Friday, 27 March 2015
[Straits Times] Conserve birthplace of PAP, produce DVD on the man
IN ORDER for our children and future generations to remember Mr Lee Kuan Yew's contributions, as well as for them to know about our history, may I suggest the following:
- That his Oxley Road house be gazetted as a historic building with the possibility of converting it into a museum. The house is also the birthplace of the People's Action Party (PAP).
- That documentaries on Mr Lee and his contributions be compiled into a DVD for sale to the public.
Koh Kah Yeok
- That his Oxley Road house be gazetted as a historic building with the possibility of converting it into a museum. The house is also the birthplace of the People's Action Party (PAP).
- That documentaries on Mr Lee and his contributions be compiled into a DVD for sale to the public.
Koh Kah Yeok
[Today] Many achievements, one that is respected the most
As Singapore commemorates a leader, entrepreneur, litigator and man of firm grounding, it is incontrovertible that we also mourn the loss of a “giant”, as United States President Barack Obama put it.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew had many achievements in guiding Singapore from the early throes of separation from Malaysia and developing our politics, economics and the seemingly minute but important measures that blended together a hodgepodge of races.
For example, he took note of details such as establishing an ethnic quota system in public housing estates, in the hope of creating a family of races. Now, racial and religious tolerance is entrenched as one of our key tenets.
Although, over the years, his political measures were not without controversy, critics and allegations, what earned the respect of many is that he dealt with them with firmness of composure and remained grounded in his ideals.
His fortitude was illustrated in many aspects, such as standing firm in adhering to our jurisdiction of rules and proceeding with the caning of Michael Fay in 1994 despite pleas from the then US president, Bill Clinton.
In his private domain, Mr Lee insisted on continuing to learn and brush up his Mandarin, even in old age. He was a man who dared to dream and translate it into reality.
He was also a trailblazer, whose strong vision helped elevate Singapore’s status. For instance, his introduction of the first tree planting campaign in 1963 paved the way for environmental measures to be gradually given significance in the Singaporean society.
The spillover benefits include being a mecca for tourists attracted back to the clean and green city he wanted to build.
It is difficult to build a legacy of achievements others can only hope to emulate; it is even harder to let others inherit this painstakingly built legacy, but Mr Lee evidently did both, which is what I respect the most.
While Singapore has lost a great pioneer, all that he had devoted his life to building has been ours to share in many ways. That is the paramount reason for our flags flying at half-mast, to remember a revered man.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew had many achievements in guiding Singapore from the early throes of separation from Malaysia and developing our politics, economics and the seemingly minute but important measures that blended together a hodgepodge of races.
For example, he took note of details such as establishing an ethnic quota system in public housing estates, in the hope of creating a family of races. Now, racial and religious tolerance is entrenched as one of our key tenets.
Although, over the years, his political measures were not without controversy, critics and allegations, what earned the respect of many is that he dealt with them with firmness of composure and remained grounded in his ideals.
His fortitude was illustrated in many aspects, such as standing firm in adhering to our jurisdiction of rules and proceeding with the caning of Michael Fay in 1994 despite pleas from the then US president, Bill Clinton.
In his private domain, Mr Lee insisted on continuing to learn and brush up his Mandarin, even in old age. He was a man who dared to dream and translate it into reality.
He was also a trailblazer, whose strong vision helped elevate Singapore’s status. For instance, his introduction of the first tree planting campaign in 1963 paved the way for environmental measures to be gradually given significance in the Singaporean society.
The spillover benefits include being a mecca for tourists attracted back to the clean and green city he wanted to build.
It is difficult to build a legacy of achievements others can only hope to emulate; it is even harder to let others inherit this painstakingly built legacy, but Mr Lee evidently did both, which is what I respect the most.
While Singapore has lost a great pioneer, all that he had devoted his life to building has been ours to share in many ways. That is the paramount reason for our flags flying at half-mast, to remember a revered man.
[Today] A death, a legend, a son and a new day
I am saddened by Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s passing, but I am also grateful. Every people have their legends and heroes who help them know who they are and why they are unique. Mr Lee was such a person for us.
