The news shook every fibre of Singapore, even as many were expecting the worse - Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away peacefully at 3:18am on Monday morning, 23-March-2015.
Never has one man brought out such intense feelings and emotions of a nation as the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Singaporeans from all walks of life, old, sick, disabled, middle aged, professionals and even the young braved the elements of this week to pay their last respects to him at Parliament House as well as lined the streets this afternoon in heavy downpour just to send him off.
From my past entries, you would have gathered that I am highly critical of some of the approaches, policies and strategies of the current government and PAP. Many of which were originally tabled by Mr LKY. Even so, I feel an intense feeling of loss, sorrow and grief this week as we recount and honor the man whom Singaporeans regard as the founding father of modern day Singapore.
I come to realize that here was a man that was truly altruistic - His beliefs, convictions and actions were motivated purely for what he truly believed was for the good of Singapore and nothing else. While people like myself may disagree with some of his philosophies, no one can deny that MM Lee was a patriot, a man that has grabbed Singapore from the jaws of despair and brought it to the heights of a first world society.
Throughout the week, the whole world honored him as a great politician, statesman and a leader. His sons recounted his selfless sacrifices for the country but yet recognized that he was still a good father and grandfather. Most importantly, Mr Lee was A GOOD MAN.
His influence on Singapore has been nothing less than extraordinary and even in his passing, he still managed to gift us one final time - That every Singaporean came together as ONE NATION, ONE FAMILY and ONE SINGAPORE, supporting each other and grieving graciously.
My condolences to the late Mr Lee's family and know that it is that much harder to grieve publicly with the nation and the world.
All Singaporeans mourn the passing of a great man and to many of us, a father figure. He will continue to live in our hearts and minds. Even as we enter into a new era without his presence, I pray that we continue to grow and come together as a nation to support, protect and defend what is uniquely Singapore and preserve his legacy that will continue to guide Singapore.
Dear Mr Lee, thank you for dedicating your life to the nation. God Bless Your Soul and May You Rest in Deserving Peace for all of Eternity.
