It has not only become a national but an international topic to talk about. It's about the passing of Singapore's first Prime Minister and founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Everyone (or maybe most) have been keeping themselves updated every single/few days since he was admitted in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) in February 2015. His passing that followed may not be a huge surprise.
It has been announced that 23 to 29 March will be a period of national mourning for the country and that citizens can queue up to pay their last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Even though citizens hear that the queue was hours long, I'm really happy to see Singaporeans still going to pay respects. At such a time, it is really heart-warming to see the people coming together.
I've to be honest and say that I do not know much about Mr Lee Kuan Yew's contributions to Singapore. In fact, I'm pretty clueless about the Singapore government as a whole for all my life. Yes I know I probably shouldn't but ever since his death, I've been doing all my reading up. Better late than never right? At least I know and appreciate everything now.
Being someone who thinks alot about sometimes really random topics, I had wondered from time to time how the kampong that my parents were always talking about evolved to the Singapore we see today? In the past, most people could not afford school fees and parents had it tough. I even hear from my uncles and aunties that my grandma would kill chickens with her bare hands in the past. Right now? Leave it all to the chicken rice uncle. I guess all along I had never wondered who instead of how.
Now in the present day, I look at the houses that we citizens stay in, the proper education that we can obtain without much worries and the safety on the streets. This man was really amazing to have helped accomplished all that.
Just a few days ago, I was in my office staring at the blank page when it was my turn to write my wishes for him. But after reading his contributions and achievements, I had to try to summarize what I wanted to say overall.
Mostly thank yous for everything he has helped us achieve. I believe I owe him everything as well because Singapore may have become a totally different city without him and I may not even be born if not for him.
Therefore this post is dedicated as a tribute to him. Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
"I have no regrets, I have spent my life,
so much of it, building this country.
There's nothing more that I need to do.
At the end of the day, what have I got?
A successful Singapore.
What have I given up?
My life."
- Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Mr Lee Kuan Yew's state funeral service will be held on 29 March 2015 at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore. To fellow citizens, do remember to wear black this coming Sunday.
