Remembering Lee Kuan Yew (1923 - 2015)

Tribute to Lee Kuan Yew – The Man in the Arena

23rd March 2015 is a day of mixed feelings…
It is the day I learnt that our founding father of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, died peacefully after his condition worsened due to an infection…
I normally do not express my feelings through this website, but I do hope international users who accidentally/intentionally land on this website be aware of this great thinker and visionary of this era.
Many foreigners may only know him as the first Prime Minister of Singapore, who introduced lots of unpopular policies, and ruled Singapore with an “iron fist”.
But what most people do not understand is that these controversial policies and “autocratic” style of ruling get Singapore to where it is today.
I, for one, am very grateful that our esteem founding father did not adopt a populist ruling approach. I am not an expert on how to run a country, but seeing how Singapore transformed herself from a fishing village into an economic powerhouse, is truly an amazing and remarkable feat. Although everyone plays a part in the growth of our nation, I feel that it was thanks to the vision of Mr Lee that we get to enjoy such a beautiful and safe country.
I am very thankful that Mr Lee had the foresight in creating a bilingual society, which enables me to indulge myself in Chinese and English texts, culture, and ultimately the ability to aggregate motivational content of both languages for everyone to enjoy.
One of his memorable quote exemplify just how much he sacrifice for Singapore:
‘I have no regrets. I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.’ – LKY
I have no regrets. I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.
His sacrifice and absolute devotion to the betterment of every Singaporean will not be forgotten. At the very least, not by me. He is truly the man in the arena.
Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew for your selfless contributions.
May you rest in peace.
Tribute written by a teary-eyed, true blue Singaporean
 
See other Tributes:
The Straits Times – Remembering Lee Kuan Yew
BBC News – Obituary: Lee Kuan Yew
Channel NewsAsia – Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew dies aged 91
Channel NewsAsia – PM Lee: I am grieved beyond words at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew

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