It has been heartening to witness many Singaporeans expressing their gratitude for what we have today, triggered largely by the death of our founding Prime Minister.
Clean water, security, education, housing and opportunities were once luxuries our forefathers could only dream of but are now some of the many basic privileges and amenities we enjoy.
Singapore is now a model other nations are deriving lessons from, in the hope of emulating its achievements.
Many Singaporeans feel proud and blessed to have been born into a nation that can provide more than adequately for its people despite its humble beginnings.
Being Singaporean, however, is not about having all these material comforts, advantages and reputations.
These elements are susceptible to change. Does it mean that our sense of national identity and pride should fade once these privileges are taken away or lost?
In her nascent years, Singapore was fraught with more challenges than achievements; life was arduous rather than comfortable.
But I believe that Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s pride as a Singaporean did not vacillate with the tides and turns Singapore had to overcome.
While there is nothing wrong with echoing popular and heartfelt sentiments, I hope Singaporeans understand that our national identity transcends that of having more than most.
We have inherited a nation that is not only worthy to live in, but worth fighting for, more importantly. That is what Singapore was to Mr Lee, a part of him worth fighting for.
So what makes us Singaporean? Our willingness to protect what is ours? A common aspiration for a nation we call home? Being one people regardless of our vast differences?
Is it what we can do for our nation or simply what our nation can offer us?
Clean water, security, education, housing and opportunities were once luxuries our forefathers could only dream of but are now some of the many basic privileges and amenities we enjoy.
Singapore is now a model other nations are deriving lessons from, in the hope of emulating its achievements.
Many Singaporeans feel proud and blessed to have been born into a nation that can provide more than adequately for its people despite its humble beginnings.
Being Singaporean, however, is not about having all these material comforts, advantages and reputations.
These elements are susceptible to change. Does it mean that our sense of national identity and pride should fade once these privileges are taken away or lost?
In her nascent years, Singapore was fraught with more challenges than achievements; life was arduous rather than comfortable.
But I believe that Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s pride as a Singaporean did not vacillate with the tides and turns Singapore had to overcome.
While there is nothing wrong with echoing popular and heartfelt sentiments, I hope Singaporeans understand that our national identity transcends that of having more than most.
We have inherited a nation that is not only worthy to live in, but worth fighting for, more importantly. That is what Singapore was to Mr Lee, a part of him worth fighting for.
So what makes us Singaporean? Our willingness to protect what is ours? A common aspiration for a nation we call home? Being one people regardless of our vast differences?
Is it what we can do for our nation or simply what our nation can offer us?
