[Today] Nothing to stop bank from raising loan margins?

In June 2010, I took a mortgage that was marketed and signed as having the Singapore interbank offered rate (Sibor) plus 0.65 per cent as the interest rate throughout the loan tenure.

This month, I received a letter stating that Citibank is revising the rate to Sibor plus 0.85 per cent.

When I called the bank, I was told only that it is adjusting to market trends and that the small print in the contract allows for this.

So, the bank has invoked the clause without any good reasons other than it can legally do so. What would stop it then from raising the spread to 1 or even 1.5 per cent next year just because it could?

The Monetary Authority of Singapore or the Consumers Association of Singapore should do something, as this is unfair to consumers.

[Today] He made it possible for S’poreans to stand tall

Mr Lee Kuan Yew committed himself to his lifelong passion of building this island into a nation with a stature far beyond its size. Whatever he did, here or internationally, he did with the purpose of advancing Singapore’s interests.

Belonging to the pioneer generation, I had the privilege of being a bit player in the legend he created and can identify with all the events flashing before our eyes this week.

I remember the feeling of being a third-class citizen to the colonial masters.

Today, I can stand tall as a Singaporean just about anywhere I go because we had a great leader with exceptional talent who dedicated his life to making our dreams come true.

In typical Singaporean style, he worked tirelessly with his capable team and a responsive people for this tiny red dot to be a First World nation, the envy of many others.

His task is over; may his soul rest in peace. Ours continues.

The best way to honour and cherish his memory is to continue building on what he left behind: Strengthen our cohesiveness and racial harmony; hone our skills to match or even surpass the best from our competitors; work smarter than others.

We must continue striving to be number one to balance out our smallness with being relevant to the world.

[Today] Life’s lessons from Lee Kuan Yew

My heart sank when I heard of the death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His life’s lessons, vision and strategic thinking in foreign and domestic policies, and his contributions have provided valuable insights from which we can learn.

With his iron-fisted policies, he was a feared leader, but was highly respected and spoke with great confidence. With his tree-planting day and the Singapore River clean-up from 1977 to 1987, he made the country clean and green.

He used capable men in Cabinet — Mr Goh Keng Swee to run economic policies and Mr S Rajaratnam to run foreign policy — ran an efficient, corruption-free government and made friends with other countries so they could recognise our sovereignty.

He was into lifelong learning and upgrading himself, continuing to work even in old age and keeping abreast of the latest developments in Singapore. He also made our educational system a bilingual journey. He was a role model as a doting father and loving husband, and a selfless leader who showed his successors the ropes. He knew the important tasks that needed to be done.

Finally, he had resilience and never gave up on his vision of a prosperous Singapore. As we approach our golden jubilee in August, it would be good to reflect on how we have come far.

Without Mr Lee’s guidance and his lieutenants walking in his footsteps, where would have been the progress and success of our nation? Their hard work and perseverance will not be in vain.

It should be recorded in our hearts and minds, in schools through character and citizenship education, in libraries through a corner for learning more about our founding fathers and in ministries through articles of these men.

[Today] Memories of Mr Lee and a nation growing up

I was a child of the 1960s, growing up in an age when Singapore herself was a newborn grappling with racialism, a political divide and nation building, and trying to find her feet in a rather hostile neighbourhood.

I remember the racial clashes and questioning the rationale for learning Malay as our national language.

I remember my carefree childhood, enjoying school without tuition or enrichment classes, running barefoot along Housing and Development Board corridors with my cousins, and experiencing the smells and sights of pigswill and farms.

I gawked at the first shots on colour television, caught fish in a canal and listened to Lei Tai Sor telling stories in Cantonese on Rediffusion.

Those were the halcyon days when Mr Lee Kuan Yew was the face and figure of Singapore and the driving force behind his party with the lightning rod symbol. His every word was the people’s command.

We obeyed without question, like children under an authoritarian parent. Upon reflection, I concede reluctantly that it had been good for us, a nation with teething problems.

Then came the turning point when the inconceivable happened: We got ourselves an Opposition, with more to follow later. Mr Lee was fiercely protective of the Singapore he had nursed from her birth.

Some opposing voices were bankrupted, imprisoned and discredited with deft strokes. We felt sorry for the underdogs. We wanted to believe they could offer an alternative platform. We got restless, like teenagers in transition, and started to question many things.

Mr Lee did not cling to the reins as commander-in-chief, but stepped aside graciously when he felt it was time. Over the next decades, we saw signs of mellowing and more of his human side as a husband and father.

I cannot forget the scene of his farewell to his soul-mate: A picture of a man suffering a deep loss and unimaginable grief.

As we turn 50, we have grown up somewhat. I have upgraded from a three-room flat. Prices of cars, real estate and consumables have risen a lot, but we also have more opportunities to travel, explore and discern for ourselves.

And we have bragging rights that this little red dot could and did become what it is today. My children do not have much of an impression of Mr Lee, but they are beneficiaries of his legacy.

Every child of Singapore owes a part of who they are and what they are to our founding father. So, I want to say thank you, Mr Lee, for giving your life for Singapore. It was truly well lived.

You have left such a footprint in the annals of history. Rest in peace and dance with your beloved. We will remember you always.

This was posted on TODAY’s Facebook page, http://ift.tt/1EKwL83

[Today] Even without Mr Lee, let’s see the merits of unpopular policies

As a young undergraduate, I am thankful to be living the dream of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His authoritarian style of rulership had left some unhappy, but was necessary for the survival of an abandoned nation in 1965.

Singapore has benefited from the hard-headed policies he had deemed right. While some were controversial, those policies have helped shape the First World country we enjoy today, a privilege we cannot take for granted.

We are familiar with some of these policies, for example, to do with the Central Provident Fund, immigration, National Service and the media. Each are unpopular with some Singaporeans, but were implemented for the greater good.

The Republic’s remarkable progress was no sheer coincidence; it had been partly due to strict governance. Many have praised Mr Lee for his shrewd methods in developing Singapore, yet his style may not be accepted today.

In recent times, some Singaporeans have become complacent and are pushing for liberal policies that may work in other countries, but not here.

As we mourn a great leader, we must ask ourselves whether or not strict governance is uniquely necessary to ensure Singapore’s survival for the next 50 years, given that we are still a vulnerable state with no natural resources.

Should we liberalise and implement populist policies, or should we defer certain rights for the country’s betterment and implement necessary policies to guide us, in the same way Mr Lee’s harsh policies have served us effectively?

Even without Mr Lee, let us see the merits of unpopular policies, so that we can continue to walk home safely at night, not worry about our next meals, have a roof over our heads and be an efficient, prosperous nation.

[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.

[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...

[Today] A tribute to the iron within Lee Kuan Yew

It has been a difficult week, fraught with emotions. Many Singaporeans had prayed that the foremost of our founding fathers would pull through his illness; now, we offer Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family our condolences.

All of us feel the loss of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, for he has been an integral part of our lives. His contributions in leadership and nation building are imprinted indelibly on our collective history and individual experiences.

As we relive his legacy and possibly learn more about him through the news, many foreign publications and organisations have published grudging eulogies, suggesting that his failure to create a freer, more democratic nation overshadowed his achievements for Singapore’s good.

There are also voices among our own, here and abroad, who seek to diminish his contributions, seemingly finding their courage in his passing.

Love him, hate him or be ambivalent, his leadership is what enabled the People’s Action Party (PAP) to pull Singapore together and get us through the early decades of independence, allowing us to chart Singapore’s path towards the future.

I agree with his words: A leader must have “iron” in him. The iron in Mr Lee never became brittle, but stronger and sharper instead as he grew through his experiences and made the hard decisions that would strengthen Singapore.

He was a steadfast, principled leader who humbled those who challenged his good work with their lofty claims of impropriety.

Though these challengers, some of whom went into self-imposed exile, and his detractors have levelled the charge that Singaporeans fear Mr Lee and the PAP, I disagree: Their fear is of their own making, the consequences of actions they chose.

What have others to fear of a fellow human, especially “a good man (who) leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”, to quote the book of Proverbs? Mr Lee has not left future generations with a debt they cannot repay.

We, too, have iron in us, but it is how we choose to strengthen it by our own means in contributing meaningfully to society that shows our worth.

Mr Lee and other founding fathers long gone have left a legacy and a firm foundation for the continued building of our country, so that we who inherit Singapore may prosper together.

Though now we grieve, continuing our Singapore story is the best tribute we can give to those who came before us.

[Today] Cherish Asian values as tribute to Mr Lee

Singaporeans are proud of their place in the sun and the iconic peaceful multiracialism that has moulded the nation through the National Pledge. Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s vision of nationhood will materialise within a century. In tribute to him, we should value the Asian traditional values that are our principal moral compass. We say thank you and bid goodbye to him, a fatherly inspiration who will be respected and remembered profoundly.

