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1923 - 2015 Goodbye, Mr Lee Thank you, Mr Lee 1923 - 2015

COVER PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN. The state funeral procession leaving Parliament KEEPING THE FLAME ALIVE House early yesterday afternoon amid a torrential downpour. More than 100,000 “The light that has guided us all these years has been extinguished. people lined the 15.4km route of Singapore’s founding father and first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s journey to the University Cultural Centre for the state funeral service. We have lost our founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who lived and breathed Singapore all his life. He and his team led our pioneer generation to create this island nation, Singapore... We have all lost a father. We grieve as one people, one nation. But in our grief, we’ve displayed the best of REPORTS & PICTURES: PAGES 2-28 Singapore. Ordinary people going to great lengths to distribute refreshments and umbrellas to the crowd and help one another in the queue late into the night. Citizen soldiers, Home Team officers, cleaners, all working tirelessly round the clock. Our shared sorrow has brought us together and made us stronger and more resolute. 86 PAGES IN FIVE PARTS TO SUBSCRIBE: 6388-3838 We come together not only to mourn, we come together also to rejoice in Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s long and full life www.sphsubscription.com.sg and what he has achieved with us, his people in Singapore. We come together to pledge ourselves to continue 90 cents building this exceptional country. Let us shape this island nation into one of the great cities in the world reflecting the ideals he stood for, realising the dreams he inspired and worthy of the people who have made A Singapore Press Holdings Singapore our home and nation.” publication

– Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his eulogy at the state funeral for Mr Lee Kuan Yew MCI (P) 032/02/2015 ## 2 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 3

SAYING GOODBYE 1923 - 2015

People standing several deep along Commonwealth Avenue West paying their last respects to Mr Lee as the cortege drove past. More than 100,000 people stood in pouring rain along the procession’s 15.4km route, which included the NTUC Centre and Trade Union House, the Port of Singapore and his Tanjong Pagar constituency, as well as Bukit Merah, Queenstown and Commonwealth housing estates. ST PHOTO: TREVOR TAN A grateful nation says: ‘Thank you, Mr Lee!’

“We don’t have everything, In pouring rain along the streets or but we have more than most, be- cause of your lifelong labour,” she glued to the TV, at home and abroad, said. “On behalf of young Singapo- reans everywhere, I’d like to say: Singaporeans bid a final farewell thank you.” A bugler sounded the plaintive last post, followed by a solemn By WARREN FERNANDEZ his illness and attend the celebra- minute’s silence in honour of Mr EDITOR tions to mark the 50th anniversa- Lee, marked by those in the hall as ry of the nation he played so criti- well as many around the island. IN THE end, it all boiled down to cal a role in shaping. But, alas, After the national pledge was four simple words: “Thank you, that was not to be. recited and the national anthem Mr Lee.” Yet in death, as he so often did was sung, the funeral procession 1 After nearly 2 /2 hours of heart- over his long years in office, he made its way to Mandai for a pri- felt eulogies at a moving state fu- managed to rally his people in vate cremation service. This was neral service at the University Cul- what might well be the ultimate attended by family, close friends tural Centre (UCC), those four SG50 commemoration event. and Mr Lee’s long-serving staff words summed up the thoughts of Yesterday, the crowds made and medical assistants. the 10 speakers, at times personal, clear that they knew, or had not There, family members shared poetic or profound. forgotten, what Mr Lee had done personal memories of the father The more than 100,000 people over those five decades. and grandfather they knew and who stood drenched in pouring Mr David Hong, 58, who had loved. rain all along the 15.4km route for watched the 1968 National Day Pa- Mr Lee had once been asked by Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s hour-long fi- rade at the Padang in the rain, Straits Times editors how he nal journey through Singapore, braved a downpour again to send would like to be remembered. Not from Parliament House to Kent off Mr Lee. often lost for words, he struggled Ridge, called out his name per- “It’s a test of our spirit and de- for an answer, saying it was not haps because it seemed the best termination,” he said. “Why something he thought about, nor way to say: “Thank you, Mr Lee.” should we be afraid of rain when did it matter much. Indeed, that sentiment was evi- Mr Lee Kuan Yew has gone Then, he added: “This was the dent over the past week of nation- through a lot more storms?” job I undertook, I did my best. al mourning. In scenes never seen Facility officer Sim Lye Hock, And I could not do more.” before or likely to be repeated, 58, who waited along Clementi Given the circumstances, there nearly 454,700 people had queued Road from 10.30am, said: “It’s my was no more he could do, he said, for up to 10 hours through the day last chance to say goodbye... I adding that he would have to and night to attend his lying in could go to school because he leave it to people to make what state at Parliament House. Anoth- pushed for it. If not for him, I ABOVE: People waving national flags as Mr Lee’s cortege passed near the they will of his efforts. er 1.2 million went to 18 condo- don’t know where I’d be now.” junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Silat Road. ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI “It is of no great consequence. lence centres around the island to For over an hour, the gun car- What is of consequence is I did RIGHT: The guard of honour contingents marching into position before the my best. Full stop.” pay their respects, leave flowers, riage carrying Mr Lee’s flag- cortege left Parliament House. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN messages and gifts. draped coffin wove its way Indeed, as many recounted in Mr Lee, who died aged 91 last through Singapore, passing sever- tributes over the past week, Mr Monday, had been a father figure al defining landmarks. Indonesian President Joko Wido- ther Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who lived solve, and steadfast in advancing a father, who although not demon- ans would “lose the instinct for “The grief we shared brought Tony Tan, Emeritus Senior Minis- Lee worked relentlessly to secure to the country he helped found These included the NTUC Cen- do, and former United States pres- and breathed Singapore all his his cause. Because he never wa- strative or “touchy-feely”, cared what made Singapore tick”, us all closer together, and made ter Goh Chok Tong, former minis- Singapore’s future. He did so dog- and forge over the decades, con- tre and Trade Union House in ident Bill Clinton joined more life. He and his team led our pio- vered, we didn’t falter. Because deeply about him and his siblings. which was why he was relentless us stronger and more resolved. To- ters as well as grassroots and un- gedly, with discipline and determi- stantly worrying about the future Shenton Way, which reflect his be- than 2,000 guests for the state fu- neer generation to create this is- he fought, we took courage and He recounted how his father in writing books right to his last gether, we came not only to ion leaders. nation to ensure that Singapore of his charges, pushing them to ginnings as a lawyer defending neral. land nation, Singapore,” he add- fought with him, and prevailed. had urged him to take up medita- days, to share his experiences mourn. Together, we celebrate Mr Mr Lee’s younger son, Mr Lee succeeded. His supporters knew work harder, behave better, think workers, the Port of Singapore The solemn day was also ed, before going on to sketch the Thus Mr Lee took Singapore from tion when his first wife Ming with them. Lee Kuan Yew’s long and full life, Hsien Yang, extended his family’s it, his enemies and opponents longer term, and even have more and his Tanjong Pagar constituen- marked by Singaporeans glued to battles that Singapore’s founding Third World to First.” Yang died, and after he was diag- PM Lee concluded with a rally- and what he has achieved with us, deep appreciation to Singapore- knew it, and ultimately, the peo- babies because the nation needed cy, as well as Bukit Merah, Queen- their television sets or computers Prime Minister and his exception- He went on to recall Mr Lee’s nosed with lymphoma. He ing call, urging Singaporeans to his people. ans for the “outpouring of grief ple whose lives he transformed it. stown and Commonwealth hous- at home and abroad, as well as oth- al team of ministers had fought to tireless quest to help Singapore at- pressed the issue again in 2011, af- build on what Mr Lee and the pio- “Let us continue building this and affection” for his father. He knew it. Despite – or perhaps because ing estates, before heading for the ers in India and New Zealand, overcome the odds and build a tain self-sufficiency in its water ter the last General Election, not- neer generation had achieved. exceptional country. Let us shape gave a deep bow to the audience, Which is why tens of thou- of – his tough love and tough- UCC. where state flags flew at modern, multiracial society, pro- needs, from cleaning up rivers, ed PM Lee. “We have all lost a father. We this island nation into one of the joined by PM and Mrs Lee, to ap- sands braved the downpour yester- minded policies, he won the There, top representatives of half-mast. viding jobs, housing, education building reservoirs, desalination “So this morning, before the are all in grief. But in our grief, we great cities in the world reflecting plause. day, holding up posters of him, people’s trust when he delivered more than 20 countries including In an hour-long tribute to his and security. plants and the Marina Barrage, ceremonies began at Parliament have come together to display the the ideals he stood for, realising A young Singaporean, former bowing in respect, throwing flow- on his promises of a better life, India’s Prime Minister Narendra father, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Noting that, above all else, Mr fighting back tears as he said: “So House, we had a few minutes. I best of Mr Lee’s Singapore,” he the dreams he inspired and wor- Straits Times journalist and now ers or waving national flags, call- building a metropolis where once Modi, Japan’s Prime Minister Shin- Loong said “the light that has Lee was “a fighter”, PM Lee add- perhaps it’s appropriate that to- sat by him and meditated,” he said, pointing to how people had thy of the people who have made civil servant Cassandra Chew, ing out his name, and giving voice there were mudflats. zo Abe, Malaysia’s King Tuanku guided us all these years has been ed: “In crises, when all seemed day for his state funeral the heav- said, choking up. gone out of their way to help and Singapore our home and nation.” who had worked with Mr Lee on a to their innermost thoughts: Little wonder then that many Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, extinguished”. hopeless, he was ferocious, end- ens opened and cried for him.” Mr Lee’s biggest worry, he not- care for each other as they waited Nine other speakers delivered book, said she was thankful to “Thank you, Mr Lee.” had hoped he would recover from Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, “We have lost our founding fa- lessly resourceful, firm in his re- He also remembered Mr Lee as ed, was that younger Singapore- in line to pay their last respects. eulogies, including President have been born in Singpore. [email protected] 4 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 5

SAYING GOODBYE 1923 - 2015

Flowers placed along Jalan Bukit Merah for people waiting to pay tribute to Mr Lee as his cortege passed through the area yesterday. Thousands braved the rain to travel the last mile with him, as his cortege made its way to the funeral service on a route that was itself a tribute to him, cutting across the key sites that marked his life and career. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN

Many heads of state or government from other Asean countries and close partners were present at the University Cultural Centre yesterday. These included (top row, from left) Bhutan Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, (front row, from left) Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Indian Prime The life may have ebbed Minister Narendra Modi, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and former US president Bill Clinton. ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW away, but the light will Foreign dignitaries attend state funeral

By RACHEL AU-YONG from Mao Zedong, and every US continue to show the way president from Lyndon Johnson. LEADERS from 23 countries at- He established close rapport with tended the state funeral of found- President Suharto of Indonesia. ing Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Other close friends, PM Lee died. Singapore’s founding father marks around the island that bear yesterday, in a testament to the said, included former British pre- Mr Lee will endure not just in the stepped down from national lead- his mark, but in other ways as deep regard many had for his mier Margaret Thatcher, Mr Clin- ership a quarter century ago. well. achievements and his insights. ton, and former US Secretary of landmarks bearing his mark, but Mr Lee, who in his governing He will be in their minds when Gathered at the University Cul- State Henry Kissinger, who was al- years preferred to be feared over they hear an incoherent in-flight tural Centre were heads of state or so at the funeral service. in the minds and lives of his people being loved, may have been pleas- announcement and wonder how government from the other Asean “They valued his candour and antly startled by the public out- Mr Lee would have reacted, when countries and close partners. insight. As Mrs Thatcher said, By RAVI VELLOOR Elsewhere, hundreds of thou- pouring of grief at his passing. aspiring politicians hitch up their They were Malaysia’s Yang ‘(Mr Lee) had a way of penetrating ASSOCIATE EDITOR sands more stayed in the shelter And what of the potentates, trousers and square their shoul- di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul the fog of propaganda and express- of homes in residential estates like the heads of state and govern- ders, LKY-style, as they approach Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Brunei’s ing, with unique clarity, the issues SHORTLY after midnight on Toa Payoh and Paya Lebar, most- ment from two dozen nations who a lectern; when parents go to bed Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indone- of our times and the way to tackle Saturday, streaks of lightning lit ly unaware that their districts got travelled to the island to pay him without worrying about children sian President Joko Widodo, Cam- them. He was never wrong.’ up the night sky over central and their names from Hokkien and Ma- respect? having a late night out, in the bodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, “Hence, despite being small, eastern Singapore as the heavens lay words for “big swamp”. There was the young king of confidence with which people Laos’ Prime Minister Thongsing Singapore’s voice is heard, and we blazed forth. Such has been the Singapore tiny Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Nam- step towards pedestrian crossings Thammavong, Myanmar’s Presi- enjoy far more influence on the As dawn broke, a misty haze journey to urbanisation and 90 gyel Wangchuck, who, in 2006, looking neither to right nor left; in dent Thein Sein, Thai Prime Minis- world stage than we have any rea- hung over the city after days of per cent home ownership. Not to had sought him out for advice on the mini-United Nations that the ter Prayut Chan-o-cha and son to expect,” PM Lee added. clear skies. Business in the coffee speak of the arboreal fantasy the developing his nation. There was country’s work districts, shop- Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Mr Modi earlier told reporters shops seemed thinner as Singapo- island is today, with a green cover Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ping malls and restaurants have Tan Dung. Philippine Senate presi- that Mr Lee “was among the tall- reans, normally eager to stumble over fully half of it. who leads the world’s second larg- come to be. dent Franklin Drilon represented est leaders of our times”. to the nearest convenient outlet The route itself was a tribute to est nation, saying he had been in- As Prime Minister Lee Hsien President Benigno Aquino. “Singapore’s transformation in for their Sunday breakfast, the man, cutting across the key spired to believe he could work to Loong said, what was said of the Australian Prime Minister Tony one generation is a tribute to his seemed to tarry. sites that marked his life and ca- transform India because of Mr British architect Christopher Abbott, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar leadership... I am sure that he left It was as though they were reer. The cortege passed Collyer Lee’s record in developing Singa- Wren could apply to Mr Lee – for Namgyel Wangchuck, Canada’s satisfied with Singapore’s achieve- reluctant to meet this day when Quay and Shenton Way, and be- pore within a generation. Lee Kuan Yew’s monument, just Dignitaries who attended the state funeral yesterday included (clockwise from Governor-General David John- ments and confident about its fu- Mr Lee Kuan Yew, lionised leader tween Queenstown and Common- There were Mr Bill Clinton, Mr look around Singapore. left) former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Indonesian President Joko ston, Indian Prime Minister Naren- ture,” he said. wealth, British-era names Mr Lee Tony Abbott, Mr Hun Sen, Gener- As he began his eulogy, PM Widodo and his wife Iriana, Myanmar’s President Thein Sein, South Korean “He inspired not just of the Lion City, would pass into President Park Geun Hye and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. dra Modi, and Israeli President Re- history. felt no shame in retaining, having al Prayut Chan-o-cha, Mr Shinzo Lee, alternating between pride for ST PHOTOS: CAROLINE CHIA uven Rivlin were also present. South-east Asia, but all of Asia, to Along Orchard Road, the city’s helped his people shed the coloni- Abe and others listening to the fu- his father’s life and grief over his Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo believe in its own destiny.” most famous boulevard, a gusting al cringe long ago and, like him, neral orations on Mr Lee’s record death, said the “light that guided Abe, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Mr Modi described Mr Lee as a wind flung laburnum and other look the world in the eye. – in incorruptibility, raising living us all these years has been extin- Karim Massimov, New Zealand source of inspiration, whose flowers on the road, as though the Overseas, thousands gathered standards, in providing security guished”. Governor-General Jerry “achievements and thoughts give “city in a garden” felt compelled in front of television sets or com- to their minorities and the vulnera- It was a faint echo from the Mateparae, South Korean Presi- me confidence in the possibility of to pay its own unique tribute. puters to watch the live streaming ble, in his ability to forgive histori- poignant words Jawaharlal Nehru dent Park Geun Hye and Qatar India’s own transformation”. Then, the heavens emptied, of the funeral service, wet-eyed cal slights in the national interest, used for Mahatma Gandhi’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Bhutan’s King said: “His legacy pouring moisture upon the earth. and longing to connect with and his devotion to family. death, as he broke the news to his Thani also attended the funeral. will live on forever (not just) Perhaps Mr Lee would not have home. Others had taken a flight to Thanks to the relentless media then young nation about its first Chinese Vice-President Li through Singaporeans, but all over minded; one more opportunity to be in Singapore yesterday. Just to coverage of the past week, Mr Lee big tragedy. Yuanchao, former United States the world. People such as myself, funnel every drop of water into be here. has come alive for Singaporeans Mr Lee Kuan Yew began his president Bill Clinton, British For- young people who have great admi- one of the island’s 17 reservoirs. Why would a taxi driver called in all his vigour. In the months anti-colonial struggle admiring eign Secretary William Hague and ration for Lee Kuan Yew, will con- It had to happen some day, and Micky Tan, recovering from and years that lie ahead, there Nehru’s words and vision. Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minis- tinue to remember him with great so it has. This man who led Singa- prostate cancer surgery, don a cap surely will be times when the If only for that reason, it is not ter Igor Shuvalov were also there. respect.” poreans to independence, not on- and show up in the rain to shout, Gans and Tans of Singapore will inappropriate to borrow Nehru’s In his eulogy, Prime Minister Mr Clinton added that he appre- ly from Britain, but from poverty, “Lee Kuan Yew, Lee Kuan Yew”? turn their eyes towards him, long- words as Mr Lee himself departs Lee Hsien Loong said his father ciated Mr Lee’s insights and can- want, ignorance, diffidence – and Why would a Kala Pillay keep an ing to hear that strong voice and the stage. had raised Singapore’s standing in dour: “Because Singapore had water dependency – has made his all-night vigil in Calgary, Cana- reassuring firmness. “The light has gone out, I said, the world. been friendly to the US and was final journey. da? In 1959, an 11-year-old Peter and yet I was wrong,” Nehru said “Mr Lee was not just a percep- friendly to the forces of reform in Yesterday, thousands braved Because they wanted to. Gan had peeked down from his on Jan 30, 1948. tive observer of world affairs, but China, we were all able to have an rain and slush to travel the last As a proportion of their popula- Neil Road home and spotted jubi- “For the light that shone in this a statesman who articulated informal relationship and just talk mile with him, lining the road tions, the 454,700 who turned up lant crowds carrying a newly country was no ordinary light. Singapore’s international interests things through, and I think that’s along which Mr Lee’s cortege trav- to pay respects at Mr Lee’s bier elected Lee Kuan Yew on their The light that has illumined this and enlarged our strategic space,” the way. elled to the state funeral service, exceeded the throng at Nelson shoulders. Yesterday, the Tanjong country for these many years will he said. He added that at crucial “People can deal with differenc- wearing plastic ponchos and carry- Mandela’s passing. When Win- Pagar constituent watched him illumine this country for many turning points, “his views and es as long as everybody is on the ing umbrellas to protect them- ston Churchill lay in state for pass through the streets a final more years, and a thousand years counsel influenced thinking and level. Lee Kuan Yew was on the selves from the elements. Others three days, a total of 321,360 filed time. The next time Mr Gan looks later, that light will be seen in this decisions in many capitals”. level. Whatever the deal was, used floor mats they had brought past the catafalque, according to for Mr Lee, he will not be there. country and the world will see it In the process, Mr Lee “built up that’s what he would say. It was a for the wait against the rain. In the BBC’s figures. And yet, Singaporeans know he and it will give solace to innumera- a wide network of friends and ac- gift, not just to the people of Singa- places, the crowd was ten- and Churchill had been out of of- will endure. ble hearts.” quaintances, in and out of power”. pore, but to the rest of the world.” fifteen-deep. fice for only ten years when he Not just in the physical land- [email protected] He knew every Chinese leader [email protected] 6 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 7

