Tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Euphoria. 

His arrival at what would be his final National Day Parade. 

Grief. 

His departure.

Heart.

Singapore and family.

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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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!