Dear 6B,
this entire week, you have been flooded with images, anecdotes, soundbites and documentaries on
Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Just like you, so have I been inundated with them.
I have been processing them and reflecting about them.
And so today, I would just like to share my thoughts about them.
Have I met him or interacted with him in person?
No.
Yet, I grieve at his passing. Because everything I know and love about Singapore comes from his visions and foresight.
The fact that I live in a well-sanitised place, received a good education, am able to read and write fluently in two languages and have a decent conversation in the other official languages, have a constant supply of electricity and water, walk about safely even if I am coming home late at night...
I have him to thank.
That said, this is not a pro-political post.This is not a propaganda post. This is a Lee Kuan Yew post, from a Singaporean of 27 years.
The older citizens and even you 6B, as you grow up, you may find certain of his decisions controversial and not ideal. So do I. But that does not negate all the other contributions of his.
I admire him for
having one vision -
to make Singapore a world-class city despite all the factors working against us.
showing what true work-life balance is -
having time for his wife and children (the aspect I truly admire him the most for)
not being afraid to stand up for what he believed in
being able to let go even if he was fit to continue running the state because he wanted to groom the next generation of leaders
That said - I do not want his passing to be a mere 1 week affair.
Some people got tattoos, some reflections. But these are too easy. Living is tough.
Here are some things that I've learnt from him that I wish to apply in my life henceforth.
#1: Be thankful for what I have,
"What I fear is complacency. When things become better, people tend to want more for less work." - LKY, 1970
See how much of a foresight he has? Here we are, whining about every little inconvenience we have. Train late, wifi-lagging, queue too long, too much homework...
Train late - at least we have a convenient public-transport system.
Wifi-lag- at least we have a modern technologically advanced society and you can afford such electrical luxuries
Queue too long - at least it's an orderly line and not a stampede
Too much homework - at least you have teachers who are willing to go the extra mile for you to ensure your excellence in education
Even Mr Lee Kuan Yew recognises this annoying trait of ours as mentioned in his quote :
"You know the Singaporean. He is a hard-working, industrious, rugged individual...But let us recognise that he is a champion grumbler" - 1977
Why are we grumbling?? Travelling has opened my eyes to how the basic necessities in life can be a luxury in some countries whereas here it is taken for granted.
So, I'm going to make an effort to recognise and appreciate the things I have going right for me and if a roadblock comes, I'm going to do something about it instead of whining about it.
#2: Exercise
Mr Lee had a daily exercise routine all the way in his 70s, 80s.
Sure, it was modified but it was still part of his daily life. If a man in his late 70s can exercise, why can't I??
So, I'm going to fit in exercise as a regular portion of my life.
#3: Lifelong learning
Mr Lee started learning Hokkien. Then, he moved onto Malay. Followed by Mandarin, which he continued learning till 90! With a teacher and all...
Proves two things. One, even the founding father of Singapore had the humility to realise he did not know everything and there is always something to learn. Two, it is never too late to start learning.
I am going to pursue a skill, big or small. But I am.
#4: Decrease addiction to technology
"Life is not just eating, drinking, television and cinema...The human mind must be creative, must be self-generating, it cannot depend on just gadgets to amuse itself" - LKY
When do you think he said this? 2000? 2010? Not at all. He said this in NINETEEN SIXTY-FIVE.
1965. FIFTY years ago.
And here we are 50 years later, forever addicted to our smartphones and internet.
Let's make an effort to detach ourselves from technology and enjoy the actual world , company with actual people , our loved ones and friends , even ourselves and our thoughts more.
So here they are - the 4 things I'm going to do to pay tribute to my nation's founding father - Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
"If you want to reach your goals and dreams, you cannot do it without discipline" - LKY
Discipline matters. I've always believed in it, hence your classroom expectations. Now, I will need discipline to achieve my 4 goals. It's not going to be easy but I will make the effort.
As I watch the state funeral and procession, these resolutions will resound in my mind as I thank and respect the man for all that he has done and what he will continue to inspire even in the years he's not around physically.
If you've any thoughts or personal insights, do share them 6B:).
