Monday 13 April 2015

[Today] Set up charitable trust in Mr Lee’s name

I refer to the article “On Parliament’s agenda: Lee Kuan Yew tributes, housing issues” (TODAYonline, April 11). More than 12,000 Singaporeans have petitioned to rename Changi Airport after the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Others have suggested a Founder’s Day and a new Singapore dollar note to bear his image.

Mr Lee said in the past that his residence at Oxley Road should not be made into a national monument. Nor did he want a statue of himself.

I suggest the Government set up a charitable trust in his name, to mark the SG50 celebrations this year as well as honour him. The Government could match dollar for dollar any funds raised from the public.

The actual sum raised is not the main objective. The significance is in getting Singaporeans to make collective national effort out of the strong desire to remember Mr Lee. Some may donate S$100,000, others S$1. Every dollar counts.

The trust could be used to support social services, education, health and the environmental causes for the next 50 years. It will enhance Mr Lee’s legacy of creating an inclusive society for Singaporeans for generations to come.