SAYING GOODBYE 1923 - 2015

People huddled under umbrellas along North Bridge Road yesterday, waiting patiently for Mr Lee’s cortege to pass. The wet weather failed to deter the crowds who had The rain poured down along Commonwealth Avenue, one of the heartland At Esplanade Bridge, students braved the rain in ponchos to say goodbye to Singapore’s first Prime Minister. The funeral procession from Parliament House to the turned up to bid Mr Lee a final farewell. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN areas along the 15.4km funeral procession route. ST PHOTO: TIFFANY GOH University Cultural Centre passed significant landmarks including City Hall and the Padang as well as heartland areas. ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG ‘Unite with a new spirit’ in post-LKY era

cal liberty, or that its system has In a S’pore without Mr Lee, let words not worked. In fact, it is quite the contrary. of national anthem lead the way As Ms Hooi put it, “such has been the earlier success of Singapore that its people have the middle- class wherewithal to demand By IGNATIUS LOW MANAGING EDITOR reans in these queues being not on- change, and the Government has ly patient but also civilised, help- the resources to provide it”. You ful and considerate, volunteering could almost hear the collective I WAS fortunate enough to get an their time in aid of complete stran- roar of approval. invitation to yesterday’s funeral gers, cleaning up after them- When you boil it all down, service for Singapore’s founding selves, offering free food, flowers what you get is a Singapore that Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. I and water and taking only as got a glimpse of the good in itself, know myself to be a rather senti- much as they needed. and became more secure about mental person, so I went expect- Going by the comments post- where it is in the world and how it ing to shed tears at some point. ed, these images have taken many got there. All of the eulogies were heart- people by surprise. In a week, Sin- It was a much-needed shot of felt and some very touching, espe- gapore seems to have collectively confidence that will help this rela- cially those by Prime Minister Lee realised that, giv- tively young na- Hsien Loong, his brother Hsien en the right cir- tion continue to Yang and former senior minister cumstances, it overcome the in- of state Sidek Saniff. can be the sort When you boil it creasingly diffi- But my eyes welled up only of idealised pro- cult challenges right at the end of the ceremony, to-Japanese or all down, what ahead. My hope when all the speeches had been de- Scandinavian so- you get is a is that this is livered and the audience stood up ciety that it con- not a flash in to sing the national anthem. stantly beats it- Singapore that got the pan, and “Marilah kita bersatu self up for failing a glimpse of the will be the dengan semangat yang baru; to emulate. seeds of the Semua kita berseru, That leads me good in itself, and “new spirit” – Majulah Singapura, majulah to the second became more semangat yang Singapura!” happy discovery baru – we sing I’ve sung these lines so many of the week, secure about of in the words times in my life, but yesterday the which concerns of the national meaning of the words hit me the notion of the where it is in the anthem. hard. They call on Singaporeans ideal political world and how it If we get it to “unite with a new spirit” and model a country right, then the urge the nation onward. should adopt. got there. It was a only thing we At the end of seven days of na- After years of much-needed shot need fear, in tional mourning, Mr Lee Kuan increasingly in- this post-LKY Yew has been laid to rest and to- tense debate of confidence that era, is the inher- day will seem like the first day in about the fail- will help this ent uncertainty post-LKY Singapore. ings of the Singa- of the future it- So much has been written pore system, relatively young self. about this moment, not just this many Singapore- nation continue to Some of past week but in the months and ans suddenly be- these uncertain- years leading up to it. What hap- came proud of overcome the ties – such as pens now? Can Singapore sur- the unique way increasingly the vagaries of vive? that their coun- global politics For me, the events of the past try is governed difficult and economics week have unearthed what seem and run, whatev- challenges ahead. – have little to WITH SOLEMN, to be two new certainties among er outsiders may do with Mr Lee (Above) Ceremonial the myriad variables that go into say about it. Kuan Yew, al- pallbearers carrying the answer to that question. Two of the though he was the flag-draped casket The first is the pleasant discov- most widely circulated articles adept at anticipating and dealing of Mr Lee into the HEAVY HEARTS ery that the Singapore spirit is last week were plain-speaking with them. University Cultural alive and well. commentaries by former Nominat- Others, however, may be a di- Centre. rect result of his departure. We saw it all week in the unend- ed MP Calvin Cheng and Business (Left) Officers preparing to fold the ing queues of people waiting for Times correspondent Joyce Hooi Will the political system in Sin- (Right) Defence national flag that was draped over the hours in the hot sun and into the that took on Western criticism of gapore change? Are there new Minister Ng Eng Hen casket of Mr Lee, at the Mandai dead of night, just for a minute or the Singapore model head on. fault lines developing that will (third from left), and Crematorium. two to pay their last respects to If the much-vaunted political splinter society? Will we re-exam- Law and Foreign Mr Lee as his body lay in state at freedoms of the West mean anar- ine those Lee Kuan Yew “hard Affairs Minister K. (Far left) A bugler from the SAF Military Parliament House. chy, crime, failing public infra- truths” about nationhood and sur- Shanmugam trying to Band playing The Last Post during the We saw it again yesterday as structure and poverty, then we do vival, and eventually discard control their emotions final moments of the funeral service. This thousands lined the streets in the not want it, both argued. them? as the eulogies were was followed by the observation of a pouring rain to greet Mr Lee’s cor- And do not mistake the Singa- As a nation, we take our first given. minute of silence. tege as it made its way to the Uni- porean grumblings about higher steps today without our founding ST PHOTOS: STEPHANIE ST PHOTOS: versity Cultural Centre. freedoms to be proof that there father. But they are firmer steps, I YEOW, DESMOND LIM KUA CHEE SIONG, STEPHANIE YEOW All week, people have been was some terrible trade-off be- believe – his last gift to us. posting pictures online of Singapo- tween economic growth and politi- [email protected] 8 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 9

EULOGIES 1923 - 2015 Honour him by making S’pore a great city: PM Lee

and Malay, he spoke of the late a new generation could learn World. The first two were forces withdrew, taking 150,000 Keng Swee, Hon Sui Sen and Lim achieve great things, Mr Lee won elder Mr Lee told his oldest child sons with Cikgu Amin; he encour- big hole” in the hearts of family He ended his eulogy with this Singaporeans urged to continue Mr Lee’s commitment to multira- from his experience, and launched in 2011 and the third in jobs with them. Kim San to design and carry out the trust and confidence of Singa- to take care of his mother and aged Yang and me to take up SAF and friends, “but his values, his rallying call to Singaporeans: “We cialism, equality, meritocracy, in- understand what their security, 2013. “Just weeks after Separation, their plans to attract investments poreans”. younger brother and sister Scholarships, to serve the na- love, and his words – these will come together to pledge ourselves life’s work of founding father tegrity and rule of law; celebrat- prosperity and future depended PM Lee spoke of a man who he boldly declared that ‘10 years and grow the economy. “As he In both his eulogy at the state should anything happen to him. tion.” stay with us, inspire us and live to continue building this excep- ed his ferocious fighting spirit on. “His biggest worry was that fought and laboured tirelessly for from now, this will be a metropo- said, “I settled the political condi- funeral service in the University Their father, he said, had al- His father was there when he on in us for a long, long time”. tional country. Let us shape this is- and described his decades-long younger Singaporeans would lose his beliefs and the country he lis. Never fear!’ And indeed he tions so that tough policies… Cultural Centre (UCC), and later ready plunged deep into politics learnt to ride a bicycle, helped As for Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan land nation into one of the great By LYDIA LIM life’s work by making this island effort to prepare Singapore to the instinct for what made loved. In the 1960s, he battled made it happen. He instilled disci- could be executed.” at a private ceremony for family when the children arrived so take care of his young children Yew intended nothing less than to cities in the world reflecting the ASSOCIATE OPINION EDITOR nation a great metropolis that re- continue beyond him. Singapore tick,” PM Lee said. communists and communalists, pline and order – ensuring that in PM Lee added that “because and friends at Mandai Crematori- their mother brought them up. when his first wife died, and wor- see that it “will be here a thou- ideals he stood for, realising the flects the ideals of their founding Not only had he systematically He cited three recent books, putting his own life on the line. Singapore, every problem gets people knew that he cared for um, PM Lee shared personal mem- “But Pa set the tone, tracked our ried about his nutrition when he sand years from now”. With him dreams he inspired and worthy of PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong prime minister. identified and groomed a team of the first on bilingualism, the sec- Later, he fought for Singapore’s fixed,” PM Lee said. them and not for himself, and be- ories of his father, including a progress and made the big deci- was undergoing chemotherapy gone, it is the duty of those who the people who have made Singa- yesterday called on Singaporeans In a 40-minute eulogy, successors, but he also continued ond entitled Hard Truths and a survival after separation from He also enabled his economic cause he had faith that Singapore- conversation they had years ago sions. He sent us to a Chinese for lymphoma. remain to continue his life’s work, pore our home and nation.” to continue Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s delivered in English, Mandarin writing books into his 90s so that third – One Man’s View Of The Malaysia and when the British team of Old Guard ministers Goh ans would work with him to over a golf game in which the school; he started us on Malay les- His father’s death “will leave a PM Lee said. [email protected]

