I refer to the debate over how best to commemorate the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who wanted his home to be demolished. The best respect we can show is to respect his wishes.
At the same time, Mr Lee left behind a rich legacy, which Singaporeans want to treasure and pass on. Human beings are forgetful. We need a memorial in some form and we should enable future generations to connect with history.
We should inspire in our citizens the fighting spirit to keep Singapore united and strong, and not take what we have now for granted.
We should respect Mr Lee’s wishes and commemorate him — and our other founding fathers — with a memorial that has a higher purpose, rather than merely commemorate his name with monuments or preserve his house.
Perhaps we can preserve some of the furnishings from his Oxley Road home to inspire Singaporeans to lead a simple life and live for a greater calling.
A gallery with photos showing the late Mr Lee’s lifestyle will remind us how he was a family man even as he dedicated his life to building a safe and strong Singapore.
A collection of videos of his speeches and interviews will also allow us to learn from his vision.
At the same time, Mr Lee left behind a rich legacy, which Singaporeans want to treasure and pass on. Human beings are forgetful. We need a memorial in some form and we should enable future generations to connect with history.
We should inspire in our citizens the fighting spirit to keep Singapore united and strong, and not take what we have now for granted.
We should respect Mr Lee’s wishes and commemorate him — and our other founding fathers — with a memorial that has a higher purpose, rather than merely commemorate his name with monuments or preserve his house.
Perhaps we can preserve some of the furnishings from his Oxley Road home to inspire Singaporeans to lead a simple life and live for a greater calling.
A gallery with photos showing the late Mr Lee’s lifestyle will remind us how he was a family man even as he dedicated his life to building a safe and strong Singapore.
A collection of videos of his speeches and interviews will also allow us to learn from his vision.