(Page 1 of 1) - PAGINATE

• mail


• print


• 
  
  View all comments
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  


• 


• 
  
  Tweet
  
  

[Today] Blessed to have had Mr Lee as leader

It has been a week of realisation. As a nation and as individuals, many of us realised — to our surprise — how much our nation’s founding father meant to us.

We may care little about day-to-day politics and some of us may disagree with our political system. But despite the apathy and occasional tinge of cynicism, our tears were real and heavy hearts are not something that can be orchestrated.

As a former journalist, I am privileged to have interacted with Mr Lee Kuan Yew several times. He once spent two long Saturday afternoons in an Istana meeting room, engaging and debating with a bunch of brash young people. He wanted to understand their thoughts, no holds barred, as young first-time voters and to put across his. I was lucky to be among them. I remember what he said in response to a question: “Politics is life.”

It is not about rhetoric, ideology or elections. To a young reporter with lofty ideals who had neither experienced adversity nor much of life, for that matter, his statement did not quite resonate. That was 2006.

Much has changed since then. I grew up and my primary identity now is a working mother of two. I am also no longer a journalist. Looking back on what he said, oh how true it is for me today. That we have a safe, peaceful home where my children can grow up comfortably is something I hold precious, as do many others. This is why strangers across the country have been united in our grief and sense of loss.

No matter our political views, and regardless of whether we want more Opposition in Parliament, we are grateful for the Singapore and the life we have, which Mr Lee’s foresight, unwavering conviction and obsessive commitment to the country have produced.

It is only sad that he probably did not know just how many Singaporeans feel this way. We must learn to not take our leaders for granted, and not only after they are gone. No government and political system are perfect.

Being in the corporate world, I cannot fully comprehend why high-flying professionals would want to enter politics, to serve, in Mr Lee’s words, a nation of “champion grumblers”. That counts for something in itself.

On Saturday, with my children in tow, I joined other Singaporeans for the Parliament House queue to be in the fleeting presence of a great man and to teach my children what I did not quite understand years ago.

Thank you, Mr Lee. We are blessed to have had you as our leader.

[Straits Times] Mark SG50 with reflection and meaning

OUR SG50 Jubilee celebration on Aug 9 has to be made memorable, not more pompous, to aptly celebrate Singapore's success.

It must be an occasion for national reflection of the whats and hows that got us to this point of having many haves in our lives.

We have magnificent air and sea ports, efficient public transport, modern housing for the population, advanced medical care, fine schools and universities, and a green, healthy environment to live in.

This is a lot to be cherished because we have earned it all.

All our National Day celebrations should always carry with them a meaningful message.

Fong Hang Yin (Ms)

[Straits Times] Standardise secondary education to four years

LIKE many others, I, too, support maintaining the Primary School Leaving Examination ("Debate over PSLE not a simple one" by Dr Catherine J. Smith; last Saturday).

However, we should do away with secondary school streaming of students into the four-year Express and five-year Normal programmes. Let all students go through four years of secondary school education.

Singapore's education policy has always been focused on bringing out the best in the brightest in our land, and I have benefited from such a system.

I studied in the Special stream in secondary school, and there were only eighteen students in my class. This smaller class size was of tremendous benefit to my classmates and me.

Thus, class size will be a key factor in keeping to a standard four-year secondary school education.

Those who do well enough in the PSLE to qualify for the Express stream usually do not require much attention in class. However, those who do not do as well will need closer attention from the teacher, so they will need smaller class sizes.

These academically weaker students will also need to spend longer hours in school, perhaps a full day, compared with those who are academically stronger, who can spend just half a day in school. This will be a similar concept as national service - those who are fitter will serve a shorter time.

There is a huge stigma attached to students in the Normal stream. The additional one year they spend in school can be spread out over four years instead.

The PSLE has to stay, because without such a national examination, we will never be able to determine if our children understand what they have learnt in school. However, it is time to use this information and offer more help to those students who need it, rather than offer more to those who are already bright.

Chua Boon Hou

[Straits Times] From fear to security under Mr Lee

I GREW up in a time when Singapore experienced many riots. There were frequent curfews, and I remember the fear of being unable to run home in time when the sirens sounded. When I was in primary school, I was stranded in school once, because my mother could not come to get me before the curfew started.

And because we lived in wooden houses, I was in constant fear that my home would catch fire one day, or that my neighbour's house would, and that the fire would spread to my house.

There was also student unrest in Chinese schools. As my father was a Chinese school principal, he had to stay at home for days while waiting for the riots to be quelled.

The curfews, riots and leaking roof of my house strengthened my resolve to improve my lot in life, to fight for a better future for Singapore - and former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew made all that, and more, possible.

I remember standing in line as a child, as part of the welcoming party for Mr Lee at the Bras Basah constituency. I had the privilege of seeing him face to face, and of having shaken his hand.

To us Singaporeans, he was not a mere statesman, prime minister, or leader. He was our father.

He gave us hope, a new life, a new identity, and a comfortable, peaceful home, a place that is the cream of Asia's crop.

I am so proud to be Singaporean. Where there used to be fear and insecurity, there is now peace and stability.

It is heartbreaking to think that Mr Lee will not be here to see the SG50 celebrations.

Singapore was his consuming passion, his entire life.

Will there be another leader, statesman and father like him?

I think not.

Ruth Cheng Chay Choo (Ms)

[Straits Times] Find ways to cut commuting time

LET us look at our transport situation from a commuter's point of view ("Zero car growth 'likely in future'"; March 12).

If a person wishes to travel from the east of Singapore to the middle, travel time is about 20 minutes by car, about 40 minutes by direct train and about an hour by direct bus.

Using a private car, a commuter can save at least 20 minutes. The time saved adds up if the commuter makes more trips, perhaps for work purposes.

In a competitive business environment, it is necessary to have a private vehicle. However, a decrease in car population is desirable and, indeed, possible.

The way to break this conundrum is to focus on providing faster transit with a higher degree of service reliability and comfort. The surge of taxi apps has amply demonstrated this.

A quick fix would be to increase the number of taxis on the road, and not just increase the mileage of the current fleet.

But, to make taxis a realistic and viable alternative to private cars, the availability issue must be overcome.

No car owner would be convinced to give up his vehicle if he cannot get a taxi on a rainy day or if a long wait is de rigueur.

With a little political will, we can increase the number of taxi licences and reduce, if not completely remove, Electronic Road Pricing and certificate of entitlement charges for all vehicles in public service.

Being productive will, hence, give taxi drivers better earnings. Costs to users will also be reduced.

We can also explore taxi pooling and advance no-cancellation pre-paid booking.

Obviously, in the longer term, the bulk of the public transport load should be carried by the trains, with buses complementing the service.

Technology can also offer more options. Instead of resisting change, we should use technology to improve our quality of living and improve our commute with less environmental impact.

Commuters will always search for means to improve their commuting time. But does this mean that we should be forever bound to unending car growth?

Ho Tay Cheok

[Straits Times] Fix irregular bus services

WITH Singapore having become a city for cars rather than people, the last thing we need is more cars ("Why Singapore still needs more cars"; March 20).

What Singapore needs is to quickly improve public transport, as the article rightly stated. This requires a willingness to solve several problems, a critical one being that of irregular bus services.

This can be achieved quite quickly, with the right mindset, either at the Transport Ministry or Land Transport Authority (LTA) level.

Running buses on time along their whole route would require proper training of bus drivers and strict enforcement. To achieve this, bus operators will need spare drivers and some spare buses. Drivers will need to be familiar with several routes as they will need to stand in for absent drivers.

With published timetables - people can plan their journeys ahead and will be assured of getting to their destinations on time.

Adherence to these timetables must be strictly enforced. Enforcing on-time operation will also require the establishment of timing stops. These are generally well-patronised stops, 10 to 15 minutes apart along each route.

Timing stops can then be used to monitor the on-time performance of each service using the ez-link database.

The next step is to optimise the bus network. The available travel data from the ez-link database should be used to plan optimal routes.

I hope that the Government acknowledges the seriousness of the current situation and does not shy away from taking necessary action.

Bruno Wildermuth

[Straits Times] Quash casual use of cars

SENIOR transport correspondent Christopher Tan noted that many other cities have higher car ownership than Singapore but drivers there use their cars less and public transport more ("Why Singapore still needs more cars"; March 20).

This is what Singapore should strive towards.

The authorities should strongly discourage the casual use of cars during peak hours by imposing even higher Electronic Road Pricing charges.

This would quash the casual use of cars during peak hours but not the aspiration to own a car.

However, it is not easy for drivers to give up their cars, given the fact that our overworked public transport system is still very congested during peak hours.

It is undeniable that our public transport system is under severe stress during peak hours and needs more improvement.

With a population that is growing fast and loves its cars, managing the transport system will remain a challenge.

Kang Choon Tian

[Straits Times] Celebrate SG50 as planned, as tribute

I DISAGREE with the call to scale back or tone down our SG50 celebrations on account of the death of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew ("Rethink SG50 celebrations" by Mr Tang Fook Meng; last Thursday).

