.

She said she has put together a group called the "Make Tiong Bahru An Even Nicer Place Task Force" to sort out some of the immediate problems in the area.