Singapore's former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew speaks at a political and business discussion forum in Singapore in this March 20, 2013 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

A statement on Feb. 28 said Lee's condition had improved slightly, and he was continuing with his antibiotics. The statement noted he remained sedated and on mechanical ventilation at the intensive care unit in Singapore General Hospital.

The PMO released statements on March 6 and on March 13 respectively, saying Lee Kuan Yew's condition remained largely unchanged, and he continued to be watched closely by his doctors.

Lee's condition worsened due to an infection and remained critially ill in the ICU, said the PMO on March 18.