Euphoria.
His arrival at what
would be his final National Day Parade.
Grief.
His departure.
Heart.
Singapore and family.
*****
Back in university, we once had to do an assignment on this topic
"Constitutional amendments in Singapore- To ensure good men or a tool
of good men?" My opening statement in the essay quotes Mr Lee Kuan
Yew, "To get a good government, you need good men in charge."
A seemingly simple ideology but one which has served us well.
It is clear that Mr Lee Kuan Yew was not a solo ranger, not one
who thought he could change the world by himself. He knew that he needed a
successful team under him to transform Singapore from a third world country to
a first world country. In recognising this and while paying tribute to Mr Lee
Kuan Yew, let us not forget those who came before us, who have contributed to making
this little red dot so prominent on the world map.
*****
I have always been a fervent admirer of Mr Lee- his insights, his
ideologies and his love for Singapore. His policies have shaped the way I have
grown up in this country. I am effectively bilingual. I grew up knowing that as
long as I work hard for what I want, there will be no barriers to hinder me, be
it gender or race or religion. I take a pragmatic approach to life- if there's
a problem, solve it.
Of all his policies, one that has impacted many Singaporeans is
how Mr Lee had the vision to turn Singapore into a garden city. Everywhere we
go, we see rain trees and angsana trees. When I walk along the roads, I
sometimes walk on the side with more trees because of the shade. These trees
could be a manifestation of his policy making- to provide shade for all
Singaporeans.
Taking the ECP to Changi Airport is always a very precious
experience. Time and time again, despite the many times I have been to and
returned from the airport, I always stop whatever I am doing to marvel at the
pruned bougainvillaea by the roadside whenever I pass through that pretty
stretch of the expressway.
My favourite flower is not the rose, lily nor the sunflower. These
are beautiful flowers. But the flower that holds a special place in my heart is
the orchid- it stands for love, strength and beauty.
 |
| Credit: Mr Lee Hsien Loong's facebook |
The best place to view orchids is at the Orchid Gardens located at
Botanic Gardens. Singapore has submitted its bid for Botanic Gardens to be
Singapore's first UNESCO site. While Mr Lee was not the person who sprang the
idea of Botanic Gardens, he brought in people to redevelop the Botanic Gardens.
This place holds many fond memories for me. I came here when I was in primary
school - my first foray into the flora and fauna of Singapore. I came here
during my dating days. I came here with my family to enjoy the immensely
popular outdoor concerts.
*****
Many tributes have flowed in the past few days.
The tributes that struck me the most were not those about his
policies, but rather those about his relationship with his wife.
If there's anything we can learn from him, learn that in this time
and age where everything is disposable, a married couple can last through thick
and thin and still be in love at the very end.
 |
| Credit: Mr Lee Hsien Loong's facebook |
*****
A great man has passed. But Singapore will continue to
progress.
Somebody built a sand sculpture of Mr Lee at East Coast
Park.
 |
| Credit: Nparks |
Water is what binds the sand together. But it is also water that
will make the sand sculpture crumble. Whether or not the sand sculpture remains
there, the world continues to spin and the waves continue to crash.
Mr Lee made Singapore united. But Singapore will not become loose
sand after his departure. 后浪推前浪－that must be what Mr Lee would have wanted.
Majulah Singapura!
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