SINGAPORE: A statement from the Minister Mentor's Office said Mrs Lee Kuan Yew, who suffered a stroke on Monday, had undergone surgery on Saturday and is currently under close observation.

Although Mrs Lee's vital parameters have been stable, she lapses into long periods of unconsciousness.

She remains in a serious condition since her transfer to the general ward on Wednesday.

87-year-old Mrs Lee was admitted to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Monday.

Commenting on his mother's condition for the first time, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday that Singaporeans' well-wishes are helping the family through this period.

He said he is grateful for the many emails, flowers, cards and fruit baskets Singaporeans have sent to wish her a speedy recovery.

PM Lee said: "She's 87 years old. Many families would know that when you have old parents at home, we worry for them and we do our best to take good care of them. There's a heavy responsibility for the family and you always think and worry (about) what would happen next.

"Your good wishes and support have helped us and all of my family to go through this difficult period. So thank you very much."


- CNA/so