Given the outpouring of grief and gratitude from Singaporeans and foreigners alike, there is even more reason to celebrate SG50 and the life and legacy of our founder and father of modern Singapore, with vigour and purpose.

Events of the past week spoke volumes of Mr Lee as modern Singapore's architect and guardian.

We should, therefore, take every opportunity to share his teachings, values and principles; and strengthen the systems that he and his colleagues have built for Singapore.

His legacy must live on and be instilled in future generations of Singaporeans.

What better way is there than to take advantage of the SG50 celebrations to kick-start various national education platforms?

This is a great opportunity to not just honour our pioneer generation leaders but also to educate our young on the selfless fighting spirit, the never-say-die attitude and can-do spirit, to overcome all odds in the pursuit of happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation, regardless of race, language and religion.

It is also a golden opportunity to promote to the region and the West our values and principles of self-sufficiency and reliance, racial and religious harmony, meritocracy and incorruptibility.

Yeow Hwee Ming

[Straits Times] Shanghai's colour-coded system points the way

WHEN it comes to signage at MRT stations, Singapore can learn something from Shanghai ("MRT station signs to be improved"; last Saturday).

Before I went to Shanghai, I had heard about the chaos of riding its subway system (on account of the city's huge population), and was worried.

But when I was there with my elderly mother and in-laws last year, we all found the system very user-friendly. Even my mother, who often ends up on the wrong line or train, had positive comments for Shanghai's subway signage.

Signs are huge. Colour-differentiated word signs hang from ceilings, huge colour-coded footprints are pasted on the floor, and more signs on pillars guide passengers to the correct pathway and platform, right from the ticketing gateway.

It does not matter if one cannot understand Chinese, because the colour coding is very easy to understand.

At the platform, one never has to worry about taking the train in the wrong direction, because the signs above the platform would state the previous, current and next stations.

I hope the company that the Land Transport Authority appoints to upgrade the signs will come up with a similar system that will benefit all.

Lai Wai Mun

[Straits Times] Unite as one Singapore, whatever your nationality

AS I watched the cortege of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew pass yesterday, I was struck by a sense of unity and pride as a Singaporean.

Who exactly is a Singaporean? I looked around me at the crowd and saw people of all races, ages and backgrounds celebrating Mr Lee's life.

As the procession moved on, people started drifting away, but I saw one Caucasian woman sobbing uncontrollably. I'm not sure what her nationality is, but her tears and adoration for Mr Lee were a clear sign of her heart as a Singaporean.

Mr Lee was an incredible leader for everyone living in Singapore, whether they hold a pink identity card or not, and he was the strongest proponent of having expatriates come live and work in Singapore, to make Singapore the best it can be.

He said himself: "We welcome (foreign) talent and will continue to welcome talent."

I hope we can honour his views and work together, being more accepting and welcoming to those who may not appear Singaporean in terms of their passport, but are as bound to Singapore in terms of spirit as anyone who was born and raised here.

Roxanne Wong Yi Ting (Miss)

[Straits Times] Renaming of airports not uncommon

I DISAGREE with Mr Ho Kong Loon on the problems of renaming Changi Airport after former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) ("Renaming places not best way to honour legacy"; last Saturday).

I recently retired from the air transportation and logistics industry. I have seen many airports renamed: New York's Idlewild Airport became John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport; Manila International Airport became Ninoy Aquino International Airport; and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport became Chiang Kai-shek International Airport before reverting to its original name, for example.

Renaming Changi Airport as LKY Airport is a befitting honour for our founding father; the airport code could also be changed to LKY, instead of the current SIN.

I remember Mr Lee once said Singapore Airlines could fail but Changi must stand if Singapore is to be connected to the world - Changi Airport is one of the many institutions he approved of, and is our well-known link to the world outside. It should be renamed as soon as possible.

Joseph Low Chong Teck

[Straits Times] On Facebook

Should real-world rules and standards also be applicable in the virtual world? What does it mean to be a responsible user of the Internet?

Of course, real-world rules and standards must also be applicable in the virtual world... What has changed is the tool, not the players.

- Loh Wai Poon

Some real-world standards should apply to the virtual world, but freedom of speech should be upheld... But it's difficult to draw a line between freedom of speech and cyber-bullying. It's a grey area.

- Eminence Priestley

At the end of the day, you're still dealing with people. The issue is how (rules) are upheld. The problem lies in enforcement and application of said rules and practices.

- Aaron Loy

A writer has suggested that Singaporeans show respect and love for their first Prime Minister by letting the Lee Kuan Yew spirit live through them. How else can Singaporeans honour his memory?

Live in harmony with the different religious and ethnic groups... and continue keeping Singapore clean and green.

- Esther Chandran

Build a memorial park with his statue. Mr Lee is our founding father and most defining leader. He should be honoured this way.

- Jiang Peicun

Our reluctance to sell the naming rights of the new National Stadium now offers us a chance to name it after Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

- Roland Seow

The $50 note should be printed with his face on it, commemorating the late founding Prime Minister, and seeing how he passed away in the SG50 year.

- Jason Yap Chia Shen

Have a "Founder's Day" to remember (Mr) Lee and to remind ourselves and our children of what he has done for us.

- Carol Lim

[Straits Times] Help those with mobility issues during train disruptions

RAIL service disruptions are especially worrying for elderly commuters who have mobility issues, like myself.

Several MRT stations are located next to government hospitals. Many outpatients, including the elderly, those in wheelchairs, and those using walking sticks, use public transport like the MRT to get to medical appointments.

If a train disruption affects these stations, these commuters will be especially affected, and will have difficulty walking on the rail tracks, exiting the platforms and queueing for feeder buses.

When I expressed my concern to the staff at Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park and Novena MRT stations, I was shocked to learn that they do not receive special training for such scenarios.

As Singapore prepares for a fast-ageing population, planning for such scenarios should be included.

Train operators should put in place protocols to meet the challenges of a service disruption, and give their staff special training. Staff at MRT stations next to hospitals should be given first-aid training, so they can attend to commuters who may be feeling unwell. These stations should have wheelchairs and defibrillators on standby, so care can be given before ambulances arrive.

Extra staff should be deployed to assist elderly commuters in exiting the train cabins and walking on rail tracks, and to guide them to buses. Special buses should be reserved for commuters with mobility issues.

A complete review needs to be done, and operational protocols updated, to meet the needs of our ageing society.

We also need to find real, workable solutions to the recurrent service lapses and disruptions.

Jasmine P'ng Siok Lee (Ms)

[Straits Times] Questionable handling of complaint against estate agent

MY RECENT experience with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), when I lodged a complaint against my property agent for dual representation, raises questions on whether or not the council also protects consumers from misconduct by estate agencies and their salesmen.

I had first written to the CEA to understand more about the dual representation issue, without revealing whether I was the tenant, landlord or real estate agent.

The CEA's reply consisted of advice on how an agent could protect himself against such complaints, with the appropriate documentation.

I later clarified that I was the tenant. The CEA then gave a reason why it was possible that there was no dual representation. It added that it would confirm this with the estate agent.

This reply surprised me. The CEA seems to be providing the agent with an excuse. Shouldn't it have investigated before suggesting there had been no dual representation?

The CEA collects licence fees from estate agencies and their salesmen. When a licence is revoked, the CEA will no longer be able to collect this fee. Given the conflict of interest, is the CEA the right body to protect consumer interests and manage complaints of misconduct?

My case was eventually dismissed as having "insufficient grounds", based on the verbal testimony of a third party. The third party did not provide any documents or evidence. In contrast, I submitted many pieces of evidence, such as the tenancy agreement, bank statement, online advertisements and text messages.

I do not understand why I wasn't contacted for more information or for a review of my documents.

Can the CEA explain why my documents were "insufficient"? Why was the verbal testimony of the third party given precedence over my documented evidence?

How does the CEA protect consumer interests like mine?

Catherine Cheong Wai Shan (Ms)

[Straits Times] Ensuring protection of personal data

THE Government takes the protection of personal data very seriously ("1,900 pupils' personal data leaked by accident"; last Tuesday).

Public agencies must comply with the Government's internal data protection rules. They must put in place systems to protect all data - including personal data - in their possession, and protect data against unauthorised access and disclosure, whether accidental or intentional.

Officers who violate government policies and regulations on data protection may be subjected to disciplinary proceedings. Similar obligations are imposed on private organisations, through the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA), although data protection breaches are enforceable only against the corporate entity.

In the case mentioned, the Ministry of Education's (MOE) investigation has revealed that human error was the cause of the leak. The school has apologised for the accidental release of personal data.

The MOE will be conducting a review of all government schools' compliance with the Government's data protection rules, to ensure that proper security safeguards are in place.

It will also continue to educate officers of their responsibilities and the need to exercise great care in safeguarding and handling personal data.

The Government will also review its data protection rules to ensure that personal data is appropriately safeguarded.

