Kuala Lampur, Aug. 17 -- SINGAPORE, Aug 17 - A silver Montblanc fountain pen once owned by Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew sold for S$461,500 (RM1.45 million) at auction yesterday, after attracting 111 bids from around the world, according to The Straits Times.

The pen, engraved "SM Lee Kuan Yew", was offered in an online auction by Singapore auction house Hotlotz from Aug 4 and exceeded its pre-sale estimate of S$30,000 to S$50,000 (RM94,500 to RM157,500) by nearly 10 times when bidding closed.

The sterling silver Montblanc Meisterstuck No. 146, featuring gold-tone highlights and an 18K gold nib, dates to Lee's years as senior minister from 1990 to 2004, following his 31-year tenure as prime minister.

The pen was prev...