Love,
Ms Priya
Mr Lee had made great contributions to Singapore such as building HDB flats for people to stay,set up campaigns to promote a clean and green environment and planting trees.He was a great man with great foresight and he always puts his country before himself.Thank you Mr Lee and i hope that you would enjoy your reunion with Mrs Lee!☺😊😀
ReplyDeleteBy Yi Ning
DeleteBy Yi Ning
DeleteWithout Mr Lee, I wouldn't be alive today. Without Mr Lee, Singapore wouldn't be what it is today - safe and secure. If Singapore wasn't safe and secure, my mother would not have come here to study (she was born in Hong Kong). So thanks to Mr Lee, I am here to make my tribute to the founding father of Singapore.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr Lee
If I had a chance, I would tell Mr Lee Kuan Yew,"Thank you, Mr Lee." I feel that he was a far-sighted man once as he did many preparations for Singapore to ensure our safety during natural disasters. Something that Mr Lee Kuan Yew did that made me felt thankful for having him as a leader, after his late wife, Mdm Kwa Geok Choo's funeral, he still managed to remain calm and think about Singapore. When he was hospitalized, he still continued working with his red box daily. I would just like to bring out one of his speech tribute sentence; ' In the end, what had I given up? My life. What had I achieved? A successful Singapore.'
ReplyDeleteThank so much for all your contributions, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. May you rest in peace...
ReplyDeleteWhat Singapore is now, was the result of all his efforts. A good, well-maintained Singapore. A home better than ever. He had contributed a lot to us. He thought of Singapore, day and night. Never letting go of us ever since he was in charge. He was a good role model for us. Far-sighted, giving his best, doing whatever that he felt was good for us. But now, he has left us. He has left us and the future generations a good home and it is now up to us to take care of Singapore. We should build on his foundations, or at least, maintain the standard of it rather than destroying whatever that he has contributed. All his efforts would then go down the drain. Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, for all your efforts. Without you, we would not even have made it anywhere near where we are now.
ReplyDeleteBy Charmaine Lim
DeleteAlthough I have never met him face-to-face before, I grieve of his passing. What Singapore is now, we have Mr Lee to thank. He spent his whole life building Singapore into the metropolis it is now. He turned Singapore from a third-world country to a first-world one. He was one of the most far-sighted statesman I have ever knew about. He was always ' Country, country, and again, country'. We all feel intense sorrow of his passing. Crestfallen. A feeling of emptiness and anguish that no mere words can describe. But we will stand strong. We will build on the foundations that he had set for us and strive for a better Singapore. We should work hard now and become the generation that would contribute tremendously to Singapore. We ARE Singaporeans! Thank you, Mr Lee for all your efforts. Without you, Singapore would not become what it is now. Without you, we might still be under British rule. Without you, we would still be just a tiny dot that is barely noticeable on the world map. So from deep inside my heart, I thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. May you rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is saddening to see a great man past away. Mr Lee had devoted his whole life to Singapore. He had chosen to give up his life to build a successful Singapore. Let us continue to work hard and build on his foundations to make Singapore better. We cannot mourn for him forever, we have to learn how to improve. Thank you is what I can only say to express my gratitude to Mr Lee. May he can be reunited with Mrs Lee in the other world and be together with her forever.
ReplyDeleteLiang Pin
Yes, it is saddening to see a great man past away. Mr Lee had devoted his whole life to Singapore. He had chosen to give up his life to build a successful Singapore. Let us continue to work hard and build on his foundations to make Singapore better. We cannot mourn for him forever, we have to learn how to improve. Thank you is what I can only say to express my gratitude to Mr Lee. May he can be reunited with Mrs Lee in the other world and be together with her forever.
ReplyDeleteLiang Pin
Everything we have now is all done by him. The man of great power. The man who spent his whole adult life trying to build Singapore up. He worked hard consistently for days, trying to find solutions to our problems. Problems like our cleanliness,housing and security. He made all 18 year old boys server the army. They helped protect our country from any threats. HE was a man of his word. When he wanted to clean up the Singapore River, he did as he said and now, we can see that the Singapore River is clean. He will we dearly missed by our fellow Singaporeans.
ReplyDeleteMr lee kuan yew is a great man as he possessed all our school values. With that and his conviction, he had led singapore to be a successful and independent vpuntry, and also made this place a clean, disciplined and safe place for us to live in.
ReplyDeleteWe should learn from his philosophy.