Ho Hwei Ling (Ms)

Director

Communications

Ministry of Education







Han Liang Yuan (Ms)

Director

Corporate Relations

Ministry of Communications and Information







Lim Yuin Chien

Director

Corporate Communications

Ministry of Finance

[Straits Times] Adjust costs of owning a car

IT MAY be true that there are fewer car owners in Singapore, compared with cities like New York, Tokyo and London ("Why Singapore still needs more cars"; March 20).

However, we still have roughly 550,000 to 600,000 private vehicles, with 45 per cent of households owning at least one car ("Big Idea No. 1: A 'less-car' Singapore"; Feb 8, 2014).

Singapore's land area is also a petite 716 sq km, compared with Tokyo's close to 2,200 sq km, and London's and New York City's more than 1,000 sq km.

We pay an exorbitant price for a car in Singapore, thereby turning it into a status symbol. The punitive costs of running a car, as a penalty for the congestion and pollution it creates, are also not sufficient to deter its use.

Consequently, it is the general trend to clock as many kilometres on our cars as possible to bring down the cost per kilometre, because capital depreciation is the single most expensive item in owning a car in Singapore.

A zero car growth policy can be ambition-stifling for the young. But we can solve this by crafting policies so that car ownership is affordable, but indiscriminate car use in the Central Business District during working days is penalised by Electronic Road Pricing fees, petrol costs and parking levies.

In the CBD, car driving would be discouraged if more space is devoted to a more salubrious living and walking environment for pedestrians. Space for parking should be severely curtailed and exorbitantly charged.

Own an exotic supercar, by all means, and polish it every day as a showpiece trophy. But drive it only on weekends or up-country, otherwise be prepared to pay far more.

Yik Keng Yeong (Dr)

[Today] Welcome those bound to S’pore, pink IC or not, as he did

As I watched Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s cortege pass by, I was struck by a sense of unity and pride as a Singaporean. Who exactly is a Singaporean, though?

I looked around at the crowd and saw people of all races, ages and backgrounds celebrating his life. Then as the procession moved on, and people started filtering away, I saw a Caucasian woman sobbing, as if paralysed by grief.

I am unsure of her nationality, but her tears and adoration for Mr Lee — an incredible leader for everyone living here, whether they held a pink identity card (IC) or not — were a clear sign of her Singaporean heart.

He was a strong proponent of having expatriates live and work here, to make Singapore the best it can be. He had said: “We welcome talent and will continue to welcome talent.”

I hope we can honour his views and work together, being more welcoming to those who are as bound to Singapore in terms of spirit as anyone who was born and raised here.

[Straits Times] Filing of accident report a must, says insurance association

MR CHOY Zin Shee raised the issue of non-reporting of motor accidents to insurers ("Loophole lets drivers escape accident liability"; last Thursday).

Under the General Insurance Association of Singapore's (GIA) Motor Claims Framework, motorists are required to file an accident report with their insurers, even if there is a private settlement between the parties. This is to protect the insured against the other party later having a change of heart and then filing a claim.

There are serious consequences if drivers fail to file an accident report, because it constitutes a breach of the insurance policy condition. This means the insurer is entitled to repudiate liability, and the insured no longer gets protection under the policy.

Worse still, policyholders who ignore their insurer's request to file an accident report are violating the Road Traffic Act, and may face serious consequences like non-renewal of their motor insurance policies.

In addition, the insurer concerned may consider declining renewal of that insured's motor insurance policy.

GIA and our members have established a protocol to deal with an insured who fails or refuses to report a motor accident. Under the protocol, the insurer concerned will write to the insured, notifying him that there is a third-party claim against him, and that under his policy condition, he is contractually obliged to report the accident to the insurer. If the insured fails to report the accident after receiving two registered letters, the insurer will refer the case to the Traffic Police for further action.

To assist the other party's insurer to investigate his case, Mr Choy may wish to provide video footage of the accident or photographs of the accident scene and the damage sustained by both vehicles, if he has not done so.

For more information, readers may refer to the Consumer Guide in the Motor Insurance section of our website at www.gia.org.sg

Derek Teo

Executive Director

General Insurance Association of Singapore

[Straits Times] Writer of the week

WHO: Mak Seck Hong, 80, a retired chartered structural engineer.

MY FAMILY: Married to retired bank clerk Geok Keng, 71, with two grown-up sons.

Elder son Andrew, 45, is married, with a 19-month-old daughter. Younger son Amos is 42.

MY HOME: A five-room HDB flat in Queenstown.

MY PASSIONS: Reading the newspapers and some simple books on Buddhism, and taking regular morning strolls around the estate.I STARTED WRITING TO THE FORUM PAGE...: Some 30 years back.

WHAT I WRITE ABOUT: Usually issues relating to healthcare, the living conditions of senior citizens living alone, and transport problems faced by these seniors.

WHY I WRITE: To give voice to the issues some of these old folk face, and get volunteers and the authorities to address their problems.I READ THE FORUM PAGE BECAUSE...:

It enables me to feel the pulse of our society.

MY WISH FOR SINGAPORE: That our racial and religious harmony can prevail through another jubilee year. That Singapore continues to be governed by a strong and clean government. That there is peace throughout the region.

[Straits Times] Move onwards the 'Lee Kuan Yew way'

SINGAPOREANS are waking up to the tremendous impact that Mr Lee Kuan Yew, even in death, has on Singapore and the world at large.

Hundreds of thousands of usually politically disconnected Singaporeans have emerged to pay their respects and voice their admiration for and gratitude to Mr Lee.

It is a re-awakening of the Singapore spirit.

Of late, there have been rumblings on the ground, and signs of resentment towards certain government policies.

But as we forge ahead, even if we disagree on certain issues, let Singaporeans remember how we stood united this past week, and move onwards the "Lee Kuan Yew way". Not by bowing to populist sentiments, but by making the best decisions with foresight, for the long term.

Singapore cannot afford to stagnate and fall behind, especially with other nations rapidly developing around us.

Those who lived through our country's early turbulent years can truly appreciate the "miracle of Singapore".

But those born into modern, safe, clean and green Singapore, and live in homes with maids, may need to be made aware of the struggles that came before them, and be instilled with the fighting spirit to appreciate and keep what they now have.

Among those who oppose certain policies, I hope they will produce a new generation of leaders who will strive towards developing alternative plans for action, and not just rely on empty talk and criticism.

Hopefully, we can learn from Mr Lee's legacy and strive towards an even better Singapore.

Yvonne Lim (Ms)

[Straits Times] When citizens, PRs came together

AS A Singapore permanent resident who has tried to assimilate into the social fabric of the country, I am well aware of the invisible chasm between those born here, those who emigrated here and those who came here to search for riches. But all the bits of bitterness and disappointment of the last few years dissipated as we all came together to mourn Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing.

Over the last week, hundreds and thousands of people from all walks of life have paid tributeon national TV, in public and in private to Mr Lee. He had brought all of us together like no one else could.

We shared messages and videos about him on social media, we talked with regret about losing himin offices, we dabbed our eyes many times a day while watching old recordings of Mr Lee on TV, and spent many hours under the brutal sun to queue and say one final goodbye to him.

Most importantly, I marvel at this amazing side of Singaporeans - so compassionate, thoughtful, giving and loving. Strangers came together, not only in grief, but also to help one another, handing out free water, snacks and even umbrellas.

We truly are one people, one nation. And this is Mr Lee's legacy.

Amit Nagpal

[Straits Times] No Ugly S'porean traits in sight

I WAS among the thousands who queued at the Padang to pay my last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew last Friday afternoon ("More organised, but more people"; last Friday).

Instead of seeing "Ugly Singaporean" traits - being kiasu (afraid to lose) or inconsiderate, or having a tendency to gripe and whine - among people in the crowd, I witnessed something totally different.

The volunteers, perspiring in the hot sun, cheerfully handed out drinks, biscuits, umbrellas and fans, urging the crowd to take them so that they could be comfortable. They picked up rubbish in trash bags and collected loads of umbrellas on trolleys for re-use.

Marshals were courteous and enthusiastic. What heartened me was that many of them were young Singaporeans. Shouts of appreciation for their efforts came forth spontaneously and intermittently from the queues.

Those queueing were patient and behaved with dignity, even as they braved the heat. They were quietly and clearly determined to make it to Parliament House.

I was moved to see a man in his 70s limping beside me, perspiration dripping down his cheeks, alone. A woman, in her early 80s, in front of me was soaked through with perspiration. Younger Singaporeans cautioned the older ones not to trip over wires.

There was a Singapore spirit of mutual help and courtesy as people came together to honour our founding father.

I am immensely proud to be a Singaporean.

Tan Siew Kuan (Madam)

[Straits Times] Kudos to organisers for job well done

I WISH to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding job carried out by the organisers at Parliament House, which made it possible for the maximum number of Singaporeans to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in a safe and orderly fashion ("11-hour wait - yet they kept coming"; last Saturday).

Though caught out initially by the overwhelming public response, the organisers nonetheless responded admirably in reconfiguring the queueing arrangements, putting up tents in the Padang, and making other adjustments.

