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)
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)