Singapore is a small island in Southeast Asia, it used to be a kampong village but then a great man, one of our founding fathers, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. He was a thinker, constantly of ways to make Singapore a better place for people to live, he always had Singapore at first priority, you could never turn him down from his work. Although he was very diligent and always did his work, he also took care of himself and his family. After his work, he would always exercise and kept his body in good shape. Some people may think he is a very one minded person and would only do what he thinks is right, but actually he is a very open minded person he is willing to change his habits or old ways if he thinks it benefits him or the people around him. On March 23rd,2015, when I woke up, my father informed him that Mr. Lee had passed away. At first, it did not feel to process in my mind till a few hours later when I finally started to feel the loss of a great person. I really hoped that he could have celebrated Singapore 50 Birthday. Over these years since Singapore's independence, it felt that like Mr. Lee put us on his shoulders and carried us all they way across the finishing line. I am really very depressed that we would never see Mr. Lee again.
ReplyDeleteBy Asher Teow 6B
DeleteIt was very sad when i heard the news about Lee Kuan Yew's death...He had brought us through many obstacles in developing Singapore to the way it is now.He ensured the cleanliness in Singapore by fining people who littered and cleaned the Singapore rives. He gave Singapore clean water and our education.He has gone through hardship to benefit us.He is a great role model as he has perseverance and is diligent in everything he does.And yet,he can't live to see a great milestone for Singapore...SG 50.It is saddening that he could not witness such a great milestone he has brought us to,but his legacy will live on through our water,education,food and much more.i doubt that there would be many more like him, as it is hard to have such a hardworking and diligent man. He is what everyone should respect,he had gone through harship and has many values we should learn from.So lets learn from him and build up from where he has brought us to something bigger,as i am sure Mr Lee Kuan Yew would see a lot potential in Singapore.And so farewell Lee Kuan Yew,and may you rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI think that Mr Lee was the best statesman Singapore ever had. He stood for what was good for Singaporeans, dedicating his entire life to serve Singapore in every way. He was like the beacon of hope in Singapore's darkest times. We are proud to be Singaporeans because of what Mr Lee had built this nation into what we call home. His dedication, passion and love for Singapore has touched many of our hearts. Without him, Singapore would not have become what we are today, with HDB housing, NEWater, a clean Singapore River and many more contributions he had made for Singapore. Mr Lee would always be fondly remembered as our nation's founding father that had displayed all of our school values, and for contributing many changes in our lives as Singaporeans.
ReplyDeleteBy: Crystal Chan 6B
By ignatius
ReplyDeleteMr Lee kuan yew is a great leader,father and overall a great person. If not for him introducing ns we would not be able to sleep at night safely and enjoy ourselves in Singapore. Thank you Mr Lee for taking care of Singapore and making it a safe place for us to grow in. We could not be studying and living in harmony with other races if not for Mr Lee.thank you Mr Lee and I hope you live in heaven with your wife peacefully.
ReplyDeleteMr Lee died on 23 March 2015. He was 91. 91-23-03-15=50. Singapore turns 50 this year. If you take a look at an everyday Singaporean's life, it may seem normal. But after this event, I have taken notice of his legacies. Ms Priya already talked about it, but I would like to tell more. The malls that you go to. Mr Lee's modern society legacy. The blog that you are commenting on. Mr Lee's technology legacy. The reason why your parents limit your screen time, try to instill values in you. Mr Lee's speech legacy. The whole of Singapore was his legacy. With the foundation that he has left us, let us put our hammers to good use. May Mr Lee rest in peace with his wife forever. #RIPLKY
ReplyDeletehttp://drbrandoncheah.blogspot.jp/2015/03/thank-you-mr-lee-kuan-yew.html
ReplyDeleteThe above is the link to my blog which has the reflections. Thank you.
-BC
I was saddened when I heard that Mr Lee Kuan Yew had died. I did not except him to pass away so early. Without him Singapore would be what it is today. I thought that Mr Lee Kuan Yew would celebrate Our country's fiftieth birthday with us. I am very grateful that I am going to school, as without him, I would not be what I am now. Mr Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore to be successful. So I am thankful for what he had done for us
ReplyDeleteBy: Tan Yi Qian
When Mr Lee died, me and my mother felt sad. She told me that Mr Lee's contribution was greater than me or her. Indeed, I was very sad when I heard Mr Lee's death. He would always be in my mind and I will never forget what he had done for us. I certainly acknowledge him as a great leader in the world, because he did so much great things for us.