These measures helped shorten queueing time, provide much-needed relief from the sun, and made the long wait more comfortable for everyone in the queues.

Much has been said about Mr Lee's legacy, including his pragmatic, methodical, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. Mr Lee had often stressed that one should systematically identify the problem at hand, analyse it, then tackle it; not to just talk about it, but to proactively work out a constructive solution.

To their credit, the organisers have achieved just that.

Let us also not forget the many volunteers and corporate sponsors who chipped in with their time, complimentary drinks, and even umbrellas on loan.

Lastly, I had the privilege to experience first-hand the camaraderie and goodwill that prevailed throughout the long waiting time, among fellow mourners as well as officials on duty, regardless of race, age or gender.

All these bode well for us as a nation.

My firm belief is that if we can keep alive the Lee Kuan Yew legacy, maintain the can-do spirit he instilled in us, and uphold the camaraderie among all Singaporeans as witnessed in this period of mourning, Singapore will continue to excel. Count on it.

Ray Ho Cheong Chan

[Straits Times] Nation's progress made a Lee follower out of me

I FIRST heard Mr Lee Kuan Yew speak right outside my parent's shophouse when I was about 10 years old. I did not understand what he said then, but the party mood was all around us.

A few years later, my father took me to attend Mr Lee's rally at the National Theatre.

I was mesmerised by his piercing eyes.

As soon as I was able to read the newspapers, I began to read up on his speeches, and gradually became one of his followers.

I believed in him because of all the progress I saw around us.

I saw Toa Payoh's development begin in earnest. People, including those who were homeless, began moving into decent homes.

Gangs, corruption, violence and other social ills were wiped out. People began to enjoy decent living, jobs and tranquillity.

I met him again in the late 70s, when he visited the Jurong Bird Park with his wife. His piercing eyes had not changed.

I continued to follow news articles about whatever he said, and never missed his annual National Day Rally speeches. I have read all his memoirs, along with every book and magazine article on him that I could get my hands on.

I have also been following the outpouring of praise and expressions of grief from a range of people, from the great leaders of the world to the common people on the street.

My fear is that, unless we honour his legacy with something tangible, all these will soon pass and be forgotten.

Perhaps the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy could build a "Merdeka Hall" to house all records of Mr Lee, along with his speeches. Let it serve as an inspiration for all Singaporeans to build on his legacy.

Ong Soon Leong

[Straits Times] Tackle issue of ageing together as a nation

THE call for a "whole-of-government" approach, led by the Housing Board and the Ministry of Health, to tackle the issue of ageing, makes sense ("Active ageing: Time to step it up"; March 21).

Yet, why are there still no integrated solutions to many of the issues facing seniors, such as the poor response to the Lease Buyback Scheme and the unavailability of private reverse mortgage plans ("Reverse mortgages can help cash-poor", by Mr Ray Wong Fei Mun; March 17)?

Perhaps the answer lies in the "whole-of-society" approach proposed in Professor David Chan's article ("Getting better at discussing population issues"; March 21).

Singaporeans have relied on the Government for too long. The non-government part of Singapore has to share the same foresight when it comes to tackling ageing problems.

A key part of this change must come from the seniors themselves.

The Government should involve active seniors in pulling together all parties - such as employers, religious groups and voluntary welfare organisations - to share in the future agenda.

Using the example of reverse mortgages, we need banks to work with housing developers, insurers, the Health Ministry and the Central Provident Fund Board.

A mindset change is essential, and involves not only the elderly, but also the young and the middle-aged.

If we can tackle this one glaring issue of ageing together as a nation, it will give us great confidence in stepping into Singapore's next 50 years.

Geoffrey Kung

[Today] Parents stayed because of Mr Lee

When the British announced their withdrawal in 1968, thousands who worked and lived at the British naval base despaired losing their jobs, accommodation, children’s education, et cetera.

Many Indians sceptical of Singapore’s future returned to their countries of origin such as Malaysia and India; some went to the United Kingdom with the British. But the majority stayed put, among them my parents with eight children.

They had faith in our founding Prime Minister’s leadership, intellect, pragmatism and ideals, above all that Singapore “is not a country that belongs to any single community — it belongs to all of us”.

True enough, he persuaded the British to extend the withdrawal to 1971, the naval base became Sembawang Shipyard and almost all retained their jobs, living quarters and, hence, their children’s continuing education.

It was a smooth transition; our lives went on as per normal. Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, from the bottom of my heart. May your soul rest in peace.

[Today] Tribute or veiled sarcasm?

I was appalled by Member of Parliament Low Thia Khiang’s tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the special parliamentary sitting on Thursday. (“His fighting spirit helped S’pore leap from Third World to First”: March 27)

Was that a tribute or veiled sarcasm? The pioneer generation’s sacrifices were also an important factor in making Singapore what it is today.

That the Government has introduced the Pioneer Generation Package and the more recent Silver Support scheme is evident their sacrifices were not forgotten.

Without Mr Lee’s strong leadership, full of conviction, even if the pioneer generation were willing to make sacrifices, they would have probably become headless chickens.

As MP Indranee Rajah said, no one has made a bigger sacrifice for Singapore than Mr Lee. (“A vision driven by care for S’poreans”; March 27)

What he has done for Singapore is no small feat. No other country without a hinterland and resources has been transformed from the Third World to the First in one generation.

What right does a man who cannot get his own town council in order have to criticise a great man recognised globally? Let us not begrudge the tribute Mr Lee deserves fully.

Even former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher counted it a blessing to have had him as a friend.

Singaporeans should, undoubtedly and unreservedly, count it a true blessing that Mr Lee was among us and not just someone to admire from afar in another country. Let us be grateful to have had Mr Lee.

[Today] A show of the Singapore spirit

I have seen the men and women helping out at the community tribute centres round Singapore and at the Padang and Parliament House, working tirelessly to control the crowds and look after our needs.

My wife, son and I also queued for almost six hours with thousands more, sweaty shoulder to sweaty shoulder, toe to toe, with one heart, as one nation, to pay our last respects to this great man, Lee Kuan Yew.

There was no kiasuism shown. Instead, I saw fellow Singaporeans helping one another along the way. A man offered a helping hand to a lady carrying a big bouquet of flowers for Mr Lee.

I saw Singaporeans calling for help when one fell and needed medical attention, and Singaporeans offering drinks to those in need of one. Drinks and snacks were passed from the distribution points to those farther down the line.

I realised that we have this Singapore spirit inside us, and a defining moment such as this forced us to show that we care for one another. Well done, fellow Singaporeans, you have shown your unity as a nation.

[Today] In gratitude for all they did

Our daily difficulties in life seem almost insignificant compared with what Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the Old Guard had to deliver: Feed millions of lives.

We enjoy our parties or late nights now because he and his team brought order to chaos and unrest during those turbulent days.

We have safe, clean dwellings because they set up a system in which our families could afford a roof over our heads.

We know how to read and write, in more than one language, because all of us received an affordable, proper education.

We are able to work with people from different backgrounds because Mr Lee and his Old Guard knew to bridge the sensitive differences. And we have equal opportunities to make a livelihood on this island.

One of our favourite pastimes, travelling overseas, requires few visa requirements because many countries trust Singapore.

So many people were willing to wait so long to see Mr Lee’s Lying in State at Parliament House because he and the Old Guard gave so much, almost throughout their lifetime, and touched all who live in Singapore, our home.

What citizens, permanent residents and all of us living here, including the generations to come, can do to give back is to remember with gratitude that all of this does not come naturally.

We must never forget the life’s work of Mr Lee and his Old Guard. They have our heartfelt thanks.

[Straits Times] Set up a Lee Kuan Yew museum

THERE has been a global outpouring of grief over Mr Lee Kuan Yew's passing. I know of tourists who took time off their visit to Singapore to join the queues to pay their last respects to Mr Lee, as well as many outside Singapore who mourned his passing.

Over my years of travel, I have visited many permanent exhibits in different parts of the world dedicated to individuals who had touched the lives of many. These include museums or memorials dedicated to figures such as Sun Yat Sen, Elvis Presley and Bruce Lee.

The National Library Board and National Museum each have put up temporary exhibits touching on different aspects of the life of Mr Lee, but I understand there are no current plans to consider a permanent Lee Kuan Yew exhibit.

I urge the National Heritage Board to set up a Lee Kuan Yew museum or memorial in Singapore before other countries do so.

This museum could build on the current temporary exhibits in the National Museum and National Library, and could be enlarged to cover not only Mr Lee's life and contributions, but also those of Singapore's other founding fathers.

A Lee Kuan Yew museum would not become a white elephant over time, as generations of Singaporeans would want to know more about Mr Lee and his team who built modern Singapore, if the recent outpourings of grief over his death are any indication.

Visitors from other countries keen to learn more about nation-building and the secret behind Singapore's success would also want to visit.

Schoolchildren could visit the museum as part of National Education, to learn about the frugal life of Mr Lee, and how he dedicated his life to the country he loved.

