Condition of Singapore's founding father worsens

SINGAPORE, March 17 (UPI) -- The health of Singapore's first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, continues to deteriorate as he remains hospitalized with pneumonia, government officials said.

Lee, 91, has been in intensive care at Singapore General Hospital since Feb. 6. He is on a ventilator. His condition took a turn for the worse when he was diagnosed with an infection recently. He is being treated with antibiotics, the prime minister's office said.

"The doctors are closely monitoring his condition," authorities said.

Lee cofounded the Singapore city-state in 1965 as it declared its independence from Malaysia. He was prime minister for more than three decades and has been credited with transforming Singapore to the prosperous financial center it is today. Lee has also been criticized for harsh treatment of the media and political opponents.