ReplyDeleteI used my mother's email address
ReplyDeleteMr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father and first prime minister had passed away. I was deeply sad when I heard the news. I am proud to be a Singaporean. The reason is that I have good education, can write and speak fluently in two different languages, have electricity, gas and water, can travel from one place to another easily and live in a safe and secured place. The man with strong vision that was able to think ahead had sacrificed himself and did many things to make Singapore a metropolis nation. I was amazed how he could turn Singapore from a mudflat to a first-class nation. We, Singaporeans should appreciate his efforts and not always grumble and complain. Haidah(6B)
ReplyDeleteBy Haidah Fikriyah(6B)
DeleteI was deeply saddened upon hearing the news that our founding father as well as our first Prime Minister had passed away. He was a great man. Without him, I would not be who I am right now. I would not have proper education, proper housing and proper jobs enough for everyone to make a living. He made the impossible happen. He made us from third class to first class. I am proud to be a Singaporean. Without him there will be no Singapore. Thank you Mr Lee for your dedication to Singapore.
ReplyDeleteJoanne loh (6B)
Without Mr Lee Kuan Yew, I would not have a roof over my head, a supply of clean water to drink,trees to provide me with shade against the hot sun and a proper education. Mr Lee dedicated his entire life to Singapore, building it into a metropolis. He made what we never thought was possible happen. without his hardwork and determination Singapore would still be a fishing village and not the metropolis it is now. I think we should all stop complaining and start thinking about how our lives are better than many people around the world in many aspects.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Mr Lee Kuan Yew was the father in Singapore. He was the founder of Singapore. Without him, there wouldn't be a clean and green Singapore. Without him, we wouldn't even dare to walk home safely. Without him, I wouldn't be studying on schools with proper tables and chairs. Without him, I wouldn't be staying in a comfortable house. Without him, there will not even be jobs for for anybody. Without him, there wouldn't even be Singapore. I am really very proud to be a Singaporean.
ReplyDeleteI think i should just stop complaining of what I am unhappy of. Ishould just find a way to change it! I feel that o am going to help to keep the place litter free, to continue what Mr Lee Kuan Yew have did for us. I will also study hard and not let what Mr Lee Kuan Yew have did for us become gone. This arewhat all the things I am going to cchange from now onwards. Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew! Although I really never seen u face to face, I greived upon your passing.
I think that we should remember Mr. Lee as he has done countless things for us. The fact that we can go to school and have a proper education, have HDB flats to live in, have public transport that allows us to travel to many places conveniently is because of what Mr. Lee have done. Singapore would not even be “Singapore” if not for him. Therefore I think that we should be grateful towards him and continue what he have started in order to not make all his hard work and effort go to waste. Even doing this would not be able to repay what Mr. Lee has done for us. I think that we should take the initiative to find out what he has done and be grateful for everything.
ReplyDeleteI was deeply saddened upon the news of Mr Lee Kuan Yew death and I feel that having him as our statesman is the best honour for Singapore.Without him,there would be no Singapore. Without him,neither you nor I would be here.I think that instead of complaining about every single tiny thing,we should be grateful and appreciate everything that we have. Let us now repay him by keeping Singapore this way and never destroy it. I sincerely hope that Mr Lee Kuan Yew can rest in peace
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI feel very sad over Mr Lee kuan Yew's death. He was a great man whom I respected strongly. His contribution to Singapore is never going to be forgotten. his strong determination and perseverance made him succeed in transforming Singapore into a wonderful country. Without this great man, I will not be here today with all the luxuries. People from all over the world trusted him too. When he promises to do something, he will not only do it but will also put in his best efforts to accomplish the task. He was also a hardworking man who showed love and care for Singapore. No one could change his mind on what he wants to do as long as he believed that it was good for Singapore. I will always remember Mr Lee Kuan Yew as the father of our nation. Thank you Mr Lee kuan Yew , you are the best leader in the world. I am proud to be a Singaporean.
ReplyDeleteBy Jen Ning
DeleteI was deeply saddened when I found out that our founding father, our first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, has died. He is my father's 'Idol', so, from young, I've heard about his contributions to Singapore. He had done countless of things for Singapore. He believed that everyone should have education and ensured everyone have at least six years of education. He started the clean and green campaign and cleaned the rivers. He worked so hard for Singapore. In the end, what have he got? A successful Singapore. What have he lost? His life. Although I have not met Mr Lee in person, I watched his speeches on the television. He told everyone this, " Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up! This is not a game of cards, this is your life and mine! And as long as I'm in charge, nobody's going to knock it down." But now, he's not here with us anymore. The first year of Singapore without Mr Lee...Further more, it's SG50. Without him, none of us will be here, talking and laughing with our friends, having a relaxing life. Thank you, Mr Lee. I will start by studying hard and try not to ruin everything you did for us. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteBy Teo Jing Jing
DeleteI was deeply saddened when I learnt that Lee Kuan Yew is dead . Mr Lee, who was our founding father, contributed a lot to our cocountry. He helped us build HD7 flats and provided all of us with a minimum of 6 years of education. He also helped us by making education fees of government school only 5 dollars.He made Singapore an independent country. I think we should all be grateful about what Mr Lee had done for our country.
