23 Mar 15 (03:18 am), Singapore bid farewell to Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) in the wee hours of the morning. By 06:30 hr, text messages from SMS and WHATSAPP poured in. Notes of condolence were extended by overseas friends and acquaintances, many whom I have met at conferences, meetings and forums over the years. Whilst many had anticipated this moment, the news / confirmation of his passing had a different meaning to many. His 50 years of Nation Building fell short of the SG50 National Day celebration.
As the days past, many aspects of his work surfaced. Many Head of States paid tribute to Him, each bringing its own stories of how he has directly or indirectly contributed to people's life and their well being. The pioneer generation shared their stories of our trying times, from the lack of know-how, resources and status to one that has the world's attention for its own formula of success. Whilst there were critics of his ruling Singapore with an Iron Fist, suppression of Freedom of Speech and harsh actions against crime and corruption, many understood that given the environment we were in, the sensitivity involved and the vulnerable trigger line in crossing race, language and religion issues, it was necessary. It was "Nation before Self" and we have moved on to where we are today.
After reading a couple of FB postings by the "younger group" in the initial days, I stand corrected that his passing would be felt more by the elderly group. Many came from the younger workforce (though there were a few critical exceptions) who were able to relate what their parents and grandparents had shared with them. When Clarissa-Anne asked to return Home from the UK, Aaron-James all ready to be on standby for LIS related duties, Sarah-Marie wearing black the entire week, Jared distributing free coffee at the Padang and a link that my buddy sent me quoting her daughter's comment, I was convinced that not all were lost. Yahoo news quoted :
From Evangeline Ang, a senior at the University of Southern California:
“I am saddened by the loss of such a great leader. Some might say that he had a harsh hand or some harsh policies but I do believe that it was the right strategy to take a young country out of the rut it was in. We have a Singapore that we are all proud of — one that we can live in multi-racial and religious harmony. It is thanks to him that we can be called a country of the future.”
When the Australian and New Zealand Parliaments paid tribute to Him and India declared a day of national mourning and Head of States equating Him to Sir Winston Churchill, it was certainly a day of recognition that the "Little Red Dot" is not that LITTLE after all. The people who were criticising Singapore and imposing their ideals were doing it from the comfort of their homes, far far away. They were not here living in the condition nor threats of survival. Don't they wish that their children can go to school freely without being gunned down, or having to stay home after sunset without fear of public insecurity, that their properties are not vandalised. LKY has made that difference cos he chose to DO WHAT WAS CORRECT, vs WHAT WAS POLITICALLY CORRECT.
He has prepared Singapore well. He has brought us out from a little fishing village to where we are today with his team. He has made us proud to be Singaporeans. In life, he built Singapore; In death, he united us as One People, One Nation. He cried for Singapore 50 years ago. Singaporeans cried for Him, 50 years later. His days are done and has gone home. RIP LKY.
After reading a couple of FB postings by the "younger group" in the initial days, I stand corrected that his passing would be felt more by the elderly group. Many came from the younger workforce (though there were a few critical exceptions) who were able to relate what their parents and grandparents had shared with them. When Clarissa-Anne asked to return Home from the UK, Aaron-James all ready to be on standby for LIS related duties, Sarah-Marie wearing black the entire week, Jared distributing free coffee at the Padang and a link that my buddy sent me quoting her daughter's comment, I was convinced that not all were lost. Yahoo news quoted :
From Evangeline Ang, a senior at the University of Southern California:
“I am saddened by the loss of such a great leader. Some might say that he had a harsh hand or some harsh policies but I do believe that it was the right strategy to take a young country out of the rut it was in. We have a Singapore that we are all proud of — one that we can live in multi-racial and religious harmony. It is thanks to him that we can be called a country of the future.”
When the Australian and New Zealand Parliaments paid tribute to Him and India declared a day of national mourning and Head of States equating Him to Sir Winston Churchill, it was certainly a day of recognition that the "Little Red Dot" is not that LITTLE after all. The people who were criticising Singapore and imposing their ideals were doing it from the comfort of their homes, far far away. They were not here living in the condition nor threats of survival. Don't they wish that their children can go to school freely without being gunned down, or having to stay home after sunset without fear of public insecurity, that their properties are not vandalised. LKY has made that difference cos he chose to DO WHAT WAS CORRECT, vs WHAT WAS POLITICALLY CORRECT.
He has prepared Singapore well. He has brought us out from a little fishing village to where we are today with his team. He has made us proud to be Singaporeans. In life, he built Singapore; In death, he united us as One People, One Nation. He cried for Singapore 50 years ago. Singaporeans cried for Him, 50 years later. His days are done and has gone home. RIP LKY.
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