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JAKARTA - SINGAPORE'S minister mentor Lee Kuan Yew jetted into Indonesia on Sunday to visit his old and critically ill friend Suharto as he lay sedated in a hospital bed.
Both Mr Lee and Mr Suharto oversaw dramatic transformations as they ruled their nations with iron fists for decades and have been long-time friends.
Former Indonesian state secretary Murdiono, a close confidant of Mr Suharto, told reporters at the hospital that Mr Lee had seen Mr Suharto as he lay sleeping in bed and the pair did not communicate.
Mr Suharto suffered multiple organ failure on Friday and was hooked to a ventilator to save his life. Doctors said the 86-year-old is in 'very critical condition' with lungs and heart deteriorating.
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Mr Lee, who wore a suit and tie and was accompanied by the Singapore ambassador to Indonesia, made no comments when arriving or leaving. His visit lasted about 20 minutes.
He stepped down as prime minister in 1990 after decades in power and currently holds the title of minister mentor in the cabinet headed by his son.
Mr Suharto stepped down in 1998 after 32 years in power amid mounting unrest and bloody riots triggered by an economic crisis, when the military and top civilians all abandoned their support of him.
The former Singapore premier also said during the final days of Mr Suharto's rule that it would be best for the country if he stood down, but the two have remained close and Mr Lee has visited the reclusive Mr Suharto at his residence several times in the past decade.
The Singapore minister also met three of Mr Suharto's children at the hospital, Mr Murdiono said, adding that Mr Lee was returning to Singapore in the afternoon after arriving earlier on Sunday. -- AFP, AP
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