ReplyDeleteBy Kai Hin
I was very sad when I heard about Mr Lee Kuan Yew's death. He was a great Prime Minister, a great husband and a great father. He would always put the country before himself.
ReplyDeleteHe was one with many good qualities. He was intelligent, had good foresight.and always kept his words. Fifty years ago when Mr Lee Kuan Yew made a promise to the people of Singapore that Singapore will succeed, he kept his words and transformed Singapore into what she is today. It was not easy back then to lead our country from a trading port into a bustling modern garden city today. He has my utmost respect. I have him to thank for everything I have today and to be able to live safely in a country that I am proud to call home.
Without a great leader like Mr Lee, Singapore will not be here today. He is one of the best leaders a nation can ask for. We mourned for him because he is the one that changed our lives for the better. There will never be another man like him.
We will have Mr Lee Kuan Yew in our hearts forever. Rest in peace our great founding father.
Lim Zhi Yu
6B
I was very sad when I heard about Mr Lee's passing. He was 91 years, 6 months, 7 days, 3 hours and 18 minutes old when he died.
ReplyDeleteAfter I heard Ms Priya talked about Mr Lee's legacies, I knew that what I am doing now is his technology legacy, using the computer.
God Bless You
Rest in Peace
Chew Hong Wei
6B
After watching all the documentaries on Mr Lee, I learnt many new things about Mr Lee that I had not known about. Without Mr Lee, I doubt Singapore would be what it is now. We would not have a roof over our heads and clean water to drink if it had not been for him. Mr lee made Singapore into a clean and green city for us to enjoy and live in. He devoted his entire life onto making Singapore a better place for all of us. Instead of destroying what he has done for us, we should also contribute to the society and continue to make Singapore a better place for us to live in.
ReplyDeleteTan wen xuan
Mr Lee was one of Singapore's greatest founding fathers.He did so much for Singapore,such as planting trees to make Singapore a garden city, providing education for all children,building HDB flats...These were some of his contributions for Singapore.He spent his entire life building Singapore,and we would never find another leader like him.He was so hardworking that he used his red box till he was hospitalised.He had many values, such as being far sighted.I think we should make an effort and fulfil his dreams by starting with simple action, mainly littering.He has built a strong foundation for Singapore, and it is up to us to build on it. Thank you Mr Lee, for everything you have done for Singapore.
ReplyDeleteDenzel Chia
Mr Lee was a great man who ruled the country with justice and equality. Even though he had dyslexia from young, he struggled to learn and eventually became Singapore's greatest founding father. He made Singapore into a clean and green city which we van live in happily. Even though he has left us, we should continue his work and follow his example to make Singapore a better place.
ReplyDeleteTan Ya Xuan
Mr Lee is a far sighted leader who had given up much to serve the country. I admire him for his courage and his dedication to the country. Singapore would not be here without him. Inn order not to make his efforts to make Singapore a better place go to waste, we should continue and follow his example to improve Singapore. Everything around us is due to his hard work and projects. Thank you, Mr Lee, for all you have done to Singapore and let us live in such a good environment.
ReplyDeleteSham Yen Shyuan
On the morning of 23 March 2015, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first Prime Minister, passed away. When I heard about it, I was very sad and could not believe that Singapore's founding father had passed away. Mr Lee was very kind to his wife and children. He had great values. He was hardworking, perseverant, intelligent and more. Without Mr Lee's contributions, Singapore would not be clean and green and would not have clean tap water. I feel that there will be no man like him and we should be grateful that Singapore is what it is now because of him. Thank you, Mr Lee, for everything. May Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteRafi
Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away when he was 91. We should all cherish our lives with the legacies he left us with. Everything was only possible because he worked hard for us, the people. 91 years old and still using the stairs. Using minimal technology. Houses, flats, clean water, parks, technology, cars. All these was part of what he gave us. There is more, he gave us hope, luxury, which not everyone could gain. He worked his whole life, dedicated to Singapore. Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.mrest in peace.
ReplyDelete