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| Image Source: Painting by Mai Huy Dung |
“You begin your journey not knowing where it will take you
you have plans
you have dreams
but every now and again you have to take uncharted roads
face impassable mountains
cross treacherous rivers
be blocked by landslides and earthquakes.
That’s the way my life has been.”
- Lee Kuan Yew
Mr Lee Kuan Yew (1923 - 2015), the founding Prime Minister of Singapore spearheaded the transformation of the island nation from a small trading port to the thriving metropolis it is today. He made an impossible dream a reality. Along with his colleagues, he built a nation for over five decades which will remain as his lasting legacy.
Lee Kuan Yew was highly instrumental in shaping Singapore from the time he and his socialist party, the People's Action Party (PAP) rallied for self-government in the 1950's to their pursuit for a merger with the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the new nation Malaysia in the early 1960s. After independence was reluctantly thrust upon Singapore on August 9th 1965, there ensued a formidable struggle for the country's survival. PM Lee believed in a unified Malaysia and a multiracial society and famously wept on national television when Singapore was separated from Malaysia.
Lee Kuan Yew was highly instrumental in shaping Singapore from the time he and his socialist party, the People's Action Party (PAP) rallied for self-government in the 1950's to their pursuit for a merger with the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the new nation Malaysia in the early 1960s. After independence was reluctantly thrust upon Singapore on August 9th 1965, there ensued a formidable struggle for the country's survival. PM Lee believed in a unified Malaysia and a multiracial society and famously wept on national television when Singapore was separated from Malaysia.
Daunting as it was to rebuild the city-state, he clung on to the motto "Never fear" and led a generation of Singaporeans to overcome the herculean challenges that came their way. He fought relentlessly against corruption, instituted meritocracy and prompted policies such as public housing, home-ownership, racial integration and adopted English as a common language. Under his able leadership, from the ashes of separation emerged a prosperous island nation.
PM Lee holds the distinction of being the only leader in history to bring an entire country from third-world to first-world status in a single generation. By doing so, he planted the 'Little Red Dot' firmly on the world map. For a tiny island like Singapore with its small population, limited space and lack of natural resources, this has been an extraordinary achievement.
However, PM Lee's years in office were not without controversy, mostly regarding his iron-clad grip over the country, repressive measures to instil order, curtailing freedom of speech and unapologetic stance in demolishing his political adversaries. Yet, he will be regarded as a one-of-a-kind, respected and admired individual for generations to come. He will go down in history books as a dynamic leader, an inspirational figure and a hugely accomplished politician.
Having lived in Singapore for close to a decade, I am no stranger to Mr Lee Kuan Yew's contribution towards nation-building. I was able to gain a comprehensive understanding after reading his remarkable autobiography, The Singapore Story. He has played a pivotal role in making Singapore a clean, green harmonious, prosperous and safe country to live in. It has been the quality of life here that converted us from expats to residents back in 2007. There are very few places in the world where I would even consider venturing out alone past midnight (which I have done on several occasions in the past). Singapore to me is my second home and when the day comes to pack my bags for good, I will leave with a heavy heart. This country has given me more than I could ever ask for and in a way, I am indebted to Mr Lee Kuan Yew for that. I was deeply saddened by the news of Mr Lee's demise yesterday and I would like to offer my profound condolences to PM Lee Hsien Loong and his family.
Having lived in Singapore for close to a decade, I am no stranger to Mr Lee Kuan Yew's contribution towards nation-building. I was able to gain a comprehensive understanding after reading his remarkable autobiography, The Singapore Story. He has played a pivotal role in making Singapore a clean, green harmonious, prosperous and safe country to live in. It has been the quality of life here that converted us from expats to residents back in 2007. There are very few places in the world where I would even consider venturing out alone past midnight (which I have done on several occasions in the past). Singapore to me is my second home and when the day comes to pack my bags for good, I will leave with a heavy heart. This country has given me more than I could ever ask for and in a way, I am indebted to Mr Lee Kuan Yew for that. I was deeply saddened by the news of Mr Lee's demise yesterday and I would like to offer my profound condolences to PM Lee Hsien Loong and his family.
RIP Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Thank you for making Singapore such a global success story. Your place in history as an exemplary leader, radical thinker and visionary is assured. As Singapore gears up to celebrate its 50th birthday this August, your presence will be sorely missed.
Cheers,
"A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion and not position"
-John Maxwell
Megha
Suggested reading:
The Straits Times 24-page special edition to mark the life and times of Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Suggested reading:
The Straits Times 24-page special edition to mark the life and times of Mr Lee Kuan Yew
I always wondered how Singapore could attain such a well deserved status in the world.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this I have a fairly good idea of how it came to be.
Well written Megha.
Wish other countries all over the world had such good leaders.