Sean Low Shien Ang

[Straits Times] Impart his values through National Education documentary

WE SHOULD honour Mr Lee Kuan Yew by imparting his values to the younger generation.

This could be done in the form of a National Education documentary that could become part of the school syllabus.

The documentary could also be displayed for visitors at museums and key attractions, such as Changi Airport and Sentosa.

Alan Chin Jia Lun

[Straits Times] Rename Merdeka Bridge after Mr Lee

I FULLY agree with Mr Sam Ho Beng Hock ("Name a place after him"; Forum Online, last Wednesday) that our late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew more than deserves to have a building or place named after him.

The most apt manner in which to do this is to rename the existing Merdeka Bridge, which forms part of Nicoll Highway, as the "Lee Kuan Yew Merdeka Bridge".

The Malay word "merdeka" means freedom or independence.

Naming the bridge after Mr Lee would remind all Singaporeans of the enormous role he played in steering Singapore through its early days of independence towards nationhood and beyond.

Teo Kok Seah

[Straits Times] Big 'thank you' to those who made tribute event possible

AS WE mourn the loss of our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, I commend the many Singaporeans whose dedication and hard work made it easier for mourners to queue at the various tribute centres and at Parliament House to pay their last respects.

From bus captains, train drivers, cabbies and road marshals to ushers and uniformed groups like the army and police force, as well as many in the business community - these people put in long hours to enable us to see Mr Lee for the last time.

They worked around the clock to either ferry us home safely or give assistance as we queued patiently to say our final goodbyes. We were offered bottles of water to quench our parched throats, umbrellas to shield us from the hot sun, and nourishment from eateries.

It was like attending a big family wake, and we, the children, rallied together so that our siblings could pay their last respects to our founding father.

A big "thank you" to the many who stood under the hot sun or rain to usher us, shield us and make this event possible.

Juliana Ang (Ms)

[Straits Times] Emigrate? Not when S'pore needs its young more than ever

IN ALL my 27 years, I had not learnt as much about our founding father Lee Kuan Yew as I - and many Singaporeans - have in this past week alone, as newspapers and news channels ran stories, radio stations played tributes, and social media sites were inundated with outpourings of grief over his passing.

With each passing day, my gratitude to Mr Lee swells. As an English teacher in a secondary school here, I have spent the past few days speaking to my students about him, and answering questions that have pushed me deeper along the path of reflection.

One student asked: "So Ma'am, how different would Singapore be today if he hadn't been our leader?"

This question, in its raw simplicity, stumped me. It also frightened me. For a few seconds, I allowed myself to think of a Singapore under the rule of someone else - perhaps not a visionary, as Mr Lee was, and with a little less dedication.

The thought made me shudder. Call me naive, but I am certain no one else could have done as remarkable a job as Mr Lee.

The great vision he displayed and the prophetic words he spoke were unparalleled.

With each passing day, I have grown to understand that Mr Lee was more than just a leader to Singaporeans; he was a father - a father who nurtured his children with passion and dedication, who might have made mistakes along the way, but whose intentions were always right, and whose love was unwavering.

I urge the people of my generation and beyond not to take Mr Lee's passing lightly.

The future of Singapore lies in our hands now, and Mr Lee would have wanted us to keep this country strong and self-reliant for generations to come.

Before this, I was thinking about emigrating one day, and perhaps building a life overseas. But now, my plans have changed. I cannot desert the country that has given me more than I deserve and made me who I am.

I am an educated, independent woman of a minority race, in a country that embraces and respects each of its citizens equally. Such is the country that Mr Lee built.

How could I ever leave this place, now that it needs its young more than ever?

I know this truly is home, a place where I belong. I can only hope that other Singaporeans feel the same way in the wake of this monumentally impactful event.

Priya Christie (Miss)

[Straits Times] Thank Mr Lee through our deeds

WITH former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's death, it is now time for us, the young generation, to consider what we can do to show our gratitude and appreciation for all he had done for Singapore.

It is only right that we continue to develop Singapore with integrity and in the spirit of equality. If each of us can learn from Mr Lee, and take the little step towards improving Singapore, we will be one step closer to becoming the successful nation he envisioned.

The best way to thank Mr Lee is to do something, as an individual or as a group, which impacts our society in a positive way.

For example, if we just make the effort to smile and greet the people in our daily lives, it could go a long way towards building healthy relationships and, perhaps, even a more united society.

If we live with integrity, have the courage to act on our beliefs, and pursue our aspirations, we could do something that positively impacts the community we live in.

Rachel Goh Sze Jen (Miss)

[Straits Times] Help students connect better with his legacy

MR LEE Kuan Yew was like a grandfather to me; a man who always went the extra mile without complaint.

The younger generation needs to show a deeper level of appreciation for Mr Lee.

My generation did not witness Singapore's transformation.

Hence, some of us do not realise how fortunate we are to not have to face the hardships that the previous generations did in making this country a better place.

Perhaps our school history syllabus could be revised to educate students on Mr Lee's contributions to Singapore.

This would allow us to gain deeper knowledge of our former Prime Minister and help us to connect with him better.

Elise Lim Ying Qi (Miss)

[Today] Improve on his legacy, not rename the airport

The petition to rename Changi Airport after Mr Lee Kuan Yew set me thinking.

This would befuddle travellers who have been drawn to Changi Airport for decades on the strength of its track record: Chosen as the world’s top airport many times by seasoned passengers, renowned ranking agencies, aviation authorities and popular aviation magazines.

Our nation’s founding father had stressed that he was averse to personal glorification of the visceral genre. Rather, he would have wanted his stellar legacy to be improved upon exponentially.

The way forward is to strengthen interracial togetherness and solidarity, reduce sectional divisiveness, create more and better-paid jobs, build the infrastructural ballast to sustain a larger and more demanding citizenry, provide affordable and premium housing, transport, education, et cetera.

The aforesaid, if achieved substantially, would improve the lives of Singaporeans in a very successful Singapore. Mr Lee would surely be proud of such an attainment. Renaming roads, parks, buildings and institutions are cosmetic, unworthy of serious consideration.

In some countries, a regime change often results in the destruction of statues or edifices built to adulate the previous ruler.

Initiatives that add to the quality and depth of common citizens’ lives, including a full stomach, safe environment, affordable health facilities and vibrant social amenities, are self-sustaining, having a permanence and significance that override simplistic, populist quests for immediate satisfaction.

[Today] Honour his legacy by not forgetting his wisdom

It is heart-warming to see Singaporeans from all walks of life unanimous in our appreciation of our founding father’s contributions to Singapore.

As we are reminded poignantly of the enormity and intensity of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s hopes and devotion to Singapore as his life’s work, let us reflect on what Singaporeans should cherish, looking forward.

We can all agree that he never stopped worrying for Singapore, like a father for his child’s well-being, even in frailty.

Like many children, even after growing up, we perhaps remained blissfully ignorant of how blessed we were to have had an ever watchful father.

As the nation feels the sorrow of this loss, let us make it a point not to allow our hard-fought camaraderie forged by Mr Lee’s legacy to slide.

Let us not forget his lessons, messages and, most importantly, the hopes he harboured for us like a preaching father, whose absence is keenly missed only when we realise that what he had arduously imparted was always right.

Singapore should commemorate Mr Lee’s legacy with a day dedicated to him and with simple, yet visible, moments of reflection each time on that day, so that should we ever go astray, we would recall his wisdom.

May Singapore rally on and do him proud.

[Today] Mr Lee had workers’ interests at heart

Like many people, I am saddened by the loss of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. He was a highly respected politician among world leaders, be it for his wisdom, foresight or knowledge of world events.

It is heartening that many Singaporeans, young and old, have taken the time to pay tribute to him.

He always had workers’ interests at heart, even the daily-rated road sweepers. When he observed that these workers were at risk of being hit by vehicles, he tasked the environment ministry to design luminous vests for them.

He was also a tough disciplinarian who did not like noise and was particular about cleanliness.

I remember the times he came by the television studios in the 1970s to broadcast his National Day speeches; all involved were kept on their toes, as he was very particular about efficiency.

For 46 days, he was in hospital trying to recover from pneumonia, and it must have been painful for his family to witness a loved one wither away and feel helpless.

I offer my condolences and hope that in time, they will be able to cope with the grief.

[Today] Mourned in S’pore, admired by the world

I refer to the report, “S’pore and the world mourn Mr Lee” (March 24). Indeed, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a colossus in Singapore and the architect of what it is today.

The citizens mourn his passing, but does the world at large share the same sentiments?

The world may admire Mr Lee’s achievements, his dedication to his purpose and country, his grasp of the situations that allowed him to bring Singapore into the freedom of the First World.

These have guaranteed him immortality in the pages of history, and it is the prerogative of Singaporeans to mourn. But Mr Lee, I am sure, would have preferred the world to speak for itself.

This is the dignity we must always carry with us; we should not formulate that the world shares our sentiments.

Singapore mourns the loss of Mr Lee, but is it really a loss? His son and his cohort will carry on the father’s work. This is a sine qua non of Singapore’s future.

