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)
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)