I remember the night the children slept on ‘Because he never the floor in my parents’ bedroom at Temasek House in Kuala Lumpur, because the house was full of ministers who had wavered, we didn’t come up from Singapore. Every so often my father would get up from the bed to make a note about something... That was 7 August, falter. Because he 1965, two days before Separation. Growing up with my father, living through fought, we took courage those years with him, made me what I am. and fought with him.’ at Parliament House, we had a Wren. He was the architect of the few minutes. I sat by him and cathedral, and he is buried in the meditated. cathedral which was his master- Of course, growing up as my piece., There is a Latin epitaph on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s eulogy at the University Cultural Centre father’s son could not but mean his grave and it reads: si monumen- being exposed to politics very ear- tum requiris, circumspice (If you THIS has been a dark week for Sin- believed in the Singapore cause. tions so that tough policies could ly. I remember as a little boy, seek his monument, look around gapore. The light that has guided And today we sleep peacefully at be executed.” knowing that his constituency you). Mr Lee Kuan Yew built Sin- us all these years has been extin- night, confident that we are well However, Mr Lee was clear was Tanjong Pagar. I was proud of gapore. To those who seek Mr Lee guished. We have lost our found- protected. that while “the development of him becoming legal adviser to so Kuan Yew’s monument, Singapo- ing father Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who Mr Lee gave us courage to face the economy is very important, many trade unions, and I was ex- reans can reply proudly: “Look lived and breathed Singapore all an uncertain future. He was a equally important is the develop- cited by the hubbub at Oxley Road around you.” his life. He and his team led our straight talker, and never shied ment of the nature of our socie- whenever elections happened, I said the light that has guided pioneer generation to create this away from hard truths, either to ty”. So he built an inclusive socie- and our home became the election us all these years has been extin- island nation, Singapore. himself or to Singaporeans. His ty where everyone enjoyed the office. guished. But that is not quite so. Mr Lee did not set out to be a ministers would sometimes urge fruits of progress. I remember when we were pre- For Mr Lee’s principles and ideals politician, let alone a statesman, him to soften the tone of his draft Education became the founda- paring to join Malaysia in the ear- continue to invigorate this Govern- as a boy. In fact, his grandfather speeches – even I would some- tion for good jobs and better lives. ly 1960s, going along with my fa- ment and guide our people. His wanted him to become an English times do that – to sound less un- HDB new towns sprung up one af- ther on constituency visits – the life will inspire Singaporeans, and gentleman! But events left an in- yielding to human frailties. And of- ter another to house our people – “fang wen” tours he made to eve- others, for generations to come. delible mark on him. He had been ten he took in their amendments, Queenstown, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo ry corner of Singapore. Mr Lee once said that “we in- a British subject in colonial Singa- but he would preserve his core Kio, to be followed by many For him, it was backbreaking tend to see that (Singapore) will pore. He had survived hardship, message. “I always tried to be cor- more. We had roofs over our work, week after week, every be here a thousand years from danger and fear in the Japanese rect,” he said, “not politically cor- heads and we became a nation of weekend rallying the people’s sup- now. And that is your duty and Occupation. These drove him to rect.” home owners. With Mr Devan port for a supremely important de- mine”. Mr Lee has done his duty, fight for independence. He was a powerful speaker: Nair in the NTUC, he transformed cision about Singapore’s future. and more. It remains our duty to In one of his radio talks on the moving, inspiring, persuasive, in the union movement into a posi- For me, these were not just Sun- continue his life’s work, to carry Battle for Merger many years ago English and Malay – and by dint tive force, cooperating with em- day outings, but also an early po- the torch forward and keep the in 1961, Mr Lee said: “My col- of a lifelong hard slog – in Manda- ployers and the Government to im- litical education. flame burning bright. leagues and I are of that genera- rin and even Hokkien. MediaCorp prove the lot of workers. I remember election night in Over the past month, the out- tion of young men who went has been broadcasting his old Mr Lee cared for the people 1963, the crucial general election pouring of good wishes, prayers through the Second World War speeches on TV this week, remind- whom he served, the people of Sin- when the PAP defeated the and support from Singaporeans as and the Japanese Occupation and ing us that his was the original Sin- gapore. When Sars struck in pro-communist Barisan Sosialis. Mr Lee lay ill has been overwhelm- emerged determined that no one gapore Roar: passionate, formida- 2003, he worried about taxi driv- My mother sent me to bed early, ing, and even more so since he – neither the Japanese nor the ble and indomitable. ers, whose livelihoods were affect- but I lay awake to listen to the passed away on Monday. British – had the right to push and Above all, Lee Kuan Yew was a ed because tourists had dried up, election results until the PAP had People of all races from all kick us around.” fighter. In crises, when all seemed and he pressed us hard to find won enough seats to form the Gov- walks of life, young and old, here Mr Lee championed independ- hopeless, he was ferocious, end- ways to help them. ernment again. And then I think and abroad, have mourned him. ence for Singapore through Merg- lessly resourceful, firm in his re- Mr Lee also cared for the peo- fell asleep. Hundreds of thousands queued pa- er with Malaya, to form a new Fed- solve, and steadfast in advancing ple who served him. One evening I remember the day he told me, tiently for hours in the hot sun eration of Malaysia. He worked his cause. just a few years ago he rang me while we were playing golf at the and through the night to pay re- tirelessly to bring this about, and Thus he saw us through many up. One of my mother’s WSOs Istana, that should anything hap- spects to him at the Parliament succeeded. Unfortunately the battles: the Battle for Merger (woman security officers) was hav- pen to him, he wanted me to look House. merger did not last and before against the communists, which ing difficulty conceiving a child, after my mother and my younger I visited the queue on the Pa- long we were expelled from Malay- most people thought the non-com- and he wanted to help her. He brother and sister. dang. Many Singaporeans, not so asked me whether I knew how to I remember the night the chil- few non-Singaporeans who came sia. Separation was his greatest munists would lose; the fight ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM “moment of anguish”, but it also when we were in Malaysia against help her to adopt a child. So Mr dren slept on the floor in my out of deep respect and a sense of proved to be the turning point in the communalists, when his own Lee was concerned for people not parents’ bedroom at Temasek compulsion that here was a man Singapore’s fortunes. life was in danger; Separation, just in the abstract, but personally Wok, Hon Sui Sen, Lim Kim San, his personal traits. He built Singa- cial sector for many years, he he would collect saplings and casionally raise with me issues without being obtrusive, to be was he touchy-feely, so not new House in Kuala Lumpur, because they wanted to do honour to. From the ashes of Separation which cast us out into a hazard- and individually. Toh Chin Chye, Ong Pang Boon, pore to be clean and corrup- eventually decided to rethink and seeds and hand carry them back which he felt strongly about. watchful while letting the new age but he loved us deeply. the house was full of ministers Many more wrote heartfelt mes- he built a nation. The easiest ous world; and then the withdraw- Internationally, Mr Lee raised Devan Nair, and quite a number tion-free. His home was spartan. liberalise, in a controlled way. home. He used the Istana grounds During the Budget Debate two team develop its own style, its After my first wife Ming Yang who had come up from Singapore. sages and took part in tribute cere- thing to do would have been to ap- al of the British military forces Singapore’s standing in the world. more. They were his comrades, His habits were frugal. He wore This was how Singapore’s finan- as a nursery, and would personal- years ago, almost exactly two own authority. He described him- died, my parents suggested that I Every so often my father would monies at community sites all peal to Chinese voters alone. Af- from Singapore, which threatened Mr Lee was not just a perceptive and he never forgot them. So it is the same jacket for years, and cial centre took off in a new wave ly check on the health of the trees, years ago, MPs hotly debated the self as a “mascot”, but everyone tried meditation. They gave me get up from the bed to make a over the island. Thousands of ter all, Singapore had had to leave the livelihoods of 150,000 people. observer of world affairs, but a very good that Mr Ong Pang Boon patched up the worn bits instead of growth, to become what it is to- not just in general but individual, cost of living, public transport knew how special this mascot some books to read, mindfulness, note about something, before ly- overseas Singaporeans gathered Malaysia because we were majori- Because he never wavered, we statesman who articulated is here today to speak about Mr of buying new ones. He imparted day. He was always clear what particular trees. If they had names and so many other matters then was, and how lucky we were to tranquillity meditation. I read the ing down to rest again. That was 7 in our embassies and consulates ty Chinese. Instead, Mr Lee went didn’t falter. Because he fought, Singapore’s international inter- Lee later on. Thank you Mr Ong. these values to the Government. strategy to follow, but never so he would know their names. He preoccupying Singaporeans. Mr have such a mascot. books but I did not make much August, 1965, two days before Sep- to remember Mr Lee. And later in for the nobler dream of a multira- we took courage and fought with ests and enlarged our strategic Mr Lee received many acco- Even when old and frail on his fixed to an old strategy as to be knew the names or the scientific Lee felt that we had lost sight of It was likewise when I took progress. I think my father had aration. this funeral service, all of us in cial, multi-religious nation. Singa- him, and prevailed. Thus, Mr Lee space. At crucial turning points, lades and awards in his long life 90th birthday, when he came to blind to the need to change course names. Singapore’s Prime Minis- the fundamentals that under- over. Mr Goh became Senior Min- tried meditation too, also not too Growing up with my father, liv- this hall, across our island and in pore would not be based on race, took Singapore and took us all from the British withdrawal “East but he wore them lightly. When Parliament and MPs celebrated when the world changed. ter was also the chief gardener of pinned our survival. He e-mailed ister and Mr Lee became Minister successfully. His teacher told me ing through those years with him, far-flung and later in this funeral language or religion, but on funda- from Third World to the First. of Suez” to the Vietnam War to Mr Lee received the Freedom of his birthday, he reminded them Nothing exemplifies this better the City in a Garden. me. He sent me a draft speech. He Mentor, a title he felt reflected his later that when he told Mr Lee to made me what I am. service all of us in this hall, across mental values – multi-racialism, In many countries, anti-coloni- the rise of China, his views and the City of London in 1982, he that Singapore must remain clean than water security, which was a He had a relentless drive to im- told me that he wanted to speak new role, not in command, but ad- relax, still his mind and let go he This year is the 50th anniversa- our island, and in far-flung lands equality, meritocracy, integrity, al fighters and heroes would win counsel influenced thinking and said: “I feel like a conductor at a and incorruptible, and that MPs lifelong obsession of his. He en- prove and continued to learn well in the Chamber, to remind Singa- vice not to be taken lightly. In- replied: “But what will happen to ry of Singapore’s independence. will observe a minute a silence, and rule of law. Mr Lee declared: independence and assume power, decisions in many capitals. concert bowing to applause, but and Ministers had to set the exam- trenched the PUB’s two Water into old age. At 70, to write his poreans of these unchanging hard creasingly he left the policy issues Singapore if I let go?” We all hoped that Mr Lee would say the National Pledge and sing “This is not a country that be- but then fail, fail at nation-build- In the process, he built up a unable to turn around and invite ple. Agreements with Johor in the Sep- memoirs, he started learning how truths. But I persuaded him to to us, but he would share with us When I had lymphoma, he sug- be present with us on August 9 to Majulah Singapura together. longs to any single community; it ing because the challenges of wide network of friends, in and the accomplished musicians in his He pursued ideas with tremen- aration Agreement, he personally to use a computer. Every so often leave the task to me and my minis- his reading of world affairs, and gested that I try meditation more celebrate this milestone. More We have all lost a father. We belongs to all of us.”• bringing a society together, grow- out of power. He knew every Chi- orchestra to rise and receive the dous, infectious energy. He said managed all aspects of our water he would call me for help, and I ters. And he took my advice. his advice on major problems seriously. He thought it would than anybody else, it was he who grieve as one people, one nation. He checked would-be racial ing an economy, patiently improv- nese leader from Mao Zedong and ovation for the music they have of himself: “I put myself down as talks with Malaysia. He launched would give him a phone consulta- His biggest worry was that which he saw over the horizon. help me to fight the cancer. He fought for multiracialism, which But in our grief, we’ve displayed chauvinists, and assured the mi- ing peoples’ lives are very differ- every US president from Lyndon produced. For running a govern- determined, consistent, persist- water-saving campaigns, he built tion, talking him through the steps younger Singaporeans would lose Some other prime ministers told found me a teacher and spoke to ultimately led to our independ- the best of Singapore. norities that their place here was ent from the challenges of fight- Johnson. He established close rap- ment is not unlike running an or- ent. I set out to do something, I reservoirs, and turned most of the to save a file, or find a document the instinct for what made Singa- me that they could not imagine him personally and with a good ence as a sovereign republic. It Ordinary people going to great secure. He insisted on keeping our ing for independence, mobilising port with President Suharto of In- chestra, and no Prime Minister ev- keep on chasing it until it suc- island into water catchment to col- which had vanished on his hard pore tick. This was why he contin- what it was like to have two teacher to guide me, I made better was he who united our people, lengths to distribute refreshments mother tongues, even as English crowds, getting people excited, donesia, one of our most impor- er achieves much without an able ceeds. That’s all.” This was how lect the rain, to process, to use. drive. And if he could not find me, ued writing books into his 90s – former PMs in my Cabinet. But I progress. built a nation, and made the 50th and umbrellas to the crowd and became our common working lan- overthrowing a regime. But Mr tant relationships. Others includ- team of players.” he seized opportunities, seeing He cleaned up the Singapore he would consult my wife. Bilingualism, Hard Truths, One told them it worked, both for me In his old age, after my mother anniversary worth celebrating. help one another in the queue late guage. He encouraged each group Lee and his team succeeded at na- ed Deng Xiaoping, Margaret Because he worked with a and realising possibilities that River and Kallang Basin. He He made a ceaseless effort to Man’s View Of The World – and and for Singapore. died, my father started meditating Sadly, it is not to be. into the night. Citizen soldiers, to maintain its culture, faith and tion building. Thatcher, Helmut Schmidt, strong team and not alone, be- many others missed. dreamed of the Marina Barrage learn Mandarin over decades. He at least one more guided by him For all his public duties, Mr Lee again, and this time with help But we can feel proud and hap- Home Team officers, cleaners, all language, while gradually enlarg- Just weeks after Separation, he George Shultz, as well as Presi- cause people knew that he cared So it was he who pushed to long before it became feasible, listened to tapes of his teacher still in the process of being writ- also had his own family. My moth- from Ng Kok Song, whom he py that Mr Lee lived to see his working tirelessly round the ing the common space shared by boldly declared that “10 years dent Bill Clinton and Henry Kiss- for them and not for himself, and move the airport from Paya Lebar and persevered for decades until, talking, conversing with him, eve- ten on the history of PAP. Why er was a big part of his life. They knew from GIC. Kok Song life’s work come to fruition. At clock. Our shared sorrow has all. Together with Mr S. Rajarat- from now, this will be a metropo- inger, who we are honoured to because he had faith that Singapo- to Changi. It was he who rejected finally, technology caught up and ry day, in the morning while shav- did he do this? So that a new gen- were a deeply loving couple. She brought a friend to see my father, last year’s National Day Parade, brought us together and made us nam, he enshrined these ideals in lis. Never fear!” And indeed he have here this afternoon. They all reans would work with him to the then conventional wisdom it became feasible and it became a ing at home, in the evening while eration of Singaporeans could was his loyal spouse and confi- a Benedictine monk who did Chris- when Mr Lee appeared and stronger and more resolute. the National Pledge. made it happen. He instilled disci- valued his candour and insight. achieve great things, Mr Lee won that multi-national corporations reality and he lived to see it be- exercising at Sri Temasek. He learn from his experience, and un- dante – going with him every- tian meditation. My father was waved, the crowd and he ap- We come together not only to He kept us safe in a dangerous pline and order – ensuring that in As Mrs Thatcher said: “(Mr the trust and confidence of Singa- (MNCs) were rapacious and ex- come a reality. When PUB invent- kept up his Mandarin classes all derstand what their security, pros- where, fussing over him, helping not a Christian, but he was happy peared on the big screen on the mourn, we come together also to and tumultuous world. With Dr Singapore, every problem gets Lee) had a way of penetrating the poreans. The pioneer generation, ploitative, and he wooed foreign ed Newater, and when desalina- his life. Indeed, his last appoint- perity, and future depended on. with his speeches, and keeping to learn from the Benedictine floating platform, the crowd gave rejoice in Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s long Goh Keng Swee, he built the SAF fixed. He educated our young. He fog of propaganda and expressing who had lived through the crucial investments from MNCs personal- tion became viable, he backed the ment on Feb 4, before he was tak- One of Mr Lee’s greatest lega- home and hearth warm. They monk. He even called me to sug- him the most deafening cheer of and full life and what he has from just two infantry battalions transformed labour relations from with unique clarity the issues of years, had a deep bond with him. I ly to bring us advanced technolo- new technologies enthusiastically. en gravely ill early the next morn- cies was preparing Singapore to were a perfect team and wonder- gest that I meet the monk, which I the whole parade. Last November, achieved with us, his people in Sin- and one little wooden ship, into a strikes and confrontation to tri- our times and the way to tackle once met a lady who owned a gy, to bring us overseas markets The result today is Singapore has ing, was with his Mandarin tutor. continue beyond him. He believed ful parents. When my mother did. He probably felt I needed to the People’s Action Party celebrat- gapore. We come together to well-trained, well-equipped, partism and cooperation. He cam- them. He was never wrong.” fried rice restaurant. She told me: to create for us good jobs. moved towards self-sufficiency in He inspired us all to give of our that a leader’s toughest job was en- died, he was bereft. He felt the resume meditation too. ed its diamond anniversary at the pledge ourselves to continue build- well-respected fighting force. paigned to upgrade skills and raise Hence, despite being so small, “Tell Lee Kuan Yew I will always He was not afraid to change his water, become a leader in water best. suring succession. He systemati- devastating loss of a life partner, And to give you some context, Victoria Concert Hall, where Mr ing this exceptional country. He introduced national service, productivity, calling it a marathon Singapore’s voice is heard, and we support him. I was born in 1948, mind when a policy was no longer technologies, and turned a vulner- He was constantly thinking cally identified and groomed a who, as he said, had helped him this was a few months after the Lee had founded the party 60 Let us shape this island nation and personally persuaded parents with no finish line. enjoy far more influence on the in- and I am 48 years old (this was relevant. When he saw that our ability into a strength. about Singapore. At one National team of successors. He made way become what he was. 2011 General Election. I was near- years ago. Party members were so into one of the great cities in the to entrust their sons to the SAF. He enabled his economic team ternational stage than we have 1996). I know what he has done birth rates were falling below re- So perhaps it’s appropriate Day Rally in 1988 he declared for Mr Goh Chok Tong to become My father left the upbringing ing 60 by then, and he was, by happy to see that Mr Lee could be world reflecting the ideals he He succeeded, first because he led – Goh Keng Swee, Hon Sui Sen, any reason to expect. for me and Singapore.” She and placement more than 30 years that today for his state funeral the “even from my sick bed, even if prime minister, but stayed on in of the children largely to my moth- then, nearly 90. But to him I was there, they gave him an arousing, stood for, realising the dreams he by example. His two sons did NS Lim Kim San – to design and car- Mr Lee did not blaze this path her generation knew that “gen zhe ago, he scrapped the “Stop at heavens opened and cried for him. you are going to lower me into the Mr Goh’s Cabinet to help the new er. But he was the head of the fam- still his son to be worried over, emotional standing ovation. inspired and worthy of the people just like every Singaporean son. In ry out their plans to attract invest- alone. He was the outstanding Li Guangyao zou bu hui si de” – if Two” policy and started encourag- Greening Singapore was anoth- grave and I feel something is go- team succeed. He provided stabili- ily and cared deeply about us, and to me he was still a father to Those of us who were there will who have made Singapore our fact my brother and I signed up as ments, grow the economy, and leader of an exceptional team – a you follow Lee Kuan Yew, you ing couples to have more children. er of his passions. On travels, ing wrong, I will get up”. And he ty and experience and quietly both when we were small, and love and appreciate, just like never forget it. home and nation. regulars on SAF scholarships. Sec- create prosperity and jobs. As he team which included Goh Keng will survive. Having upheld a conservative when he came across trees or meant that. Indeed, even after he helped to build up Mr Goh’s au- long after we had grown up. He when I was small. So this morn- St Paul’s Cathedral in London Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. ondly, people trusted Mr Lee, and said, “I settled the political condi- Swee, S. Rajaratnam, Othman Mr Lee imbued Singapore with approach to supervising our finan- plants that might grow well here, left the Cabinet, he would still oc- thority. He knew how to guide was not demonstrative, much less ing, before the ceremonies began was built by Sir Christopher May you rest in peace. 10 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 11

FAMILY EULOGIES 1923 - 2015

held for about 300. lifetime, his immediate staff who Dr Lee has shunned the media Hakka woman.” paused as he fought back tears. lunches at Ye Ye’s house, where ed family. Next, the grandchil- Singapore; and it was time for an- Private farewell for about 300 held As the casket arrived at about served him loyally and well, his spotlight all week, even as 1.2 mil- Younger son Hsien Yang, 57, That proved a losing battle and the white walls, old furniture and dren; then Mr Lee’s three children other generation to take over. 6.30pm at Hall 1, daughter Wei security team who kept him safe lion people in Singapore paid their said: “Papa, thank you for a life- his mother, Ms Ho Ching, went even the food would remain the and their spouses. Earlier, in his eulogy, PM Lee at Mandai Crematorium for Mr Lee Ling, 60, placed the memorial por- and sound, and his medical team last respects to Mr Lee at Parlia- time of service to the people of up to the podium to give him a same through the years. Hsien Loong, as eldest child, had described how his father ‘In this final trait in front of the coffin. who took such good care of him.” ment House or at tribute centres Singapore. You made this little handkerchief and a steadying pat. He added: “As I grew up, some- was last. He placed his rose in the helped him on his first bike ride: By CHUA MUI HOONG day aged 91, lay in repose. Then, as he had led the nation Mr Lee’s three children and across the island. Clad in a black red dot into the nation all of us Regaining his composure, he times I would talk to Ye Ye about casket, then beckoned to his wife “Once when I was just getting the OPINION EDITOR With that, the public mourning in its mourning as Prime Minister, two grandsons delivered eulogies. dress yesterday, she looked com- are proud to call home.” continued: “You didn’t have to politics and the state. Always he Ho Ching and put his arm round hang of balancing on two wheels, of Mr Lee the public figure be- Hsien Loong, 63, the eldest of Mr Daughter Wei Ling delivered a posed, although she admitted it For Li Hongyi, 28, second son charm, flatter or cajole. You spoke with the courage of his con- her. he pushed me off... I pedalled off FIRST, the Singapore flag draping came the private mourning of Pa- Lee’s three children, stood to lead hearty, heartfelt eulogy on her had been a difficult week for her. of Hsien Loong, Ye Ye was more didn’t have to care about frivo- victions, with a certainty born of They stood, side by side, be- across the field, thinking that he the coffin was removed, folded pa and Ye Ye by family members. the family to mourn its patriarch. “stubborn, determined” father In the morning, she said, the than a grandfather; he was an in- lous things or play silly games. long consideration. As you might side the casket. Then they bowed, was still supporting and pushing hour, Papa is ceremoniously, and handed over Earlier, at the University Cul- He said: “We are gathered here she admitted she so resembled. maid put Mr Lee’s chair away spiration. “Ye Ye showed me that You could do something good guess, we didn’t always agree.” once, twice and thrice, in their me. to the elder son. tural Centre, the state funeral had to say our final farewells to Papa She lived with her father in Ox- from the dining table and lined it you could make a difference in with your life, and the best way to After the eulogies, family mem- final farewell to Papa. “Then I looked back and found Then the coffin lid was lifted, been a sober affair of more than – Mr Lee Kuan Yew. ley Road, and as a doctor too, was against the wall. “It was a poign- this world. Not just that you do so was to have good principles bers filed past the casket for one It was time for Singapore’s that actually he had let go, and I revealing an open casket. two hours attended by state digni- “After the formalities of the often the first line of defence ant moment because it came could make a difference, but that and conduct yourself honoura- last look at Mr Lee, laying a single founding father, and the Lee fami- was cycling on my own, launched, Inside, the body of Mr Lee taries and about 2,000 others. lying in state and the state funeral when he was ill, she said. She home to me that this farewell is you could do it with your head bly.” red rose each in the open casket. ly patriarch, to go to his final rest. and he had let go! He was so Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Now, at Mandai Crematorium as service, in this final hour, Papa is thanked his medical team for their forever. And I nearly broke down held high. You didn’t have to lie, Hsien Yang’s eldest son Li His sister Monica Lee was the As so many have noted in tributes pleased. So was I.” with family’ Prime Minister who died last Mon- the sun set, a private farewell was with his family, his friends of a care of her father. – but I can’t break down, I am a cheat or steal,” he said, and Shengwu, 30, recalled Sunday first; then members of the extend- all week, he had done so much for [email protected]

