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.
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.