[Today] Lee Kuan Yew reassured, inspired

I lost my father in December 2013. It was a difficult time, as he had always been there for my family. So, I can relate to what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is going through.

And the passing of a great man such as Mr Lee Kuan Yew is like losing one of our own.

He had been with us for as long as I can remember, reassuring us whenever there were doubts, inspiring us to do better in our lives.

I grew up watching him and understanding where he was coming from; when he spoke, one listened. Through the critical years, fraught with danger, he never wavered in his quest.

I always respected what he had done to help us transform from a backwater to a metropolis. This made it possible for us to rise up, and we must build on that.

[Today] In mourning, S’poreans stand as one

The outpouring of grief, respect, gratitude and love for Mr Lee Kuan Yew, which has not stopped from time he was in intensive care in hospital, is remarkable.

The long wait, stretching for hours, for Singaporeans to pay their last respects at his lying in state in Parliament House shows what we can endure to do what is right.

The sentiments expressed by our minority groups, so full of thanks and affection, also struck me. Our social fabric remains strong. In mourning, and in crisis, we will stand together and live up to the spirit of our founding father.

Let it be known far and wide that Singaporeans are united as one, regardless of race, language or religion.

[Today] Lee Kuan Yew did it his way and it worked

Without any resources but with determination, Mr Lee Kuan Yew built Singapore from scratch, from Third World to First. If there is a will, there is a way, and he did it his way.

That was how his brilliant ideas worked. Yet, he was not selfish and shared his views with the world. Many leaders have said they learnt a lot from him.

He is gone but will never be forgotten. Let us all keep Singapore as it is and remember him as a legend.

[Straits Times] Debate over PSLE not a simple one

LAST Saturday's article ("Helping the needy: 5 fresh fixes/Scrapping the PSLE") picks up on one of the debates about education reform in Singapore as they are covered in the Lien Centre for Social Innovation's recent publication, A Handbook On Inequality, Poverty And Unmet Social Needs In Singapore.

One sentence in the article, citing the handbook, suggests that Associate Professor Irene Ng referred to the PSLE as "the single most harmful early streaming practice that increases unnecessary stress on students and potentially reduces social mobility".

Due to errors in the editing process, this sentence is inaccurate and does not reflect the opinions of Prof Ng.

The original sentence in the handbook will be deleted.

The Lien Centre for Social Innovation deeply regrets the error.

The debates covered in the handbook, about streaming and the PSLE, are not new.

There are plans for some changes, such as broader streams and letter grades rather than number grades, which are discussed in the handbook.

However, it does not appear that, at present, serious consideration is being given to scrapping the exam entirely.

According to many Singaporeans, this may be a good thing. A Straits Times poll found that two in five Singaporeans believe the PSLE is necessary, and only one in five believes it is redundant ("One in five thinks PSLE is redundant"; April 19, 2014).

There are many criticisms of the exam in its current form: the stress it is said to cause, that it might not be the best gauge of ability, the young age at which such a high-stakes exam is administered, and Prof Ng's suggestion that it appears to contribute to social immobility.

These concerns, however, feed into a variety of proposals that range from changing the exam to abolishing it entirely.

For example, in 2012, MP Denise Phua proposed a pilot programme in which several schools would forgo the PSLE and the streaming process entirely.

Prof Ng noted, however, that the risk of such a proposal was that these programmes might ultimately be limited to an elite group of pupils, and that if such a programme were to be implemented, it should be made available to all.

This example illustrates the difficulty of the debate over the PSLE.

The discussion will continue, with a focus on identifying the problems inherent to the exam and addressing them, while being careful to preserve the goals behind its creation.

The Lien Centre for Social Innovation's handbook was written to contribute to these and other debates, which promise to be vigorous and constructive.

Catherine J. Smith (Dr)

Research Associate

Lien Centre for Social Innovation

The writer is the main author of A Handbook On Inequality, Poverty And Unmet Social Needs In Singapore

[Straits Times] Sceptical? Think about how you have benefited

SOME may ask if we have gone overboard in grieving over Mr Lee Kuan Yew's death. I say that while the response has been exceptional, it is also justifiable.

As a millennial, I never got to witness Mr Lee's live election speeches, did not experience the period of uncertainty when he implemented controversial policies, and never saw him in person.

Yet, I have received so much from his legacy.

Today, I am able to live in one of the world's safest and richest countries, with all my basic needs fulfilled, because of his population policies that ensured sufficient resources for all.

I feel a sense of global membership because of Mr Lee's bilingual policy that exposed me to a wider variety of cultures and to global affairs.

Thanks to Mr Lee's tree-planting initiatives, which earned us the title of "Garden City", I have received compliments about my homeland while travelling overseas.

I can proudly call myself a Singaporean because of Mr Lee's singular obsession with raising Singapore to greater heights.

So, to anyone who feels sceptical over this period of mourning, take a moment to think about how much you have benefited from Mr Lee's legacy.

His contributions were made a long time ago, but their effects have been long lasting, or, perhaps, even everlasting.

His death does not mark an end but, instead, the start of a new chapter for Singapore.

Hence, let us be filled with zeal in continuing the legacy Mr Lee has left for us.

Tay Yu Qing (Miss)

[Straits Times] Reaffirm our founding ideals

THURSDAY'S editorial ("Staying true to convictions") noted that some have questioned the present relevance of "conviction politicians" today.

Faced with a more educated, empowered and expressive electorate, politicians today find it increasingly impossible to rule with an iron fist.

In a crowded and clamorous marketplace of competing ideas, political survival appears to depend on how conciliatory one is.

The pitfall of democracy is the high likelihood for demagogues to emerge.

Rabble-rousing politics, with their typical shoddy and myopic public policies pandering to populist sentiments, are harbingers of a nation's downfall.

More often than not, populist policies are knee-jerk reactions - emotional responses that lack rational thought.

Thus, I agree with the editorial that "unswerving commitment to fundamental principles" is "all the more relevant in a modern polity".

In a period of polarising politics, it is all the more critical that a "conviction politician" rises among the crowd of fawning "consensus politicians".

While a conviction politician connotes confrontation, he could, instead, be conciliatory.

In fact, the most conciliatory approach is not achieving consensus but respecting the individual's free will.

Usually, compromises are made in achieving consensus - and such compromises are commonly subject to the tyranny of the majority.

The editorial added that "many would hope that Singapore always stays firm in its convictions and beliefs in the founding ideals that Mr Lee (Kuan Yew) championed".

As we mourn the death of our founding father, celebrate the nation's golden jubilee and chart our future, let us revisit and reaffirm the principles set out in The Proclamation of Singapore, which Mr Lee signed on Aug 9, 1965.

The Proclamation of Singapore began with "Whereas it is the inalienable right of a people to be free and independent" and closed with "Singapore shall forever be a sovereign democratic and independent nation, founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society".

A monument bearing the text of the Proclamation of Singapore stands in Parliament House today.

I hope our Members of Parliament, and, indeed, all citizens, take it upon themselves to stay true to the founding ideals of our nation.

Bryan Kwa Jie Wen

[Straits Times] Don't dirty the clean home he built for us

I WAS on my way to Parliament House yesterday when I heard that the wait to pay respects to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had extended to 10 hours.

It is indeed admirable that many still joined the queue despite being advised not to.

We all want to honour the man; it is the least we could do for all that he had done for us.

However, I heard over the radio that an unfortunate twist is that the "ugly Singaporean" has emerged. Rubbish piled up from the free drinks and food provided, to the point that the authorities had to mobilise a small army of cleaners to maintain the area.

I asked myself: What would Mr Lee have thought of all this?

Maybe a better way of honouring Mr Lee is to give him what he spent his lifetime creating - a beautiful, clean and green Singapore, where all its citizens and residents live in harmony, regardless of race, language or religion.

Let us all make this place a clean and green Singapore from now on, without campaigns, without armies of cleaners. It is only if all this comes from within each person living here that we can give this place a First World environment.

Let us, once and for all, banish the ugly Singaporean, and keep Singapore clean in honour of Mr Lee's hard work in cleaning up our home.

Ng Kei Yong

[Straits Times] Renaming places not best way to honour legacy

THE petition to rename Changi Airport as the Lee Kuan Yew Airport has set me thinking.

This is going to confuse and befuddle air travellers who, for decades, have been drawn to Changi Airport on the strength of its track record of consistently being the world's top airport.

Our nation's founding father, Mr Lee, stressed that he was averse to personal glorification of the visceral nature.

Rather, he would have wanted his stellar legacy to be exponentially improved upon.

The way forward would be to strengthen interracial togetherness and solidarity, reduce sectional divisiveness, create more and better paid jobs for all, build the infrastructural ballast to sustain a larger and more demanding citizenry, provide affordable and quality healthcare, housing, social amenities, transport, education, and so on.

If achieved, all this would greatly improve the lives of Singaporeans living in a very successful Singapore, an attainment Mr Lee would surely be proud of.