Excerpt from the eulogy by py that you remain single and DR LEE WEI LING, 60, hence will be able to look after us A father that we daughter of Mr Lee Kuan Yew Papa was ready to fight for in our old age. But you will be lonely. Also, you have inherited AFTER Mama died in October my traits but in such an exaggerat- share with S’pore 2010, Papa’s health deteriorated the people till his last breath ed way that they are a disadvan- rapidly. The past five years have tage to you.” been challenging. But as always, I won’t deny that. Excerpt from the eulogy by When Fern and I married in Papa was determined to carry on Papa, I know you would have MR LEE HSIEN YANG, 57, 1981, Papa was keen to have us as normal as possible, as best as helping. But the lift was not in- each and every one of them for ceed, and this happened on week- preferred if I had married and had younger son of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, live with them in Oxley Road. he could. stalled in vain. On several occa- the care they have provided to ends as well as Chinese New Year, children. But I have no regrets, no at the University Cultural Centre Mama, perhaps because of her He developed Parkinson’s dis- sions when he was ill and needed Papa. which I really felt was extremely regrets I was able to look after own difficulties living with ease three years ago, which severe- to be admitted to SGH (Singapore When Pa was not well at home, impressive and a lot of effort you and Mama in your old age. SINGAPORE has lost the father to in-laws as a new bride, and my ly limited his mobility. He had General Hospital)... the SO wisely I was in fact the first line of de- went into it. What is the most important les- our nation. For my family, we wife Fern, too, had reservations, great difficulty standing and walk- simply guided him into the lift. fence for the doctors, meaning I To all the medical staff who son I have learnt from Papa? have lost our beloved father and so upon marriage, Fern and I ing. But he refused to use a wheel- The SOs were an integral part would try to handle it on my own helped Papa, my family is extreme- It was never to push anyone grandfather. We are bereft. made a home of our own. chair or even a walking stick. He of Papa’s life, even more so in the until I thought that it was out of ly grateful. I also want to thank simply because he or she is weak- I was born in 1957 and, for as When my brother Loong’s first would walk, aided by his SOs (se- last five years. They looked after hand and I would rather call a the (Prime Minister’s Office) staff er than me or in a socially inferior long as I can remember, Papa was wife, Ming Yang, died in late curity officers). him with tender loving care, way doctor. who kept the office running position... And never to let any- a public figure. As a child, I was 1982, leaving Loong with two very Papa was also plagued by bouts beyond the call of duty. One doc- The most common emergency smoothly in Papa’s absence. one bully someone else if I was in only vaguely aware that my father young children, the family felt the of hiccups that could only be con- tor friend, who came to help dress Papa had was pneumonia, so one My brothers have said much a position to stop such bullying. was an orang besar, or VIP in Ma- weight of the tragedy. Fern and I trolled by medication, which had a wound Papa sustained when he particular doctor was called most about Papa. I just want to focus And if I saw someone being bul- lay. All little children must think wanted to help the family hold to- adverse side effects. Over and fell, noticed this and said to me: frequently. He doesn’t wish to be on one point: What have I learnt lied unfairly by his superior, I their fathers are special; I do not gether and create some happy oc- above the frequent hiccups, his “The SOs look after your father as named, and in fact he’s so shy from Pa? What is the biggest les- have no hesitation to come to the remember when it dawned on me casions to continue to share. Al- ability to swallow both solids and though he is their own father.” that he refused to turn up even, son he taught me? rescue of the victim. And since I that he was not just my own spe- though growing up, all our birth- liquids was impaired, a not un- I’m well aware of that. That’s and so I’ll have to call him Dr X. The influence parents have on am by nature pugnacious like my cial father and not just an ordi- days, including those of Papa and common problem in old age. why so much of the speech is dedi- After several calls, I learnt that Dr children depends on many things. father... I enjoy a fight so long as nary orang besar, he was an ex- Mama, remained unmarked and Papa searched the Internet and cated to the SOs. X would be up by 5.45am to send To a certain degree, it depends up- it is for a just and good cause. traordinary orang besar. uncelebrated, we began inviting tried a wide variety of unorthodox Papa believed that goodwill his children to school. One morn- on the temperament of the parent We have seen an astonishing Papa was immersed in his work the family to our home for Papa’s hiccup therapies. For example, he goes both ways. He was very con- ing at 5am, I had to call him. I and the child. outpouring of emotion on the for much of my childhood. In Sep- and Mama’s respective birthdays, once used rabbit skin and then siderate towards his SOs. Sensing apologised for waking him up and Temperamentally, I am very passing of my father this week. tember 1998, he gave Fern and me for which I would cook a simple subsequently he tried chicken he was special, all the SOs have asked him to tell his registrar on similar to Papa. So similar that in There are many reasons people our copy of his book The Singa- meal. At the time, the family in- feathers to induce sneezing, so as been very kind to Papa. duty at SGH what to do, adding: a given situation, I can predict feel this way about Papa. But I pore Story. In it, he penned a note cluded my father’s father, Kung, to stop the hiccups. Although the On behalf of my family, I “You don’t need to rush in to see how he would feel and respond. think one reason is that they with a tinge of regret: Papa and Mama, Ling, Loong and sneezing sometimes stopped his would like to thank all of them. I Pa. You can see him after you The SOs will know. They looked know Papa was a fighter who “To Yang + Fern, You grew up his two children. Papa loved a hiccups, it did not do so consist- know each of them well. I even have sent your children to on with some degree of amuse- would always fight for them, no while I was running around as I de- good steak and he had a Perana- ently enough. So Papa resorted to know the number of children they school.” Dr X replied, “Today is ment at the way Pa struggled to matter what the odds were. They scribe in this book.” kan sweet tooth for desserts. reducing his food intake, because have. The SOs were not only staff Sunday.” But I know that even on complete his 12 minutes on the knew that he was ready to fight Perhaps in different circum- Over time, the group grew larg- he felt that eating too much could whose job was to look after Papa, Sundays, Dr X makes his rounds treadmill three times a day after for them till his last breath. stances, he would have been a er. The grandchildren had views precipitate hiccups. I am sure but to me they were also friends at SGH. Even my father noticed af- each meal. Even on days when he This week has been a difficult very successful businessman or an of their own and they could be out- many of you have noticed he lost of the family. ter the first encounter with him. was tired, he would still try to do week for me. And I do not break entrepreneur; but he chose to dedi- spoken. They were often ready to a lot of weight and appeared thin I would also like to thank all He said to me: “This doctor actual- it in 12 minutes even if he needed down easily. This morning when I cate his life and to serve the peo- engage with Papa on issues of the and gaunt. the nurses, doctors and special- ly examines me.” more rest in between. In compari- went out of my room at 10 past ple of Singapore and to build a bet- day. I recall one birthday dinner Papa was stubborn and deter- ists who have looked after Papa During his last illness, Papa son, the SOs can easily tell when six, the maid was already setting ter future for all. He wanted to en- where Shengwu debated with his mined. He would insist on walk- over the years, especially those had to be cared for in the medical I’m not well, simply because the dining table and had moved sure his three children had a “nor- Ye Ye till late, long after we had ing down the steps at home, from who were involved in the last five ICU (intensive care unit) of SGH. when I’m well – I’ve got a 20m Papa’s chair and placed it against mal childhood”. He didn’t want finished dinner, both sides want- the verandah to the porch where years of his life, when his medical This was a very difficult time for corridor with thick cushion – I’ll the wall. It was a poignant mo- us to grow up with a sense of privi- ing to ensure that the other under- the car was parked. Ho Ching had problems multiplied and became Papa, the medical staff, as well as do literal barefoot running. And ment because it came home to me lege and entitlement. stood his perspective and point of a lift installed so Papa need not ne- more complicated. for the family. The ICU staff were you times 20m about 800 times. that this farewell is forever. And I As a teenager in secondary view! gotiate those steps. But as long as At a ripe old age of 91, he had diligent and meticulous in their Yes, it’s a little mad... I did 16km nearly broke down, but I won’t school, seeking to assert my inde- While there have been public he was alert and aware, he re- multiple medical problems and care, and no effort was spared to yesterday. I did 16km today. break down, I am a Hakka woman. pendence, I would sometimes ride celebrations to mark my father’s fused the lift even though it was a many specialists, so the list of help Papa and tend to his every About 15 years ago, my father So farewell, Papa. I will miss the public bus. Papa did not ob- key birthdays, these small private Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Ho Ching, at the Mandai Crematorium. PM Lee gave the first eulogy at the service in Mandai, where he spoke struggle for him to walk down people to thank is a very long one. need. The doctors had meetings came into my room and he said: you. Rest in peace. And... be as ject, and my poor security officer family celebrations were a source about his father as head of the family and as a loving grandfather. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG those steps, even with three SOs I know them and I am grateful to twice a day to discuss how to pro- “Mama and I should be very hap- tough as Hakkas come. had to follow me around on buses. of much joy to him and Mama. It When I was in junior college and was anticipated for months before keen on outdoor activities, my and savoured in the memory for security officer had to shadow me months after, and was part of the as I trekked around Pulau Ubin, ritual of each passing year. He was ‘my own special father’ and more Pa was always there for us and taught us lessons in life Pulau Tekong and canoed around Many know how privileged Sin- Singapore. But Papa’s principles gaporeans are to have benefited Excerpt from the eulogy by ensured that I had as normal a from my father’s contributions to Excerpt from the eulogy by with Cikgu Amin; he encouraged photo of Papa with four grand- Mama’s passing five years ago my father... For many years, Yang rationally that one day we will childhood as possible, although I building our nation. I know that MR LEE HSIEN YANG MR LEE HSIEN LOONG Yang and me to take up SAF Schol- sons, who were then toddlers, was a huge blow to him. But the has made it a custom to host a have to say farewell, yet emotion- think I put out the security detail growing up as his son, I have also at Mandai Crematorium at Mandai Crematorium arships, to serve the nation; he blowing soap bubbles in the gar- pictures of them together kept Pa- family dinner at his home on our ally we find it hard to imagine it often! been privileged to have witnessed MY FATHER was born when Sin- persuaded Ling to become a doc- den in front of Sri Temasek... pa company, to remind him of parents’ birthdays. On Papa’s happening. Then one day our par- Family holidays were happy oc- what it means to be a good man, a gapore was part of the British Em- SO MUCH has been said about tor instead of a vet. He set us on Papa was happy that all three their 63 happy years together. 90th birthday, we had our usual ents are really gone, and we are casions. We were able to see more good husband, a good father and pire, the Straits Settlements flag Pa’s public life in the past few the path to make our own marks children grew up to be successful, All his life, Papa kept up with cosy meal. I was taking pictures at left with a sense of loss and pain. of Papa. We didn’t go anywhere grandfather. fluttered over Government days. His public life is something in the world, and we are grateful. responsible people, contributing his old friends – Yong Pung How, the dinner table. Papa gave a radi- That is the human condition. far away, posh or exotic: the gov- To Singapore and Singapore- House, and the people of Singa- we share with all of Singapore, We are also grateful that Pa to society in our different ways. A Chia Chwee Leong, Hon Sui Sen, ant smile. I decided to soak in the Papa had thought long and ernment rest houses in Fraser’s ans, Papa was at various times pore sang “God Save the King”. with the world. guided and nurtured us to grow few months after I became Prime and after Sui Sen died his widow moment and not scramble to cap- hard about this. When preparing Hill, Cameron Highlands, and PM, SM, MM. But whatever his Papa was given the name Harry at But we were privileged to know up into normal, well-adjusted peo- Minister, he wrote me a letter on Annie. As the years went by, the ture the photo. I don’t have the what to say today, I remembered later Changi Cottage, a small, office, he was actually always birth. He grew up to feel that that him as a father, a grandfather, an ple, even though we were the his Minister Mentor letterhead. It numbers of his old friends dwin- photo but it’s a memory. It will be that once upon a time he had two-bedroom seaside bungalow LKY. Even after he stopped being did not fit in and reflect who he elder brother, a friend, a strict but Prime Minister’s children, always read: “These are mock-ups of my dled. In recent years, he would oc- there forever. made a speech about growing old that holds many precious memo- MM, people found it awkward to was as a son of Singapore. compassionate boss, the head of in the spotlight, in every danger of Christmas and New Year cards for casionally host dinners for his tu- Thank you to the Security Com- and dying, to a gathering of doc- ries for me, even if once in a while refer to him by anything other When Papa was 10, his young- the family. being spoilt, indulged and led this year 2005. The pho- mand team who tors. Nobody else remembered it, the air-con there doesn’t work than this alphabet soup. But to his est brother Suan Yew was born. Actually, Pa was the head of astray. He and Ma decided that tograph after the swear- have protected except Janadas. We searched for and we have to call out for help. grandchildren, he was always Ye Papa persuaded his father and his two families. As the eldest son, we would stay in Oxley Road and ing-in at the Istana my father. You the speech, and eventually after a Golf was Papa’s principal recre- Ye, and to Fern and me, he was mother that it was not a good from a young age he was effective- not move to Sri Temasek, lest we records a memorable not only ensured heroic effort, YY found it. Papa ation and a passion, so golf fea- and will always be Papa. We will thing to give Suan Yew a Western ly head of his household, helping grow up thinking that the world evening in my life. Have Pa had a long and full life. He was his security, but had made it to a congress of cardi- tured prominently not only on va- miss him dearly. name. And so at 10 years old, he his mother – Mak – to bring up owed us a living. you any amendments or healthy, active and vigorous, until were always by ologists, very long ago – in 1972! I cations, but also after work in the This past week, my family and had prevailed in the household. his younger brothers and sister. He made sure we did not get comments?” his side, round must have read it at the time, and evenings. The nine-hole course in I have received a deluge of messag- Decades later, when Papa entered He remained close to them all his the wrong ideas – no inflated The photo was of me advanced old age. He used to say that the clock, be- it left such an impression on me the Istana grounds provided am- es expressing appreciation for my politics, he found the name Harry life. To my uncles and aunts, he sense of self; never to be inconsid- shaking hands congratu- life is a marathon, not a sprint. Pa’s yond the call of that I remembered it across four ple room for us children to find father’s life, sometimes providing to be a political liability. It was was always “Kor”, never “Harry”. erate to others; not to throw our lating him, I as the new duty. You be- decades. adventure while he golfed. Both poignant memories of interac- from politics that he found it, but Sai Sok (Suan Yew) would have weight around. We may not al- Prime Minister and he as marathon is done. He went away came friends, I re-read the speech with de- Loong and I were sent for golf les- tions with Papa. And although in in truth two decades before that, him over to dinner every Christ- ways have done it right, but we the new Minister Mentor peacefully. He will leave a big hole in and almost part light. It was vintage Lee Kuan Yew sons. We learnt to hit a long drive life, Papa kept the two threads of he had felt that this was not right mas, and Ku Cheh (Monica) would were never left in any doubt what and President S R Nath- of the family. – thoughtful, erudite, elegant, wit- public and private life apart, and for him. was the right way to behave. an looking on. Naturally our lives, and in our hearts. But his Thank you also ty, but with a deeper point. Sadly, from the tee box, but neither of us Mr Lee Hsien Yang and his wife Lim Suet Fern with their sons Li Huanwu (back row, left), Li Shaowu (second from cook him his favourite dishes, and I replied that I agreed to Papa’s person- nobody makes after-dinner really took to the game and we shielded Mama and the children When Loong, Ling and I were right), holding Mr Lee’s portrait with Li Haoyi, PM Lee’s son. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG teach his cook how to do them, al- He took pride in us children. values, his love and his words – these stopped when we grew up. from the glare of the media, in his born, Papa gave us only Chinese most to the same standard as When I learnt to ride a bicycle, he and had no amendments. al staff, especial- speeches like that any more. He ti- But eventually, Papa, too, passing, the two threads come to- names. As Papa did not have a hers. Papa made it a point to at- was there. Once when I was just He was proud of his son, will stay with us, inspire us, and live ly Lin Hoe and tled it “Life is better when it is prompted by Ling, gave up golf, gether as we share the grief of good command of Chinese and said: “Your name means you’re mention or flaunt their relation- a nation all of us are proud to call tend the Chinese New Year reun- getting the hang of balancing on but he wanted to do YY, who have short, healthy and full”. and for exercise he took to jog- loss. We have been overwhelmed came from a Peranakan house- an illustrious show-off”. Actual- ship with their grandfather, that home. ion dinner of the extended Lee two wheels, he pushed me off things in the proper way, on in us for a long, long time. served him for He talked about cardiac health, ging, swimming, stationary cy- by the outpouring of grief and hold, he sought the help of the ly, the phrase meant “to bring they needed to make their own Papa, thank you for being a family every year, even till last from behind to get me started. I as always. more than 20 decrepitude, the right to die, ad- cling as well as walking. affection. We have been touched court interpreter, Mr Wong honour and value to your par- way in the world, on their own wonderful husband and compan- year, to catch up with his siblings, pedalled off across the field, think- He continued to teach years each. I vanced medical directives (though In January 1973 when I was 15, beyond words by the many Singa- Chong Min, in the choice of ents”. merit and industry. I suggested to ion to Mama, for loving her com- to meet his nephews and nieces, ing that he was still supporting us lessons in life even in his later tors, doctors, staff and friends, would like to thank my sister the term had not yet been invent- Ling and I joined Papa and Mama poreans who have braved the ele- names. For their eldest son, Papa I am sure many Singaporeans them that should they be asked pletely, for caring for her during and later grand-nephews and and pushing me. After a few sec- years. We learnt from watching usually at Raffles Hotel, courtesy Ling, who lived with Papa in Ox- ed), and much more. You have to on a trip to visit Loong, who was ments to pay their last respects at and Mama chose the name Hsien travelling abroad have often re- whether they are related to Mr her illness and during your lives grand-nieces. onds, I turned around and found I him grow old with Mama. She of Jennie Chua, to stay in touch ley Road, and did so much to help read the full speech yourself, be- at university in Cambridge. It was all hours of night and day. Young Loong. It meant “illustrious drag- ceived compliments on Singapore Lee Kuan Yew that a good answer together. Pa was also head of his own was on my own. He had let go. He meant the world to him, and he to and show his appreciation. take care of him. You were not on- cause it is impossible to summa- our first family holiday where we and old, on foot or aided by walk- on”. It was an appropriate and and its transformation over the was to say: “My name is spelt Papa, thank you for being my family – my mother and the three was so pleased. So was I. her. They delighted in each And every fortnight or so, Kim ly his daughter, but also his doc- rise. I will just share one quote: travelled so far away. On that ing sticks, in push chairs or wheel- auspicious choice for a boy, espe- last 50 years. Usually the conver- ‘Li’, Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s name is own special father. Always there children. He had plunged deep in- Like all good fathers, Papa con- other’s company. Li, his niece, would take him out tor. You were his close companion “Life is better short, healthy and trip, Papa and Mama took the chairs, you came to pay your last cially one born in the Year of the sation would quickly acknow- spelt ‘Lee’. ‘Li’ is one of the most to guide, counsel and advise me to politics by the time we arrived. tinued to be there for us, even af- After Mama’s stroke in 2003, for meals, and for a change of sur- throughout. You travelled with full than long, unhealthy and dis- family to Stratford-upon-Avon, respects, to sign condolence Dragon. ledge the contributions of Mr Lee common Chinese surnames in the every step of the way, but also In fact, the day I was born, ter we grew up. When Yang and I he nursed her back to health, en- roundings. They would go to Un- him, watched over him closely, mal. We all have to die. I hope Shakespeare’s birthplace. We books and to write messages. You For my sister, they chose the Kuan Yew. I would nod in agree- world...” This response, which I prepared to step back and let me when he visited Mama and the new got married, he wrote us long and couraged her to exercise and stay derwater World Sentosa, Changi and made sure he got medical mine will be painless. As de Gaulle watched the Royal Shakespeare have posted touching tributes and name Wei Ling, which means ment but I would not acknow- suggested, was not meant to mis- find my own wings and make my baby in Kandang Kerbau Hospital, thoughtful letters sharing advice active, and continued to take her Airport to see Project Jewel, to treatment in time when problems said: ‘Never fear, even de Gaulle Company’s production of Coriola- poems online and waited patiently “the beautiful sound of tinkling ledge my relationship, and I just lead or to obfuscate, it’s born out own way. he told her how he was going to on how to make our marriages suc- on trips abroad. He even learnt to take a boat ride in the harbour. He were brewing. You took on more must die’, and he did.” nus and toured the usual Shake- to greet his cortege as it passed. jade”. I suppose Mama thought kept quiet. I’d say: “Yes, it’s been of a desire to be recognised for Papa, thank you for loving my represent the postmen’s union in cessful. Precious lessons drawn measure her blood pressure using enjoyed the outings and the com- than your fair share of our filial du- Papa had a long and full life. He spearean sites in Stratford. At the Please accept my family’s that that was an appropriate and a remarkable journey.” who we are as individuals and not wife, and my children, Shengwu, their dispute with the government. from his own long, very happy a traditional sphygmomanometer pany. A few friends would join in ties. Thank you, Ling. was healthy, active and vigorous, time, I had assumed it was just inadequate but deep and heartfelt feminine name for a daughter, Unsolicited compliments like for who we are related to. Huanwu and Shaowu. You have This was the postmen’s strike marriage with Mama. and stethoscope, and faithfully and take turns to host him – Wai Finally, I want to thank the ded- until advanced old age. He used to Mama indulging her love for thanks. We know our loss is your though I don’t think it circum- this are the most authentic and We are immensely proud of Pa- been a loving grandfather to each which first made his name and After Ming Yang died, and espe- did this twice a day every day and Keung, Stephen Lee, Ong Beng icated grassroots volunteers from say that life is a marathon, not a Shakespeare and trying to educate loss too, and that the loss is deep scribed Ling’s development! heartfelt. Keeping private my fam- pa and his achievements, and yet of them, sharing small pleasures, launched him into active politics. cially before I remarried, he and e-mailed the results to her Seng, Ban Leong, Peter Seah, Rob- Teck Ghee and Tanjong Pagar. sprint. Papa’s marathon is done. us while we were on vacation. But and keenly felt. We are humbled For me, they chose the name ily connection only served to en- perhaps it is part of our DNA to enjoying their companionship. So day to day, Mama ran the Mama spent time with Xiuqi and doctors. He would tell her: “Life is ert Ng, among others. We are You served for many years on the He went away peacefully. He will years later when Papa wrote his that so many have come forward Hsien Yang. The name Yang has hance the pleasure for me, and seek our own way in life. I am Papa, it is hard to say goodbye. household, brought us up, saw to Yipeng, then still infants, to fill an endless series of adjustments. grateful to Kim Li, and to them. ground, helping Mr Lee and me to leave a big hole in our lives, and in memoirs, we realised the hidden to demonstrate your affection for, more literary origin. It was taken sadly, as I developed a more visi- sure that Papa would not have Your work is done and your rest is our schooling. But Papa set the the gap and help bring them up. As you grow older, you adjust. I would also like to thank the look after our residents. our hearts. But his values, his meaning this visit held for my respect of and gratitude to my ex- from a quote from the Three Let- ble public profile, it became hard- wanted it otherwise. richly deserved. In our own differ- tone, tracked our progress and They took them for walks after Think how lucky we are and how medical team of doctors, nurses, When we are young, we think love, and his words – these will parents. They had married secret- traordinary father, a father we ter Classics which can mean “to er not to be recognised as Lee Papa, thank you for a lifetime ent and diverse ways, my family made the big decisions. dinner every night in the Istana. much worse off we could be. Al- physiotherapists, specialists of all our parents will always be there. stay with us, inspire us, and live ly in Stratford-upon-Avon in share with Singapore. show off”. So my mother used to Hsien Yang and my father’s son. of service to the people of Singa- and I will continue to honour you He sent us to a Chinese school; He was not an indulgent grandfa- ways look on the bright side of kinds led by Professor Fong Kok After we grow up, as we watch on in us for a long, long time. Fare- December 1947. Farewell, Papa. tease me before I knew this and I taught my children not to pore. You made this little red dot and your memory in all that we do. he started us on Malay lessons ther, but a loving one. There is a things.” Yong, for taking such good care of them age and grow frail, we know well, and rest in peace, Papa. 12 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 13