His death is perhaps the first thing Singaporeans have been able to rally around. This blow has awakened national pride and kinship, and is galvanising us in our identity.
Mr Lee was like the men of his time: Stoic, tough, stubborn, passionate and never in doubt. They lived in a time of struggle, where sensitivity was a luxury that did not fit their calling.
Mr Lee was the one we were glad was fighting on our side. His voice stirred our hearts and gave us hope. Great leaders do that sometimes.
They speak not out of what is, but what can be, hoping that their convictions will become reality. They are prophetic. Mr Lee helped turn a once feeble hope into reality.
Some would call Mr Lee a despot. If he had indeed purposed to be one, he must be judged to have failed miserably. Where is his mansion of gold, his harem, his private jet, expensive suits and toys?
Have we not seen his house, his schedule and lifestyle? What did he do with his “ill-gained wealth”? A leader is perhaps best judged not by the content of his policies, but the content of his life.
Clearly, Mr Lee spent his entire life on family and country. What is most impressive is his dedication. Perhaps it was a sense of responsibility because it was on his watch when Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia.
His tears turned into steely words: “Singapore ... will survive.” He engaged neither blame nor self-pity, but took on the burden of Singapore’s success. His single-mindedness, total commitment, intelligence and leadership make his story so remarkable.
In all this, I see his legacy in his son, and not as a bid to retain control. I see Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong honouring his father’s calling, taking the burden as his own and taking his father’s legacy to new heights.
I see PM Lee leading Singapore in a way his father could not and was not called to do: Building bridges and serving with humility, candour and warmth. He has my support, respect and allegiance.
Singapore’s orphaning by Malaysia is in a way healed by a story of father and son. We are indeed not orphans anymore; we are whole; we have come into our own; we are free and ready.
We will be an influence on the nations around us, provoking not only envy but showing kindness, the kind we have experienced, that empowers them to believe their children will inherit a better tomorrow. Mr Lee, we salute you.
The full version of this is found at http://ift.tt/190FXKm...
His death is perhaps the first thing Singaporeans have been able to rally around. This blow has awakened national pride and kinship, and is galvanising us in our identity.
Mr Lee was like the men of his time: Stoic, tough, stubborn, passionate and never in doubt. They lived in a time of struggle, where sensitivity was a luxury that did not fit their calling.
Mr Lee was the one we were glad was fighting on our side. His voice stirred our hearts and gave us hope. Great leaders do that sometimes.
They speak not out of what is, but what can be, hoping that their convictions will become reality. They are prophetic. Mr Lee helped turn a once feeble hope into reality.
Some would call Mr Lee a despot. If he had indeed purposed to be one, he must be judged to have failed miserably. Where is his mansion of gold, his harem, his private jet, expensive suits and toys?
Have we not seen his house, his schedule and lifestyle? What did he do with his “ill-gained wealth”? A leader is perhaps best judged not by the content of his policies, but the content of his life.
Clearly, Mr Lee spent his entire life on family and country. What is most impressive is his dedication. Perhaps it was a sense of responsibility because it was on his watch when Singapore was kicked out of Malaysia.
His tears turned into steely words: “Singapore ... will survive.” He engaged neither blame nor self-pity, but took on the burden of Singapore’s success. His single-mindedness, total commitment, intelligence and leadership make his story so remarkable.
In all this, I see his legacy in his son, and not as a bid to retain control. I see Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong honouring his father’s calling, taking the burden as his own and taking his father’s legacy to new heights.
I see PM Lee leading Singapore in a way his father could not and was not called to do: Building bridges and serving with humility, candour and warmth. He has my support, respect and allegiance.
Singapore’s orphaning by Malaysia is in a way healed by a story of father and son. We are indeed not orphans anymore; we are whole; we have come into our own; we are free and ready.
We will be an influence on the nations around us, provoking not only envy but showing kindness, the kind we have experienced, that empowers them to believe their children will inherit a better tomorrow. Mr Lee, we salute you.
The full version of this is found at http://ift.tt/190FXKm...
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