I AM just an ordinary Singaporean. In 1959, when I was 10 years old, I attended a PAP election rally in Queenstown and had the opportunity of shaking Mr Lee Kuan Yew's hand.
Till today I can still remember he had a "fleshy palm". Intuitively, back then, I felt it was no ordinary hand.
Looking back, it was indeed the hand of an extraordinary man.
I also feel he was the Singaporean who loved Singapore the most, as demonstrated by his words and actions.
To devote his life to public service full time from the age of 35 to 66 (31 years) and, thereafter, staying on to guide the Government instead of retiring, showed his intense love and concern for Singapore.
Together with his original team, and continuing on with subsequent ones, Mr Lee began the process of nurturing Singapore and we quickly morphed into a developed country within 40 years.
Today, Singapore stands respected and the Singapore brand is renowned; the value of our Singapore passport is the best testimony of our international recognition.
With Mr Lee's death, the right thing Singapore can do to remember and honour him is to rename Changi Airport as the Lee Kuan Yew International Airport.
Joseph See
Till today I can still remember he had a "fleshy palm". Intuitively, back then, I felt it was no ordinary hand.
Looking back, it was indeed the hand of an extraordinary man.
I also feel he was the Singaporean who loved Singapore the most, as demonstrated by his words and actions.
To devote his life to public service full time from the age of 35 to 66 (31 years) and, thereafter, staying on to guide the Government instead of retiring, showed his intense love and concern for Singapore.
Together with his original team, and continuing on with subsequent ones, Mr Lee began the process of nurturing Singapore and we quickly morphed into a developed country within 40 years.
Today, Singapore stands respected and the Singapore brand is renowned; the value of our Singapore passport is the best testimony of our international recognition.
With Mr Lee's death, the right thing Singapore can do to remember and honour him is to rename Changi Airport as the Lee Kuan Yew International Airport.
Joseph See