EULOGIES 1923 - 2015 Ye Ye showed us what we could be Softer side

Excerpt from the eulogy by and well-considered perspectives. MR LI HONGYI, 28, I had the privilege once of ac- son of PM Lee Hsien Loong and companying Ye Ye to a ceremony grandson of Mr Lee Kuan Yew in Washington where he was re- of Mr Lee ceiving an award. Hearing him SOME years ago when I was pre- speak and watching the entire paring to go to university, Ye Ye room listen made me feel so gave me a camera. This was the proud. His charisma came not first and only time he ever gave from showmanship but from pure me a present. Over the next few substance. unveiled years, I got deeply into photogra- Ye Ye understood the limits of phy and took thousands of photos his knowledge. He made it a point of my time in college. After I grad- to try and understand the flaws Leaders recall a tough but fair man uated, I got a book printed with and risks of his own perspectives my favourite ones. I presented it better than anyone else. This was who agonised over hard decisions to him as a thank you for his gift especially true when it came to and hopefully to show him I had Singapore. He refused to let blind done something good with it. nationalism run this country into By FIONA CHAN gone. He wanted to be judged on Ye Ye was more than a grandfa- the ground. DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR this, not by the city he had built ther to me. He was an inspiration. He cared deeply about this and the lives he had improved”. As a child, I looked up to him and country and made sure he was To usher in Singapore’s next wanted to grow up to be the kind aware of any weaknesses that A SOFTER side of the late Mr Lee generation of leaders, Mr Lee of man he was. Even now, I still could cause us harm. But he was Kuan Yew emerged yesterday “had to cut short the political ca- We don’t have everything, but we have more than most, because of Mr Lee’s lifelong labour, says Ms Chew, who do. very proud of Singapore and confi- from the eulogies of those who reers of his old colleagues”, a pro- got to meet Singapore’s first Prime Minister during two assignments as a journalist. ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM We would have lunch with Ye dent that we could be better. had worked closely with him. cess that “was painful for him”, Ye and Nai Nai every Sunday at Ye Ye showed me that you They spoke of Singapore’s recalled Mr Goh. their house. We always ate simple could make a difference in this founding Prime Minister not just “He said that it was things: mee rebus, nasi lemak, world. Not just that you could as a scrupulously honest leader ‘emotionally difficult but popiah. He was never one con- make a difference, but that you and a tough taskmaster, but also necessary… I had to do it, whatev- On behalf of young S’poreans cerned with luxury or lavishness. could do it with your head held as a mentor, a teacher, a friend – er my own feelings’. The idea that he would care about high. You didn’t have to lie, cheat and a hero. “I know he felt for them. He how fancy his food was or what or steal. You didn’t have to President Tony Tan Keng Yam would occasionally ask me about everywhere, thank you brand his clothes were was laugha- charm, flatter or cajole. You recalled the “roar” of the crowd them,” he added. ble. His mind was always on more didn’t have to care about frivolous at the National Day Parade two After Mr Goh himself stepped important things. He would have things or play silly games. You years ago when the audience down as Prime Minister in 2004, Excerpt from the eulogy by record. I also learnt that in his lat- To thank him for the photo discussions with our parents could do something good with burst into a loud cheer upon see- handing the office over to Mr MS CASSANDRA CHEW, 31, er years he craved his late shoot that day, I had prepared while my cousins and I would sit your life, and the best way to do ing Mr Lee make his entrance. Lee’s son, current Prime Minister civil servant and former journalist mother’s gado gado and mee two chocolate cupcakes after by the side and listen. I would al- so was to have good principles “That roar captured the feel- Lee Hsien Loong, he continued to with The Straits Times siam which, thankfully, his sis- learning how much he enjoyed ways feel a bit silly after listening. and conduct yourself honourably. ings of a nation, of all of us, to- have lunch regularly with the ter, Madam Monica Lee, could chocolate. But, on the day, I was He made me realise how petty all People admired Ye Ye for his wards Mr Lee. It rang with re- elder Mr Lee until the latter’s I DID not know Mr Lee Kuan replicate. far too excited and dropped the my little concerns were and how brilliant mind. They admired him spect, affection, friendship and health declined in 2013. Yew personally for most of my I made at least eight visits to box before I could present them there were so many bigger prob- for his ability to lead and rally us deep emotional attachment. Mr Goh also caught peeks of life. We met while I was on two 38 Oxley Road, where I went into to Mr Lee. lems in the world. He made me together. They admired him for “It was the sound of one na- Mr Lee’s personal life during assignments as a journalist – doc- all the rooms. But the only time I I had been reflecting on what I want to do something more with all of his staggering accomplish- tion united,” Dr Tan said at a those lunches. “We talked about umenting his life at home and col- saw him at home was during our was learning about Mr Lee, as a my life. ments. These are all true. But to state funeral for Mr Lee at the Na- our families and health. After lecting photographs for a picture 20-minute photo shoot which be- person and founder of independ- He was not an especially charm- me, what made him a great man tional University of Singapore’s Mrs Lee’s death, I glimpsed how book for his 90th birthday. gan in his study, where he spent ent Singapore, and had just be- ing man. Yet when he spoke, you was the person he chose to be. A University Cultural Centre lonely and sad he was.” I met him up close six times, most of his time while at home. gun to understand just how felt compelled to listen. Because man of character, clarity and con- (UCC). Former Cabinet minister for meetings and interviews, He was in good spirits that much he and his family had sacri- when he spoke, you knew he was viction. We should remember him Last week, the nation gathered S. Dhanabalan, once identified from July 2011. Most were large, day, dressed in a white, ficed to ensure Singapore’s suc- being straight with you. He was less as a man who gave us great to mourn him, and did so in a by Mr Lee as a potential succes- formal meetings at the Istana. short-sleeved shirt, dark trou- cess. I realised just how much I not trying to cajole or flatter. He gifts, and more as a man who manner that would have made sor, shared similar memories of Naturally, I was on my best be- sers and his trademark sports had taken for granted, and how would be completely frank and showed us the kind of people we him proud, the President added. the latter mentoring younger min- haviour. shoes. much more I had to thank him honest. After speaking to him in could be. Singaporeans queued patiently isters. I didn’t dare to say a word to It looked as if he had been go- for. person, you knew that his speech- When Ye Ye gave me that cam- for hours to pay their last re- “When he made official visits him until my editor made me ing through his e-mail at his To me, Mr Lee had trans- es were not puffed-up fluff. They era years ago, he wrote me a note. spects to Mr Lee, who died last and went to conferences, he al- lead one of the interviews. He desk, which had newspapers, formed from an elderly states- It was a simple note without any ways made it a point to take a magazines, binders of papers and man who our textbooks say did a were truly his opinions on the mat- Monday. Many helped to make Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching bowing to thank the 2,200 mourners and guests near the end of thought Mr Lee would enjoy the few of us in the younger team lot for us but didn’t seem rele- ters he cared most about. He flowery language or cheap senti- the wait less onerous by offering the funeral service for Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the University Cultural Centre yesterday. ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM interaction with a younger Singa- stationery, all neatly arranged. would never echo empty slogans ment. He simply told me that he shelter and refreshments. along with him,” he said. porean. It was clear that even at vant to my daily life, to a man for or narrow-minded ideologies; it hoped I make good use of it. I “This was what (Mr Lee) had “Mr Lee never tired of repeat- I was so nervous I could hear home, his focus was on his work. whom I developed a deep sense was always thoroughly researched hope I have. worked for his whole life – to ing his war stories, observations, former senior minister of state to write an exciting sequel to his my heart pounding before the It didn’t matter to him that his of gratitude and appreciation. So build a united people, who re- and conclusions about events and Sidek Saniff. and our Singapore story,” said meeting, and actually felt a head- furniture was more than 60 much of Singapore began to spect and care for one another as personalities. To me, he was Min- Speaking in Malay, he choked Mr Goh. ache coming on. I braced myself years old and outdated. They make sense to me now that I had fellow citizens,” Dr Tan said. ister Mentor from the time I start- up at times as he recounted how Other eulogists at the Dedicated leader not afraid to to be peppered with questions on served their purpose and that seen the world through his eyes. 1 Grandpa was ‘our Emeritus Senior Minister Goh ed working with him.” Mr Lee had told him not to spend 2 /2-hour state funeral included whether I was married, when I was all that mattered. I decided to try to express my Chok Tong, who had taken the Like Mr Goh, Mr Dhanabalan money buying a new overcoat former Cabinet minister Ong planned to have children or whe- That was how he lived his life: thanks again, and wrote him a Prime Minister baton from Mr also witnessed Mr Lee’s anguish and boots for a trip to China, but Pang Boon, trade unionist G. implement unpopular policies ther I spoke Mandarin often very simply and frugally, and al- thank-you card. man of tomorrow’ Lee in 1990, described him as a behind the scenes when he had to instead to borrow them – from Muthukumarasamy, Tanjong Pa- enough – questions Mr Lee was ways putting the country first I had so much to say, but did man who “drove his people hard” make difficult decisions. former Cabinet minister Ahmad gar community leader Leong known to ask young Singapore- and his own creature comforts not know how to say it, and end- to quickly create a nation from “He was sometimes seen as a Mattar and Mr Goh respectively. Chun Loong and civil servant and Excerpt from the eulogy by ans he met. second. ed up writing four simple lines. Excerpt from the eulogy by To grow up in Singapore is to scratch. hard-hearted man who acted Concluding, Mr Sidek turned former journalist Cassandra MR ONG PANG BOON, 86, But there was none of that dur- We moved to the living room, A few weeks later, I received a MR LI SHENGWU, 30, grow up in his shadow; to see in But Mr Lee – whom Mr Goh without feelings. But on the few to face Mr Lee’s coffin and said: Chew. Cabinet minister from 1959 to ing the 80-minute interview, which was also a very private reply. True to his personality, his Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s eldest son our skyscrapers, our schools, our first met in 1958 when he invited occasions he discussed privately “Farewell, friend. Farewell.” Their speeches were bookend- 1984, who led the ministries of which was focused on the begin- space because it was where the response was brief and to the and grandson of Mr Lee Kuan Yew highways and our homes the the then opposition leader to with me the decision to act An equally heartfelt goodbye ed by eulogies from Mr Lee’s Home Affairs, Education, Labour nings of his political career. late Mrs Lee was remembered. point. “Thank you,” he wrote, force of his singular vision. speak at his school, Raffles Insti- against someone, I know that he came from Mr Dhanabalan, who sons, PM Lee and Mr Lee Hsien and the Environment There was no room for nervous- Her photographs were displayed and signed off as “LKY”. I was WHEN the grandchildren were History is full of plans for the tution – was also a “great teach- agonised over the decision,” said also faced the coffin and said sim- Yang. ness either. in two rows above her urn, and I thrilled to have heard back from very little, Ye Ye would take us total transformation of society. er” and an inveterate worrier. Mr Dhanabalan, now chairman of ply: “Farewell, Sir.” After the 10 eulogies, PM Lee He came in, sat down and was told Mr Lee would gaze at him, but a little sad that I did not on walks to feed the fish at the Is- Plato’s Republic. Abbe Sieyes’ “He shared with the Cabinet NUS Business School’s manage- Dr Tan and Mr Goh, on the and Dr Tan laid wreaths near Mr THE first time I heard of Mr Lee asked: “Who’s going to start?” them daily as he had his meals. convey what I felt in my heart. tana. We would perch on the edge What Is The Third Estate? The useful articles, his conversations ment advisory board. other hand, ended their eulogies Lee’s coffin. Kuan Yew was during the 1952 And with that, the interview be- I could feel how much Mr Lee This is my last chance. Mr of the pond, the ripples of our Communist Manifesto. Few plans with world leaders, and insights But he added that Mr Lee “was by urging Singaporeans to contin- A moment of silence was then postal workers’ strike, when I gan. As always, Mr Lee was fo- missed his late wife. She was his Lee, thank you for everything. breadcrumbs breaking the mir- succeed, and many cause more from overseas trips,” Mr Goh convinced that a soft-hearted ap- ue Mr Lee’s legacy of a harmoni- observed islandwide for Mr Lee was a student at the University cused on the task at hand. partner, his anchor, for more Some days I cannot believe how rored surface of the water. He bloodshed than happiness. As told the 2,200 guests at the proach would undermine the ous and successful Singapore. and the pledge and national an- of Malaya. Over time, I gained more than 63 years. fortunate I am to have been born liked to have the grandchildren such plans go, his was compas- funeral. ethos he wanted to embed deeply “Let us stay united, across them recited before the family At the time, the English and glimpses of what he was like as a The last set of photos we took a Singaporean. nearby as he pedalled his exercise sionate, even humane. His objec- He also “worried incessantly in public service”. race, language, religion, across left for the cremation service at Chinese papers reported widely person. For instance, it was a at his home are my favourite. We don’t have everything, but bike on the green grass. tive was that his fellow citizens, whether Singapore would survive One value Mr Lee held dear young and old, across rich and Mandai Crematorium. on how this legal adviser repre- thrill for me to learn from his Seated on a chair by a wooden ta- we have more than most, be- Sunday lunch with Ye Ye was you and I, would know peace and after he and the old guard were was that of no wastefulness, said poor, across our whole society, [email protected] senting the unions argued suc- oral history that he once failed an ble on the verandah, Mr Lee cause of your lifelong labour. On an institution for our family. His plenty. cessfully against the colonial gov- art exam in primary school. But flashed a bright smile. They behalf of young Singaporeans eve- voice and his hearty laugh would He believed that education, ernment for the unions’ and Mr Lee spent every moment thinking of how he could improve Singapore that was, of course, a small blem- turned out to be the best photos rywhere, I’d like to say: Thank carry to the children’s table, talk- open markets and clean govern- workers’ welfare. and Singaporeans’ lives, says Mr Ong Pang Boon. ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM ish on his distinguished academic on the reel. you. ing about matters of state, re- ment would make the people of PRESIDENT TONY TAN KENG YAM EMERITUS SENIOR MINISTER FORMER CABINET MINISTER Like many other young peo- counting meetings with foreign Singapore a great people. That his “Every National Day, we looked forward to GOH CHOK TONG S. DHANABALAN ple, I was deeply impressed by leaders whose names we neither plan succeeded is beyond dispute. seeing Mr Lee. I remember vividly our “After I stepped down as Prime Minister, “He had an absolute obsession to ensure this brilliant lawyer. recognised nor remembered. It succeeded so rapidly, so thor- National Day Parade two years ago. There we continued to lunch regularly. Our an honest, corruption-free political process So when the People’s Action dents from Chinese schools and In a city of continual renewal, oughly, that to my generation, had been some uncertainty about Mr Lee’s conversations never drifted far from his and public administration system. He had Party decided to contest the 1955 the trade unions. Lesson on being No laughing matter my grandparents’ house never the poverty and instability of health. While I was waiting to enter the life’s work. We shared many common seen the damage a nation and society election, I did not hesitate to sup- Hence, he was always wor- changed. Always the same white Singapore’s beginning feel almost Floating Platform to officiate the Parade, concerns, including the emerging trend of suffer when well-meaning leaders allow port the PAP as a volunteer, and ried that the PAP could be hi- walls, the same wooden furni- unreal – like a fever dream suddenly I heard a huge cheer, a roar — income stratification and social those close to them to take advantage of was assigned to be Mr Lee’s elec- jacked by the pro-communists. responsible for a job when it came to S’pore ture, the same high windows let- chased away by the morning the biggest that day. My staff informed me fragmentation. He worried about almost their position. tion agent. We fought with the pro-com- ting in sunlight. light. But after the election, my em- munists several times in the ear- that Mr Lee had just made his entrance to every aspect of Singapore. He never ceased “Mr Lee demanded and expected The food stayed the same too He was our man of tomorrow. ployer posted me to Kuala ly years. But we won because Mr Excerpt from the eulogy by Excerpt from the eulogy by take his seat. That roar captured the – Singapore cooking that would From the day he took office in sharing and I kept on learning. honesty and probity from political Lumpur, and I thought that was Lee had the strong support of MR G. MUTHUKUMARASAMY, MR LEONG CHUN LOONG, feelings of a nation, of all of us, towards not be out of place at a good stall 1959, he fought to bring Singa- “Once in a while, he showed his soft colleagues, from his equivalent of ‘Long the end of my political involve- like-minded comrades like Dr 64, general secretary of the 79, Tanjong Pagar grassroots Mr Lee. It rang with respect, affection, in a hawker centre. Ye Ye and Nai pore into the future. In real side. We talked about our families and March’ comrades, public servants and ment. Toh Chin Chye, Dr Goh Keng Amalgamated Union of Public Daily leader who worked with Mr Lee Nai would take us on outings, to terms, the average Singaporean in friendship and deep emotional attachment. health. After Mrs Lee’s death, I glimpsed from all members of his family. In 1956, Mr Lee was en route Swee and Mr S. Rajaratnam. Rated Workers, who spoke in Tamil Kuan Yew for 39 years the zoo, to the Science Centre, to 1959 was as poor as the average “It is not something that can be easily how lonely and sad he was. Sadly, we had “He was sometimes seen as a to Cameron Highlands for a holi- In 1959, the PAP won the gen- National Day. As a child, I be- American in the year 1860. put into words. But I know that all to discontinue our lunches in 2013 because hard-hearted man who acted without day with his wife and elder son, eral election on the back of the WHEN I was an apprentice wire- BACK in the early days, Chinese lieved that the chief benefit of his Today, Singapore is one of the Singaporeans, in their hearts, understand of his health. Sadly, his physical health feelings. But on the few occasions he and arranged to see me at the Chinese-educated voters of Sin- man at PWD, my colleagues and I New Year celebrations would position was that it came with a most developed countries in the what I am talking about.” declined. Sadly, Mr Lee is gone.” discussed privately with me the decision to Kuala Lumpur Station Hotel. gapore. I joined the first PAP were asked by my supervisor to kick off with the lighting of fire- marvellous view of the fireworks. world. The Singapore economy act against someone, I know that he To my surprise, he asked me Cabinet, with Mr Lee as go to the newly built Changi Cot- crackers, followed by the singing Ye Ye loved his role as a doting has advanced more in 50 years agonised over the decision.” to join the PAP as its organising Singapore’s first Prime Minis- tage to service the air-condition- of the National Anthem. grandfather. It delighted him, at than the American economy ad- secretary. ter. ing system. We did not know who During one celebration, the each Chinese New Year, when the vanced in 150 years. This is a pace I was determined to join the He was a dedicated Prime stayed there or used the space. firecrackers did not go off when grandchildren gathered to greet of pro- battle for independence from co- Minister with broad perspec- As we were finishing up, Mr lit. After a while, we got impa- him and receive hongbao. After gress less like economic develop- lonial rule, and accepted his of- tives. During Cabinet meetings, Lee, who was then PM, came into tient and the emcee decided to Nai Nai had her second stroke in ment, and more like time travel. Singapore persists, then a monu- institutions. To build institutions law as our birthrights. old Dutch word, meaning a freed fer without a second thought there would sometimes be differ- the room. When we saw him, we move on to the National An- June 2008, he continued the tradi- Once, at the suggestion that a ment will be unnecessary. And is to cede power, to create a sys- We have our own visions for slave. When Singapore was cut and joined the march for change. ing views on certain issues but, got extremely nervous but fin- him the job because he thought he them. function, we had set up a stage tion, preparing himself the hong- monument might be made for that assessment is accurate: His tem that will not forever rely on what Singapore will be. Some of adrift from Malaysia, you adopt- I have never regretted that deci- after active discussion, he was ished the job. When we were could do it – not for him to turn However, just as the National for the day’s activities. bao for his grandchildren. him, my grandfather replied: “Re- legacy is not cold stone, but a you. That this funeral passes with- our hopes may seem idealistic or ed an orphaned nation and made sion. able to accept alternative views done, Mr Lee asked me to call in around and reassign it to his Anthem was being played, the The key officials were sitting As I grew up, sometimes I member Ozymandias.” He was, living nation. We could no more out disorder or uncertainty shows far-fetched. But my grandfa- us all your children. As the PAP’s organising secre- and ideas. my supervisor. What happened team. He told my supervisor that firecrackers went off loudly. on the stage while the residents would talk to Ye Ye about politics of course, referring to Shelley’s forget him than we could forget that he succeeded in this task. We ther’s vision must have seemed Ye Ye, you chose to forsake tary, I had to work closely with I served in the Cabinet until next is still on my mind like it hap- he did not want to see him again. We thought it was quite were sitting in front of the stage. and the state. Always he spoke sonnet about the greatest phar- the sky. are bereft at his passing, but not outlandish too, when he promised personal gain and the comforts of Secretary-General Comrade Lee 1984. pened yesterday. The incident left a deep impres- funny but Mr Lee was not It was getting very hot and sun- with the courage of his convic- aoh of the Egyptian empire. In It is often said that my grandfa- afraid. The foundations that he 50 years ago that an impover- an ordinary life, so that the peo- and other Exco members. This What struck me most about When my supervisor came in, sion on me. Mr Lee believed in amused at all. ny. tions, with a certainty born of the poem, a lone traveller encoun- ther built great institutions for built run deep. ished backwater would become a ple of Singapore could have a bet- gave me a better understanding Mr Lee was his complete pas- Mr Lee said: “When a job is given one thing – one must do correctly Later he told us: “If we can’t Mr Lee noticed that the resi- long consideration. As you might ters a broken statue in the desert. Singapore. But what is an institu- The next task falls to us. I metropolis. He showed us that, ter life for themselves, and for of Mr Lee. sion for Singapore. He spent eve- to you, you should do it. I asked what he is told and everyone even do this right, how can we dents were perspiring in the sun guess, we didn’t always agree. At On the statue, the inscription, tion? It is a way of doing things think my grandfather always saw with courage and clear thinking, their children and for their grand- He was a consummate and far- ry moment thinking of how he you to service the air-condition- should do his own work. If a third run the country?” while we, the officials, were sit- the dining table, he never argued “My name is Ozymandias, King that outlives the one who builds my generation of Singaporeans Singapore can rise above its cir- children. sighted politician, maximising could improve Singapore and ing. Please service it now.” person is asked to do the job, the This incident showed us how ting in the shade. opportunistically, never took a po- of Kings; look on my works, ye it. A strong institution is robust, with a mixture of trepidation and cumstances and be a light to the That Singapore is safe, that every opportunity to advance his Singaporeans’ lives. My colleagues and I were wor- impact would not be right. We serious he was about all things He turned around and asked sition he didn’t believe for the mighty, and despair!” Nothing be- persistent. It does not depend hope. We are children of peace- world. Singapore is prosperous, that political advantage and the Once he decided that a cer- ried that we had not done the job must not pass the job to others, concerning Singapore and how us what we were going to do sake of a tactical advantage. The side remains. precariously on individual person- time, unacquainted with the long Ye Ye, you started by fighting Singapore is – for this we owe a PAP’s interests. tain policy was in the interest of correctly. We watched as my su- and walk away from it. We must he always expected us to do our about it. facts were the facts; our beliefs I think his meaning was that, if alities. It places the rule of law struggle to make Singapore a for Merdeka, for our right to rule debt that we cannot repay. Although English-educated, his beloved Singapore, he would pervisor serviced the air-condi- show involvement in our work best for Singapore. He was always thinking about should accord with the evidence, Singapore does not persist, then a above the rule of man. And that is modern nation state. We view sta- ourselves. I found out this week Ye Ye, we will try to make you he understood that power rested implement it, even if it meant tioning. When he was done, Mr and do it properly. This is how a Mr Lee cared for the people. the people and he expected us to and not the other way around. monument will be no help. And if the sacrifice of being a builder of bility, prosperity and the rule of that Merdeka has its roots in an proud. Majulah Singapura. with the pro-communist stu- making himself unpopular. Lee reiterated that he had given leader should be.” At a Tanjong Pagar Family Day put their interest above our own. 14 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 G MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 G 15

