Police to probe fake Lee Kuan Yew death report

Got a tip? Send it to us at singapore@coconuts.co. The Singapore government on Wednesday quashed rumours that former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, 91, who has been in hospital for severe pneumonia since February 5, had died and asked police to investigate a fake statement on his passing that purportedly came from the Prime Minister's Office PMO) website. Some foreign media fell for the death hoax, including CNN and CCTV (photos here). A government spokesperson told AFP late Wednesday that the statement was "doctored" and described it as "fake". "Police confirm a report has been lodged and we are looking into the matter," the Singapore Police Force said in a statement. "We take a very stern view against anyone who doctors a government website to spread false information to deceive the public," it added. "We will spare no effort to bring them to task. We also advise the public not to spread falsehoods." A statement from the Prime Minister's Office at 11:20AM today says Lee "remains critically ill in the ICU". He is warded at the Singapore General Hospital. Well-wishers have gathered at the hospital lobby since yesterday.  Story: AFP Topmost photo: Lee Kuan Yew Facebook Page