Renaming roads, parks, buildings, institutions and the like are just cosmetic gestures, unworthy of serious consideration.

A regime change in some countries has often resulted in the immediate and complete destruction of statues or edifices built to adulate the previous ruler.

Initiatives that add to the quality and depth of the common citizens' lives are self-sustaining and have a permanence and significance that override simplistic, populist short-term quests for immediate visceral satisfaction.

Ho Kong Loon

[Straits Times] He planted the trees so we may enjoy the shade

MY MOTHER is 100, and blessed with good health and a very clear mind.

She follows local and world news closely, and was saddened by the death of her greatest idol, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Elections were an exciting time for her, as she rooted for Mr Lee and his party.

Whenever she hears criticism of Mr Lee and the PAP government, she will always say Singaporeans should be grateful for the kind of government Mr Lee established, as she has lived under various types of government from the time she was born in 1914 in China: the turbulent end of the Qing dynasty, nationalist and communist regimes, the Japanese Occupation, British rule and as part of Malaysia. When MP Vivian Balakrishnan met my mother during his campaign in the last election, my mother wrote a note and asked Dr Balakrishnan to give it to Mr Lee.

In her self-taught Chinese writing (she was never schooled), she had written the Chinese proverb, qian ren zhong shu, hou ren cheng liang, which means, "the forefathers plant the trees, the future generations enjoy the coolness of the shade".

Not long after, she received a thank-you note signed personally by Mr Lee himself. Her admiration for him doubled.

After watching the tributes to him these past few days, my mother said: "He planted the trees so we may enjoy the shade."

David Sim Cheok Leng

[Straits Times] Commemorative stamps: SingPost replies

WE THANK Mr Siew Tien Chou for his suggestion to release a set of stamps commemorating Mr Lee Kuan Yew's love and achievements for Singapore ("Print commemorative stamps"; Forum Online, Wednesday).

We will be discussing this with the relevant authorities.

Singapore Post honours the memory of our founding father, Mr Lee. He will go down in history as a giant in Asia, and probably the world.

Patsie Tan (Ms)

Assistant Vice-President

Group Communications

Singapore Post

[Straits Times] Close ranks and work towards better Singapore

AS WE approach the final lap in the journey of bidding farewell to former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, I hope those who have silently harboured hurt and resentment can find room in their hearts for reconciliation, to bring about closure for all.

I urge past political opponents and their families to let bygones be bygones. Bearing grudges is not only detrimental to one's health but could also be a perpetual seed of divisiveness for our country.

After all, just like Mr Lee, whatever political ideology dissenters held was for the long-term good of Singapore.

Nanyang University (Nantah) alumni resentful of Mr Lee for closing their alma mater, for example, have to agree that, in recent years, the push for learning the Chinese culture and language has seen a rebirth - like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

There are many activities and platforms now available for proponents of Chinese culture to contribute. The children of many Nantah alumni I know are also doing well in our current system.

Now that Mr Lee is gone, I urge all sides to close ranks and work together towards the betterment of Singapore.

Lim Ah Leng (Dr)

[Straits Times] A place for every piece in this jigsaw

WHEN Singapore gained independence, it already knew the stark reality of conflict over race, over language, over religion.

But when he stood before Parliament on Dec 14, 1965, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew did not despair, but saw this as a lesson for Singapore.

In his speech, he presented a vision of a "tolerant society not based on the concepts of exclusiveness of race, language, religion", but united as one people.

As I joined the queue to pay my respects to Mr Lee at 4am on Thursday, I saw how the Government worked round the clock in anticipation of the large crowds.

Portable toilets and barricades were being set up, army boys clad in white and black gave us precise instructions, and truckloads of water were brought in.

This shows how we function. Everyone here in Singapore fits like a jigsaw piece, with our nation, our landscape being the puzzle.

Something must have been done right in our upbringing and in our education system, because I did not come across any inappropriately behaved Singaporeans during this period of mourning.

The overwhelming number of people queueing to pay respects to Mr Lee is testament to how far Singapore has come as one united people.

I am proud to be Singaporean.

Melody Lim Li-Shi (Miss)

[Straits Times] The S'pore brand is strong now

SINCE the death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, much has been said - locally, in the foreign newspapers and by individuals - about how far Singapore has come from a British outpost to today.

I am an ardent traveller and have been to many places across six continents.

It was not too long ago that when I told someone where I came from, I would get the response: "Is Singapore in China?"

This, however, changed about 15 to 18 years ago.

Singapore is now recognised as being a wonderful, clean, safe and beautiful place where everything works. People who have been to Singapore have told me they would visit again.

More poignantly, people have asked me if they can come here to work. When I asked why, they said that they heard it is a great place to live and work.

Some years ago, I took a short course in business Mandarin. The teacher, who was from China, told the class that when she first arrived at Changi Airport, she stared at the sky for a long time because she had not seen clear, blue skies for so long.

A former colleague from India told me that he never knew water could be consumed straight from the tap. He said he would make Singapore his home for this reason.

Also, among the many foreigners I meet, SIA is their preferred choice of airline.

Yes, we have come a long way in a short span of 50 years, but it took tremendous hard work and foresight to make sure that it happened.

Chan Siok Mui (Ms)

[Straits Times] Permanent reminders of his legacy

I AGREE with Mr Clinton Lim Eng Hiong (" Live the Lee Kuan Yew spirit"; Tuesday) and Mr Siew Tien Chou ("Print commemorative stamps"; Forum Online, Wednesday) that Changi Airport should be renamed the Lee Kuan Yew Airport and that commemorative stamps be issued in Mr Lee's honour.

Statues of him should also be erected in public areas, such as libraries, museums, polyclinics, educational institutions, parks, the zoo and the bird park.

Yeo Teck Yang

[Straits Times] Take the disrespectful to task

I HAVE heard many disrespectful jokes and opinions regarding Mr Lee Kuan Yew over the past few weeks.

With his death, let all Singaporeans stop tolerating such disrespectful comments made against Mr Lee and take the individuals who make them to task, by raising the issue with the relevant authorities or the individuals' respective professional or governing bodies.

There is a limit to freedom of expression.

Chia Boon Teck

[Straits Times] Match screenings at CCs: PA replies

WE THANK Ms Jong Ching Yee for her support and valuable feedback ("What happened to EPL match screenings at CCs?"; Monday).

We are heartened that Ms Jong enjoyed the free Barclays Premier League (BPL) screenings at the community club (CC) and that it helped bond the community.

The BPL screenings at selected CCs are still ongoing for the rest of the season.

However, each CC has its own screening schedule, subject to the availability of facilities and resources.

For the latest screening schedules, residents are encouraged to contact the CCs directly.

The People's Association will continue to work with its partners to bring other leagues and matches to the CCs, so that we can bring more people together through their common love for the game.

Michael Foo Say Peng

Director (Community Sports) People's Association

[Straits Times] New prize reflects confidence in Singapore writing

[Straits Times] My Point

Celebrate his life, spirit at SG50

ALTHOUGH it is regrettable that former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew will not be present at our 50th National Day celebrations, it is also heartening to remember that he lived his life adhering fiercely to his convictions, and has gone to take his place among the other giants of his time - founding fathers such as Dr Goh Keng Swee and Mr S. Rajaratnam - and be reunited with his beloved wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo.

This SG50, let us not grieve over the physical absence of Mr Lee.

Instead, let us persevere towards the continued betterment of our lives in honour of the spirit of our nation's pioneers, who fought all their lives to build the legacy we see all around us today.

As a nation, let us strive to keep Singapore a safe, cohesive, green and diligent one. As individuals, let us pursue our personal aspirations indefatigably, so that when our time comes, we may also look back and say, "I have no regrets... There's nothing more that I need to do."

Sophia Tan Chay Lee (Miss)

Gratitude of youth is reassuring

THE sight of many young people queueing up in the scorching sun for a chance to bid farewell to Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, as he lies in state at Parliament House, is reassuring for many older Singaporeans. It shows that there is a strong shared sentiment among the pioneer and current generations that Singapore's success today did not happen by chance.

There are also displays of gratitude from many young people on social media.

Such outpouring of gratitude, pride and a sense of belonging from our youth is likely to increase in the days leading up to Mr Lee's funeral on Sunday.

As a pioneer Singaporean, I am now more confident that Singaporeans will come together as one united people when faced with any real challenges to our survival.

Jolly Wee

Compile speeches into DVD

FEW would disagree that former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was at his oratorical best when he delivered his National Day Rally speeches as Prime Minister.

The National Day Rally speech is widely regarded as Singapore's most important political speech of the year.

Both as a tribute to Mr Lee and as a National Education tool, these speeches should be compiled in full into DVDs and made available for sale to the public. Some of his famous speeches in Parliament can also be included in the DVDs.

To give context to speeches from the early years and to help younger Singaporeans understand their content better, each year's speech can be prefaced by an introduction from a historian or political scientist to give some background to the topics discussed.

Cheng Shoong Tat