SAYING GOODBYE 1923 - 2015

ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH. PHOTO TAKEN FROM SWISSOTEL THE STAMFORD

A heavy downpour rained down – as even the heavens seemed to weep – as the funeral cortege of Mr Lee Kuan Yew wound past the historic Padang. It was here that on June 3, 1959, after sweeping the polls at The guns boom, general elections for the first fully elected Legislative Assembly, Mr Lee and his colleagues held a victory rally. To the tens of thousands gathered there, and who had placed their faith in the People’s Action Party, he said: “Once in a long while in the story of a people, there comes a great moment of change. Tonight is such a moment in our lives... We begin a new chapter in the history of Singapore.” The Padang and City Hall were the skies weep also where Mr Lee read out the proclamation of merger with Malaya in 1963, and where he proclaimed Singapore’s independence two years later. Singapore’s first National Day Parade was also held here, and the 1968 NDP at the Padang had also been drenched by a downpour. As the cortege made its final journey, cannon on the Padang fired a 21-gun salute in honour of Mr Lee. In the background is the Old Parliament House, the scene of so many fiery speeches from Mr Lee, first as an opposition assemblyman, then as Prime Minister and Senior Minister. 16 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 17

SAYING GOODBYE: PARLIAMENT HOUSE, PADANG 1923 - 2015 Crowds line streets to witness start TIME TO GIVE BACK “On Saturday when we went to pay our respects at Parliament House, people kept of final journey giving us biscuits and drinks along the queue, so we are giving back. I wanted to Lee Kuan Yew, God bless Lee prepare 200 boxes but I Young, old, locals and expats brave Kuan Yew”. He said: “We’ve shed FIRST TRIP TO SINGAPORE couldn’t hit the mark in the enough tears. I cried when Mr Lee end. The late Mr Lee did so “I really admire Mr Lee. When was in the Singapore General Hos- downpour outside Parliament House much for Singapore and for I was a young man and pital and when I paid my respects Singaporeans. This is my small working in Malaysia on odd By KARAMJIT KAUR, ANDREA NG A young man’s comment – to him at Parliament House, but way of saying ‘thank you’. It jobs, I was envious of the way and KOK XING HUI “Rain, never mind, tomorrow take he’s in a better place now.” is really no big deal.” he took care of the country. MC (sick leave)” – raised cheers Others like Madam Ang Quee He made sure everyone in THE scene of unprecedented from those around him. Whuay, 83, could not hold back – Madam Geeta Nanikram, 57, a Singapore is equal, unlike in crowds for the lying in state, Par- Soon after, the ceremonial gun their tears. She said that, if not housewife, who was up at 5am Malaysia. I wanted to send yesterday and spent four hours liament House still saw scores carriage carrying Mr Lee’s casket for Mr Lee and the Government’s preparing 103 packets of fried him off. It was difficult turn up yesterday to witness the emerged from the front gates of education subsidies, she would moving around Singapore as beehoon to distribute free to start of the end of Mr Lee Kuan Parliament House. not have been able to put her five mourners waiting by the Supreme it’s my first time here. I keep Yew’s final journey. The crowd, drenched from children through school after her Court to bid a final farewell to Mr having to ask for directions. By about 10am, more than 200 head to toe, broke out into chants husband died. Lee Kuan Yew. Her daughter It’s my wish to send him off, people – young, old, Singapore- of “We love you, Mr Lee”, “Thank She queued for five hours last Pooja Nanikram (above), 25, a Mr Lee is a good leader.” visual merchandiser, even ans, expatriates, tourists – were you, sir” and “You made us, Mr Thursday to pay her final respects managed to rope in several little – Retiree Cheng Kam Yeong, 67, lining the streets outside Parlia- Lee” as the casket made its way at Parliament House and turned helpers to distribute the food a Malaysian from Kuala Lumpur ment House. Some had turned up down North Bridge Road before up again yesterday morning. “I’m and a member of the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP), as early as five hours before the fu- turning into Parliament Place. just too thankful,” she said as she who turned up in a DAP T-shirt neral procession was due to start, Walking behind before they got wiped away her tears. to pay their final respects. into their vehicles after a short dis- There were tourists present, THEY WAVED OUR FLAG A light drizzle, followed by tance were Prime Minister Lee too, such as Australians Brian Edg- heavy rain and strong winds, did Hsien Loong and other family ley, 67, who is retired, and his little to dampen their spirits. members. They were joined by wife Susan Gilmore, 63, an admin- At about 11.45am – 45 minutes current and former Members of istration officer. The couple had before the cortege was scheduled Parliament, including Minister for not planned to witness the funeral to set off – the road in front of Defence Ng Eng Hen and Health procession but ended up staying Parliament House was closed. Minister Gan Kim Yong. The instead of going to Gardens by the This prompted mourners to group also included former MPs Bay. Mr Edgley recalled: “In our PRIVILEGED TO HONOUR HIM surge forward to take up vacant Mahmud Awang, Chan Chee Seng 20s, anything to do with Asia, Lee “Our friends and family back space and police officers had to and Chiam See Tong, with the lat- was it.” home in NZ have told us that step in to maintain order. ter two in wheelchairs but deter- About an hour after the cortege all the flags are at half-mast When the combined military mined to be present. had passed, the streets had emp- today. That just shows you and police band started playing, The gun carriage was escorted tied and the crowd had moved to what sort of impact and leading a marchpast comprising by 48 personnel from the Singa- City Hall MRT Station, where influence Mr Lee had, not just military personnel and students to pore Armed Forces and Singapore train officers had to stop people at here in Singapore, but even the front of Parliament House, Police Force in ceremonial uni- the entrances to avoid congestion thousands of miles away. He some in the crowd shouted “Um- forms. inside. was a great man and we are brellas down”, so that the view of Some in the crowd wept but pri- [email protected] “He made Singapore good.” privileged to be here to those behind would not be vate tutor Ong Than Eng, 64, [email protected] honour him and be part of a – Foreign workers and Indian blocked. proudly chanted “Lee Kuan Yew, [email protected] nationals (from left) Pandi, B.S. piece of Singapore’s history.” Chari and Rajess at the construction site of the National – New Zealander Warren Streeter, Gallery were given a break to 44, a business development catch the procession. They were Singaporeans do director who has been living in Singapore for four years. He was holding small Singapore flags with his wife Irene, 43, and children – Katelyn, 11, and Jack, us proud with nine – as well as his parents-in-law kind, caring deeds

By MARC LIM, JERMYN CHOW thank Mr Lee for everything he and JONATHAN WONG had done for us.” When torrential rain blanketed IT IS the place that has witnessed the city centre an hour before the it all in the last few days, from cortege left Parliament House, snaking queues of tens of thou- many were caught by surprise. sands of people, to yesterday’s But as retiree Rejina Tan, 61, 21-gun salute in honour of the found out, others jumped in to EARLY EXPOSURE TO HISTORY nation’s first Prime Minister. help. “It’s the first time that I’ve “She is probably too young to As Singapore mourned the seen so many Singaporeans being understand what an important death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the Pa- so kind and caring to each other... day today is, but we wanted to dang was also the place where Sin- Strangers were helping each other bring her (here) for this and, gaporeans showed the best of to wear the ponchos and were hopefully when she is older, themselves. sharing umbrellas,” she said. she will remember this As Mr Lee lay in state at Parlia- Mr Jason Lin, 27, who works in moment and feel a strong ment House from last Wednesday an IT company, was surprised at sense of Singapore’s history.” “It touched me to see so many to Saturday, more than 450,000 how orderly and patient the Singaporeans with their flags, people turned up to pay their re- crowd was. “You could really feel – Mr Chng Boon Chong, 36, an spects. Never mind the queues of that sense of unity... volunteers engineer who was at the Padang under the rain, waiting to say with his wife Elmillian, 36, and their last goodbye. Mr Lee’s up to 10 hours through the Pa- were patient and helpful, and the their five-year-old daughter Eva, dedication is an example for dang, or the scorching sun. Not a crowd were understanding and who was perched on her father’s Brazil and other countries to complaint was heard. never complained,” he said. shoulders follow.” In fact, everyday folk turned “That’s what being Singaporean up to give out food, water and um- means and, hopefully, it will con- – Brazilian tourist Renato Barandier, 35, an urban planner, brellas, and even spray cooling tinue even after this.” was “checking out the city” after mist and collect rubbish from the Many were also appreciative arriving on a business trip. He crowd, just to make the wait a lit- that the Urban Redevelopment Au- saw the growing crowds of people tle more pleasant. thority decided to open The Jubi- at the Supreme Court and stood As thousands turned up again lee Bridge – which links Merlion there watching, when someone yesterday, this time to say one Park to the promenade in front of handed him a Singapore flag last goodbye to Mr Lee as the fu- the Esplanade – yesterday, a neral procession passed by, it was month earlier than planned. This no different. meant more had a good vantage For instance, business owner point to watch the procession. EVEN A GLIMPSE IS GOOD Amy Lee, 43, and 15 members of Said housewife Audrey Koh, “We can’t and shouldn’t her extended family, including her 48: “I think we have proven those complain so much. It is just 82-year-old father-in-law Chia doubters wrong. We don’t need to rain and it will pass... even if Tong Fong, were out distributing be showy but we will come togeth- we have to squeeze with many miniature Singapore flags at the er when it matters.” people just to glimpse the main entrance of Raffles City ITE graduate Yuma Amalinapa- cortege for a few seconds, it is shopping mall at 8.30am yester- sha, 20, believes the spirit will day. They had bought 10,000 of live on. “We saw people of differ- good enough.” the flags, and gave them all out in ent races and ages coming togeth- – Mr Alan Woo, 39, a sales under three hours. er,” she said. “Perhaps we need to manager who took his wife and three children to One Fullerton to Said Madam Lee: “We wanted do this more often, and not just in catch the funeral procession everyone here to be able to wave sad times.” the Singapore flag during the fu- [email protected] Among those who waited in the heavy rain yesterday were Mr Philip Cheng (in black shirt), 63, who remembers marching in neral procession and show how [email protected] GLAD TO STAY FOR SEND-OFF A LESSON FOR OUR CHILDREN the 1968 NDP during a downpour, and Mr David Hong, 58, with his wife Malee. ST PHOTOS: JONATHAN WONG, JERMYN CHOW much they love this country, and [email protected] “I have always felt “The kids – aged 11, 10 and bad and five – don’t know who Mr Lee Rain brings back memories of 1968 National Day Parade sorry for is, what he did and why he did giving up my what he did. We want them to citizenship... learn from him to have no fear THE skies opened up and the del- sense of deja vu. “To see our fellow Singapore- Yew, had decided that the show Mr Hong. Mr Lee has of failure, to continue aspiring uge came, but thousands of peo- Mr Cheng had stood in the ans continue to stand and watch would go on despite the rain, and “Back then, everyone in the pa- done so for their dreams and to not ple lining the streets around the same grass field as a 16-year-old, us was very special too,” recalled had even waved off the offer of an rade marched and stood still in much for this take things for granted.” Padang to say one last goodbye to with the rain pouring down at the Mr Cheng, who was with his wife umbrella. the rain to show our resolve even country and – Mr Chua Joo Meng, 42, a Mr Lee Kuan Yew stayed put. National Day Parade (NDP) in Florence, 63, yesterday. “It Mr Hong was an 11-year-old though we were still a vulnerable my family benefited. I am glad transport assistant, and Getting soaked to the skin de- 1968. He had been part of the Na- showed solidarity. Just like today, watching the parade with his fa- country,” he added. I extended my stay here to see his wife, Madam Loh Oi Yoong, spite having ponchos and umbrel- tional Cadet Corps contingent. as we wait to say goodbye...” ther along Connaught Drive then. “Today, we want to show that him off.” a secretary, turned up with las, they waited up to five hours “We were completely soaked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Yesterday, he was there with his we have not lost that fighting spir- their three children, (clockwise to catch a glimpse of the state fu- but... we were not bothered by Loong, too, had performed at that wife Malee. it and are still as determined. We – Mr William Tan Keng Seng, 67, from bottom) Cavan, Cheryl and who was supposed to head home Tarey, at High Street Centre (Clockwise from above) The family of Mr Lee Kuan Yew following the ceremonial gun carriage carrying the casket as it left Parliament House for the University Cultural Centre at the National University of neral procession going past. the rain,” said Mr Cheng, who parade 47 years ago, as a member “Why should we be afraid of didn’t run then, we will not run to Melbourne but extended his 1 3 /2 hours before the funeral Singapore yesterday afternoon. Despite the torrential downpour, members of the public, some huddling under umbrellas, lined the streets, waiting to pay their final respects as the cortege went past. To For Mr Philip Cheng, 63, and was among the more than 1,000 of the combined school brass rain when Mr Lee Kuan Yew has away now.” stay for the funeral. He gave up procession was due to start honour Mr Lee, gunners from the 21st Battalion Singapore Artillery executed a 21-gun salute at the Padang. PHOTOS: KEVIN LIM, NEO XIAOBIN, JAMIE KOH, ALPHONSUS CHERN, MINDEF Mr David Hong, 58, there was a participants in 81 contingents. band. His father, Mr Lee Kuan gone through more storms,” said JERMYN CHOW and JONATHAN WONG his citizenship in 1990 18 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 19

SAYING GOODBYE: SHENTON WAY, TANJONG PAGAR 1923 - 2015

HE TAUGHT US SELF-RELIANCE “At the age of five or six, I was already Unionists, bank hearing Mr Lee speak on the radio. I may not have understood staff say goodbyes the words fully, but even as a young child, I could A GREAT MAN feel the passion in his “Shenton Way was the original “At first, I thought he was just speeches. He was a very fiery Mr Lee’s role in workers’ rights and financial centre and it symbolises a very famous figure everyone speaker during his time as the economic development that is talking about. But after Prime Minister. But his tone economic development remembered Mr Lee brought to Singapore.” listening to his speeches, I changed and mellowed when Next door, safety coordinator now know he made what he became Senior Minister. He By TOH YONG CHUAN workers’ rights in his role as legal Ismail Johari, 34, had waited with seemed impossible, possible. I began sounding more like MANPOWER CORRESPONDENT adviser to more than 50 unions. facade cleaner Mohamad Fairuz, really feel he is a great man.” someone who was trying to and JOANNA SEOW He was pivotal in nurturing tri- 27. They had been cleaning the educate and persuade. It was – Secondary 1 student Kai Peh, partism, which strengthened the windows of OUE Downtown 2. almost like we were brought 12 (top, with friend Thaddeus WITH their families in tow, about three-way partnership of unions, Said Mr Ismail: “I wanted to go Chua, 7), who was at Shenton up by him because he 1,000 unionists lined the street employers and the Government. to Parliament House after work Way with his mother. He has inculcated values in us outside the labour movement’s For his contributions, the on Friday but they closed the been watching clips of Mr Lee’s through his speeches. We headquarters in One Marina Boule- NTUC gave him its highest award queue, no luck to see Mr Lee. speeches and rallies on television learnt about hard work and since last Monday vard yesterday, to pay homage in 1991: Distinguished Comrade of “But we got called back to the need to be self-reliant as a one last time to the man whose ca- Labour. work overtime today and heard he nation.” reer began by representing labour Unionist Raymond Chin, 32, is passing by, so it’s just nice, we unions. cradling his six-month-old daugh- can also pay our respects. He is – Mr Edmund Pang, 54, insurance Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s final jour- ter Melanie, said: “She is too our founding father after all.” broker who came from Pasir Ris and was standing outside the ney through Singapore’s financial young to know what is going on, Railings along the pavements Police Cantonment Complex. district was remarkable as young but when she grows up, we will were lined with the national flag. and old put aside their umbrellas tell her about Mr Lee.” Residents from estates in Pasir BILINGUAL POLICY WAS RIGHT and, in pouring rain, bowed as the Mr Chin is with the Union of Ris, Bedok and Paya Lebar, as well cortege passed by. Security Employees. as civil servants from the Ministry “Mr Lee would rather people “Thank you, Mr Lee, for look- After the cortege passed, the of National Development and Ur- misunderstand him while he ing after workers,” a lone shout NTUC played an a cappella ver- ban Redevelopment Authority did his best for Singapore, rang out from the crowd. sion of the National Anthem, to flanked the roads. than be popular. Without his The members of the National which the unionists sang along, Housewife May Liang, 46, foresight in his bilingualism Trades Union Congress (NTUC) many tearfully. could not hold back her tears as policy, many of us will be and their families began stream- Further down the road towards the cortege passed. She was with struggling today. Instead, ing in as early as 9am for the best Shenton Way, about 550 staff and her sisters, children and nieces. today many Singaporeans can spots at the junction of Collyer management of DBS Bank and They laid yellow and orange flow- go overseas and be effectively Quay and Marina Boulevard. their families gathered outside ers on the road where they stood. bilingual, giving us an edge. TEES TO HONOUR MR LEE NTUC’s secretary-general Lim OUE Downtown 1 building, which She said: “Since last week, I’ve When I was in school, maybe I Swee Say arrived around 10am, previously housed its headquar- been tearing every time I see the didn’t really understand the “I wanted to do something stayed over an hour before head- ters. news and read people’s tributes. need for it, and was frustrated special to remember and ing to the University Cultural Cen- “We came a few hours early to “We just wanted to bring some- by having to learn two honour Mr Lee.” tre for the state funeral service. reserve a place on the steps,” said thing for him. He did so much for languages. But he saw how the – DBS staff union executive “We organised the event so Ms Karen Ngui, head of group stra- us.” world would change before committee member Jonathan that union members and their fam- tegic marketing and communica- [email protected] most people did.” James Wong, 45, on why he printed his own “Remembering ilies can say farewell to Mr Lee,” tions at the bank. [email protected] – Ms Sandy Ng, 36, office Mr Lee Kuan Yew” T-shirts for his Mr Lim told The Straits Times. manager who cried as the cortege family and wore them yesterday Mr Lee began his political ca- Unionists and their families outside the NTUC Building in Collyer Quay. They passed Cantonment Road with his seven-year-old daughter, reer in the 1950s, fighting for started arriving as early as 9am yesterday. ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG Jovinne A MAN WITH NO AIRS “Mr Lee never had any airs. SIA pilots gather to salute Mr Lee My father was a Hakka like Tanjong Pagar him, and whenever he had any difficulties or need advice, he ABOUT 200 pilots stood in the front buildings in Collyer Quay. all the pilots and build a new na- would go to Mr Lee. Mr Lee pelting rain yesterday and saluted Holding umbrellas, instead of tional carrier unless all flight oper- would readily give him his Mr Lee Kuan Yew, in a touching seeking shelter in nearby build- ations returned to normal and the keeps faith time. There was no ‘I am send-off for the man who once ings, they waited for the state fu- airline’s image, restored. better than you, you are just a had a fractious relationship with neral procession of Singapore’s In 2003, Mr Lee spoke at a pub- fisherman’ attitude; if you their union. founding Prime Minister. When lic forum and warned SIA manage- went to him, he would help Dressed in dark blue jackets the cortege approached, they put ment and pilots that there would with its MP you.” with peak caps, the pilots of Singa- away their umbrellas and saluted be “broken heads” if tensions – Ms Oh Geik Sin, 57 pore Airlines (SIA), Silkair and in the pouring rain as a mark of re- over wages continued to escalate. SIA Cargo were led by Captain spect. Yesterday, Captain Tan said: HE TOOK THE LONG VIEW Tan Peng Koon, honorary secre- Mr Lee had in 1980 taken the “Mr Lee did what he had to do, till the end SAY GOODBYE WITH THE KIDS “I wanted to be Singaporean tary of the Airline Pilots Associa- pilots’ union to task for staging an the pilots then did what they felt “My husband and I want all because life here is peaceful, tion Singapore, or Alpa-S. unofficial work-to-rule protest in was right. It was the past. Let by- By RACHEL CHANG dents of The Pinnacle@Duxton, in- our four children to learn the environment is good to Alpa-S had clashed with Mr November, to demand a 30 per gones be bygones.” ASSISTANT POLITICAL EDITOR cluding Mr Gan. about Mr Lee’s contributions raise children, and the salary Lee in the past as they drew his cent basic pay rise, among other Added the 51-year-old Boeing Some stood by the road while to Singapore. That is why we is good. Most importantly, ire over wage disputes with SIA. things. After 10 days, Mr Lee, 777 pilot as he removed his specta- others watched from its have taken them to Parliament people respect each other, and But yesterday, pilots on their who was then Prime Minister, cles to wipe away tears: “Today, IN 1959, an 11-year-old Peter Gan 50th-floor Sky Garden – just one and the Tanjong Pagar CC to we are all equal. day off opted to pay homage to stepped in on Dec 1. we are here to pay our respects to peered out of the second-floor of the features that have made the pay our respects, and now we Sometimes when I look at Mr Lee. They and their family He summoned the union offi- Mr Lee. Without him, there would window of his house in Neil Road estate the most enviable HDB ad- are here to say goodbye to Mr India, Sri Lanka, so many members lined the road near One cials to the Istana and told them be no SIA and no Singapore.” at jubilant crowds below. dress in town. Lee as he passes by Shenton other countries, if they had Marina Boulevard and OUE Bay- bluntly he would ground SIA, sack TOH YONG CHUAN They were carrying a man It was a fitting congregation, Way.” followed the Singapore-style, named Lee Kuan Yew on their for the Pinnacle is the realisation – Customer service staff Jasline they could be as successful as shoulders in electoral victory back of a promise Mr Lee made first to Singapore. But they didn’t Ang, 45, with her husband Albert to the People’s Action Party head- Tanjong Pagar residents – and Ang, 48, who is self-employed, have a leader like Lee Kuan and their children (from left) quarters at 140 Neil Road. then to the nation as a whole. Yew. Mr Lee always had the Zevid, seven, Jayden, five, Enilla, On that heady Election Day of In the 1963 elections, he stood long view, that is why nine, and Alline, 12 1959, Lee Kuan Yew had not just on stage at the very site, next to Singapore has reached this been returned as MP for Tanjong two half-finished blocks – the stage.” Pagar, but had also become Prime first Housing Board blocks in Tan- Minister of Singapore. jong Pagar – and promised that if – Mr Chinnu Raju, 45, maintenance engineer and Yesterday, 67-year-old Peter he was re-elected, they would be Pinnacle resident. He came from Gan, now slightly stooped, stood completed. Chennai, India in 1995 for work, in the crowd as Mr Lee was car- He was, and they were. and became a citizen in 1999. ried once more through the Forty years later, the old streets. blocks were torn down and in A DECISIVE LEADER This time, raindrops mixed their place rose the Pinnacle, a The cortege passing The Pinnacle@Duxton in Cantonment Road. Mr Lee was just weeks shy of his 60th anniversary as Tanjong Pagar’s political representative when he died on March 23. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE “I still remember I was 15 with tears, and it was grief rather grand monument to a vision that when the 1963 riots happened. than triumph that broke through was delivered many times over. I was at my father’s tailor the shouts of “Lee Kuan Yew! Lee Office manager and Pinnacle Constituents bid farewell to their MP shop in Arab Street, and I saw Kuan Yew!” resident Sandy Ng, 36, wept as a lorry load of “We respect him very much,” Mr Lee’s cortege passed by yester- parang-wielding men get said the retired Singapore Armed day. By THAM YUEN-C But yesterday, Madam Goh and to turn things around. Others, like Ms Ranjeet Kaur, Complex, a short walk from the down looking for trouble. We Forces officer, just before Mr “My biggest regret is never and CHONG ZI LIANG thousands of Tanjong Pagar resi- He had represented the area 45, agreed. The former teacher, Pinnacle, five women police bag- quickly shuttered the stall. Lee’s cortege passed through his meeting him personally,” she dents who lined Cantonment since then. who has a flat in Cantonment, pipers played Auld Lang Syne as Mr Lee took immediate PAY RESPECTS AS A FAMILY political stronghold. “We support- said. “I’m glad I stay in his constit- IN THE eyes of Madam Goh Boon Road, did the waiting. Retiree Low Ming, 80, who has said her mother and two brothers the cortege neared. action, putting a curfew in ed him all the way.” uency and managed to pay my last Keow, 73, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was They did not move even when lived in Tanjong Pagar all his life, all chose to live in Tanjong Pagar Said Station Inspector Norma- “Mr Lee is a great man. Being place. I remember we only had Founding Prime Minister Lee tribute to him.” always her Member of Parliament. the skies opened, soaking many to met Mr Lee when he was cam- “because of Mr Lee”. wati Mohd Nor, before she took here is our way of paying our two hours a day to go to the Kuan Yew was just weeks shy of After Mr Lee’s cortege passed The long-time resident of Tan- the skin. paigning for the legislative assem- Ms Kaur, who is doing a dis- up her position: “I feel emotional, respects to him as a family.” market. But it worked, the his 60th anniversary as Tanjong through Tanjong Pagar, many jong Pagar moved out of the area The moment was historic. bly general election in 1959. tance learning course to become a but we have to keep our feelings troublemakers could not incite – SIA pilot Captain Michael Goh, Pagar’s political representative among the crowd retreated to the in 1992, but, every year, she They were bidding farewell not “He kept his promises to us. behavioural analyst, pointed to in check and produce the best violence anymore. People 41, who was with his wife Eunice, when he died on March 23. Community Club steps away to would dutifully attend the just to their MP, but Singapore’s He said he would clean up the ar- the Pinnacle@Duxton as an exam- quality of sound to give Mr Lee a 36, son Jonathan, 10 and could see that he was a watch his funeral service. daughter Joyce, seven Staff and residents of welfare homes under Jamiyah waiting to witness Mr Lee’s final journey. ST PHOTO: JAMIYAH From the day he came to Tan- constituency’s National Day din- first Prime Minister, a founding fa- ea, and he did. There used to be ple of how Mr Lee had delivered fitting send-off.” decisive leader, that could lead jong Pagar in 1955 – chosen be- The hall is not air-conditioned, ner just to see him and hear him ther who led a team that brought triads here who would collect pro- on his promises. As the strains of music filled Singapore well.” cause he wanted to represent the a growing rarity among CCs. The speak. Singapore from Third World to tection money from us. When Mr Yesterday, many like her lined the air, a line of Home Team offi- common man and the worker, not grassroots leaders are proud that At these dinners, residents al- First. Lee came along, he got rid of Cantonment Road, undeterred by cers, thoroughly drenched, – Retiree Pauline Poon, 70 the landlords or merchants over their CC has remained modest ways started eating without wait- Mr Lee first set eyes on Tan- them. I have always voted for the heavy downpour. snapped to attention and saluted A CRIME BUSTER Muslim groups wait at ‘meaningful’ spot at Tanglin – he had their hearts. over the years. Its frugality fitting ing for Mr Lee, who would slip in jong Pagar in 1955 because it “rep- him,” said the former hawker. As the cortege drove by, they the passing gun carriage bearing They gave him landslide elec- their MP. during the second or third course, resented the heart of the econom- His wife Chim Kow Chye, 71, waved their flags and chanted Mr Lee’s flag-draped coffin. “I remember when I was THEY were some of the first to ar- be together to see the moment.” FIM deputy president K.M. toral victories from Day 1. And The filled hall watched on big said Madam Goh, adding: “He had ic and social problems of Singa- tears welling up, added: “He is a “thank you” to their MP. [email protected] staying in Chinatown in my rive at Shenton Way at around “We are very grateful for what Deen said the location they chose while they did not see their MP as screens as the cortege wound its no airs about him.” pore of the time”, and he wanted very, very good man.” Over at the Police Cantonment [email protected] 20s, there were a lot of 8am, and stood outside the Singa- Mr Lee has done for Singapore. was particularly meaningful for much as other constituencies saw way west and reached the Univer- gangsters in the pore Conference Hall for more He is a world-renowned visionary the occasion, as the former Trade theirs, they knew, and he knew sity Cultural Centre. neighbourhood. They had than four hours to wait to witness and leader,” he added. Union House was a counting cen- they knew, that it was an unbreak- As the military guard began re- different gang names they Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s final journey. They were joined by several In- tre during the elections when Mr able bond. moving the coffin from its glass Honouring his Pinnacle achievement would chant, and from my HE DID SO MUCH About 100 officials, staff and dian Muslim community leaders Lee was Prime Minister. In 1989, Mr Lee penned the case to be transported into the window, I could see them at around 10.30am. Mr Farihullah As the rain grew into a down- foreword for a coffee-table book hall, all were silent. LIM YAN LIANG Lee represented Tanjong Pagar for “Today, friends who visit from was a momentous occasion worth carrying sticks and glass “We are doing it out of residents of welfare homes under five-room unit sold for more than A.W. Safiullah, president of the pour and the number of bystand- on the area’s history. Then a small, white-haired six decades. overseas cannot believe the flat remembering and passing down bottles. They would clash and respect for Mr Lee. He’s done Muslim voluntary welfare organi- $1 million. Federation of Indian Muslims ers swelled, the group offered this Thanking the people of Tan- 84-year-old woman named Chua Mr Ooi held up the Pinnacle as I’m living in is public housing.” through the generations. overturn tables, scaring me. I so much for the country I sation Jamiyah braved the rain un- FOR businessman Laurence Ooi, Mr Ooi said he paid around (FIM), said the community was reporter a poncho. jong Pagar for their “simple and Ah Poh soundlessly and slowly lasting proof of how far Singapore The grateful resident has, in “Mr Lee Kuan Yew had diplo- was a seamstress based at want to be able to pray for der dark green umbrellas. 59, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was the rea- $450,000 for his four-room unit. thankful for the peaceful society Dr Deen, his eyes reddening, abiding loyalties”, he said: “They rose to her feet. has come in his generation. “I the past week, visited various com- macy, foresight, wisdom – he had home then. him without holding anything “Even the sky is crying,” said son he moved to Tanjong Pagar. Speaking at the Tanjong Pagar Mr Lee helped to form. said he was moved by the crowd never changed their mind about One by one, the rest of the grew up in an attap house, in a munity tribute sites, attended a the Midas touch,” said Mr Ooi. When Mr Lee came to in my hands.” Mr Osman Sapawi, 39, a resident Mr Ooi moved from Jurong Community Club’s tribute site, at one of the homes, who said he “Mr Lee has done a lot to help that had gathered. supporting me because I never crowd followed suit. West five years ago, buying a unit where he had just watched the 10 kampung near Thomson Road, be- night vigil and queued up at the “Whether it was defence, water, office, he immediately started – Mr Tan Chor Kiat, chief was glad to have the chance to say us build racial and religious harmo- “Whatever rain, whatever broke faith with them.” In death as in life, the people of in the iconic public housing devel- eulogies delivered at Mr Lee’s fu- hind the old Chequers Hotel. Padang with his family to pay Garden City or incorruptibility, he rounding them up. He caught executive of Vital, a central farewell to Mr Lee. ny in Singapore, where the minori- storm we have to stand in, it’s Many of those lining the Tan- Tanjong Pagar rose in respect for opment, The Pinnacle@Duxton. neral service, Mr Ooi said: “Mr “The wooden toilet we had was their respects at the lying-in- was all of these policies. No politi- them until they were no government department that longer a problem. He made handles human resource and Dr H. M. Saleem, a Jamiyah ty group of Indian Muslims can nothing compared to what he has jong Pagar streets yesterday in the their forever-MP. The 50-storey complex has Lee is the reason I chose to move unforgettable: there were huge state at Parliament House, as well cian will ever have this kind of finance matters, who was there vice-president, said: “We wanted live and integrate with all Singapo- done for the nation,” he said. torrential rain to witness the pass- [email protected] won design awards, and made here. This was his first constituen- ‘commando’ houseflies, mosqui- as seeing off Mr Lee’s cortege. overwhelming support again.” Chinatown safe for me.” with about 50 of his staff to select a space where we can all reans peacefully,” he said. JOANNA SEOW ing of Mr Lee’s cortege were resi- Additional reporting by Lim Yan Liang headlines in January when a cy, and his last, his legacy.” Mr toes, big lizards crawling around. Mr Ooi said Mr Lee’s passing [email protected] – Retiree Toh Kwee Hoe, 78 20 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 21

SAYING GOODBYE: BUKIT MERAH, QUEENSTOWN 1923 - 2015

A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS “I was born in a kampung in Tanjong Pagar and we moved to a flat in Telok Blangah – our first flat. Mr Lee has a special significance for me because he always advocated for all Singaporeans to have a roof over our heads. I witnessed how he transformed Singapore into this modern city. I remember how we used to stand by the road when he came to the estate to visit residents. Today I am here as it’s my final chance to say goodbye. I am proud to be able to lead my residents here.” – Nee Soon Central RC chairman Andrew Lim, 54, who spent his childhood in Tanjong Pagar FOR MY FATHER “I just want to pay my respects on behalf of my father who passed away at age 49. I know he would want to be here.” – Hougang resident and factory worker Heng Liang Yeow, 59, People watching and waiting in the rain along Jalan Bukit Merah, some with their children in tow. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN went to Bukit Merah at 9am to say his final farewell to Mr Lee on behalf of his father, Mr Heng Kim Wah, who was a PAP activist. IN ALL OUR HEARTS “He may be leaving, but his spirit lives on in every Singaporean. Mr Lee Hsien Loong said that there won’t be a second Lee Kuan Yew, but I disagree because we all hold Lee Kuan Yew in our hearts and remember his selfless contributions to Singapore. If we carry his spirit with us and all give a little bit to Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew lives on.” – Laundry shop owner Lee Cheng Kang, 58 HE KEPT HIS WORD “Mr Lee Kuan Yew always delivered on his promises. He promised to give us safety and he did after he came into Mr Lee’s cortege making its way along Jalan Bukit Merah. From the kerbside and the flats above, people leaned forward eagerly to catch their last glimpse of Singapore’s founding father. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN A boy with a rose tucked into his poncho waiting along Jalan Bukit Merah. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN office.” – Retiree Ang Sai Kee, 80, who remembers living in constant fear of the gangs that terrorised her kampung near Redhill in the past Mr Lee ‘gave Early birds get plum kerbside spots SON INSISTED WE COME “We tried to get to the Padang By AARON LOW huge crowd and did not want to They waved small Singapore Church, Sri Muneeswaran Temple Hwa, 56, said Mr Lee’s most pro- at 1am last Friday, as we DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR be too late.” flags, clapped loudly and shouted and Masjid Mujahidin. found impact was his creation of a thought it would be less Others like Mrs Heng Xin Yi, Mr Lee’s name as the state funeral The close proximity of these multiracial society. crowded after midnight. But HEARTLANDERS came from all 34, and her young daughter made procession rolled by, passing different places of worship was “We had the chance to live in a the queue was closed and my our families son was quite disappointed, so corners of Singapore yesterday to their way from Ang Mo Kio and Housing Board flats, schools, not lost on residents. Many paid meritocratic and an equal-oppor- line the streets of Bukit Merah found a spot near Commonwealth shops and light industrial estates. tribute to Mr Lee for helping en- tunity society because of him,” he said that we must come to and Queensway to bid a final fare- MRT station. “It’s no sacrifice. Hougang resident Heng Liang sure harmony among different rac- said Mr Lim, as he waited along send off Mr Lee Kuan Yew, no well to the man they may not Rain or shine, we want to be here Yeow, 59, said he arrived in Bukit es and religions here. Queensway. matter what.” have met personally but whose to say thank you for what he had Merah at 9am to say goodbye to Tanglin Halt resident Sayuti As the procession moved past – Secretary Vivien Tong, 45, who the life we came from Teban Gardens with policies had a direct impact on done for us. Without him, how Mr Lee on behalf of his late father Dahlan, 82, recalls how as a young Commonwealth, where the HDB them and their families. many of us can own our home?” Heng Kim Wah, who was a man in his 20s, he would cycle built some of the earliest public her two children, Jefferson, 12, and Vernice Foo, 12 Mr Lee Kuan Yew led a team said Mrs Heng, her eyes red from People’s Action Party (PAP) activ- from Pasir Panjang to Tanjong Pa- flats in the 1960s, many long- that, many said, helped provide a crying. ist. gar to attend rallies where Mr Lee time residents were tearful as HE HELPED CLEAN UP AREA roof over their heads, built As the hours passed, the crowd The factory worker had with would give powerful speeches. they waved goodbye. have today’ schools to educate their children, grew five-deep in some places as him his father’s PAP membership “Standing on a stationary, Mr Seah Chew Chan, 91, has “My dad would tell me that and grew the economy to create thousands lined the 8km route card: “I want to pay my respects open-topped lorry, he would lived in Tanglin Halt since the this used to be a gangster jobs. from Jalan Bukit Merah all the on behalf of my father who passed shout: ‘The British think we are flats were built. He was dis- area, but Mr Lee has helped to So Ms Yew Poh Yock, 58, and way to Commonwealth Avenue. away at age 49. I know he would stupid. But I will show them that charged from hospital on Satur- clean up this whole place. S’poreans and immigrants alike pay her sister, Ms Yew Poh Har, 54, As the cortege turned into Ja- have wanted to be here.” the people of Singapore can and day but wanted to be out waiting Even in the small things, he’s came as early as 6am to get a lan Bukit Merah, one of The ceremonial gun carriage will have merdeka (freedom).’” for the cortege: “Gratitude is the made the area more tribute to his vision and conviction plum kerbside spot to wait for the Singapore’s oldest HDB estates, with Mr Lee’s casket also passed He added: “Mr Lee never used only thing I have for Mr Lee.” comfortable, with the lift cortege to pass at around 1pm. at about 1.15pm, there was a surge by several places of worship – the the words Chinese or Malay or In- [email protected] upgrading and the covered By JOHN LUI important this moment is. The older Ms Yew, who lives in of emotions among residents, Silat Road Sikh Temple, the Wat dian to describe us. He always Additional reporting by Priscilla Goy, Aw walkways.” “They grew up without Lee Commonwealth Drive, said in whose well-being had always Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist said Singaporeans.” Cheng Wei, Marissa Lee, Rachel Au-Yong – Ms Natalia Tan, 37, who works SHE is wearing a home-made Kuan Yew. I don’t know if they ap- Mandarin: “I was expecting a been a priority with Mr Lee. Temple, the Blessed Sacrament Regional manager Lim Boon and Miranda Yeo in marketing, waited with her black ribbon on her chest. She has preciate everything we have. I father Lambert Tan, 86, near the been standing in the rain for three hope they do,” she says, before Spring Singapore building in hours, waiting for the man who emotion overcomes her again. 30 members, 3 generations, Jalan Bukit Merah, from 10.30am was Singapore’s Prime Minister Around the time she was grow- FAR-REACHING POLICIES for much of her youth. ing up in Redhill, not far away, Mr Ms Mary Koh, 42, is comforta- Ijas Ali, 57, was moving in. one family, one purpose “He made it bly middle class now, but from The immigrant from South In- possible for where we stand on Jalan Bukit Me- dia became a citizen 18 years ago. Many are overcome by tears and grief as the cortege passes through Bukit Merah. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG us to have rah, through the rain, we can see The businessman is here with By MARISSA LEE spects. Among them was Mr clean water, the Redhill Estate block where she his family to see the procession Chua’s nephew Sng Yin Jun, a efficient spent all her early years, in a and, like Ms Koh, finds it hard to MORE than 30 members of the 12-year-old from Tao Nan School. transport and three-room flat shared with five talk about the former Prime Minis- Restaurant gives 100kg Chua family, spanning three gener- Yin Jun said he would salute Mr access to a siblings and her parents. Her fa- ter without tearing up. ations, turned up at Bukit Merah Lee when the cortege passed. “We good ther was a driver; her mother, a “This country provided me yesterday to hold up a banner they have to respect our founding fa- education. housewife. with everything. The sky is the of flowers to crowds had printed in honour of ther, and coming here is a form of This is on top The former financial analyst limit here,” he says. Singapore’s founding father Lee respect,” said the Primary 6 pupil. of his multiracial policies. and now full-time housewife is He exports tyres from China to Kuan Yew. His grand aunt, Madam Tan Si- Without a common language here to thank Mr Lee for her edu- Africa and, to him, Mr Lee was By PRISCILLA GOY who paid $1,500 for the flowers, They started gathering in Bukit yu Lian, 67, said it was important (English) to bring different cation in schools such as Nanyang the “prophet” who foresaw that which were delivered the night be- Merah at about 8.30am, more than to teach the younger generation to races together, we would have Technological University. China would become the world’s YELLOW jasmine petals – thou- fore, said: “In Indian custom, four hours before the funeral pro- be grateful to Mr Lee, and to al- difficulties understanding and “Without him, I don’t think I factory. sands of them – made a striking throwing flower petals is a sign of cession was due to pass through, ways remember him. “Because of communicating with each would have what I have today,” “Where did he get his ideas? tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, showing respect and gratitude.” on its way from Parliament House him, we all have roofs over our other. The fact that we can she says, dabbing her eyes. Where did he get his intelligence? thrown on the road as his cortege His shop, usually open 24 to the University Cultural Centre. heads and our children all have talk to each other is a direct “My husband’s parents were He surprised people again and passed along a stretch of Jalan hours, also stopped its operations “Behind this road is Jalan Bukit good jobs,” she said in Mandarin. impact of how his policies hawkers. They had no education. again. He was one in a million,” Bukit Merah. from noon to 4pm as a mark of Ho Swee, where a lot of homes The idea of the banner, thank- have affected us.” But two of their children went to says Mr Ijas. “I don’t just admire The brilliant-coloured petals respect to Mr Lee. were burnt down during a big fire ing Mr Lee for leaving them a liv- – Teacher Ramish Goby, 29 university. They didn’t need spe- his intelligence – I worship it.” covered about 30m of the 3.5km “We opened here in 2003, and that was a dark moment in the his- ing legacy, came about during a cial connections – just hard His son came at 9am to stake road. this area used to be part of Tan- tory of Singapore,” said Mr family chat, when 15 second-gener- HELPING MY FAMILY IN INDIA work,” she says, surrounded by out a spot along Jalan Bukit Mer- They were handed out for free jong Pagar GRC (where Mr Lee Patrick Chua, 47, who works in ation members spoke about their her three boys, Henry, nine, Wal- ah. He has been here since to crowds lining the road near In- was an MP),” said Mr Veera. the oil and gas industry. experiences visiting Parliament “Mr Lee built this country... ter, 10, and Bryan, 14, and hus- 10.30am, waiting for the proces- dian restaurant Brinda’s, located “But giving these flowers is not He was referring to the 1961 House, where Mr Lee’s body was for us to come here and work. band Simon Ong, 42, an auditor. sion, expected to pass at 1pm. at Block 162, Bukit Merah Central. about me or our shop; this is for fire that razed a squatter settle- lying in state, over the last few The money I earn here and They have had a rough week. He is here today because he Restaurant staff gave out about the country. Mr Lee has laid the ment, costing 16,000 their homes. days. On Friday, it was a mad rush send home helps my family in Henry is in a wheelchair be- never met Mr Lee in the flesh. His 100kg of the fresh flowers, special- foundations and done a lot for Sin- Mr Lee, Singapore’s first Prime to find a printer to deliver at such India to be better.” cause he broke his ankle after a daughter Nabeelah Sahen, 19, a re- ly flown in from India. gapore.” Minister, salvaged many lives with short notice. – Mr Alagesan Rajkumar, 27, a fall. The cast is wrapped in plastic tail assistant, is by his side. Many threw the petals as Mr Bukit Merah Central is part of his public housing initiative, add- Said Mr Chua: “We will keep construction worker, who has to protect it against the rain. “Person to person, man to Lee’s cortege passed by at the Radin Mas constituency, ed Mr Chua. this banner and display it every Na- been in Singapore for the past eight years Pushing him through the man, I want to give him a salute. 1.20pm; others left stalks of flow- which was carved out from Tan- The clan, waiting with their ban- tional Day, starting at my cousin’s crowd has been awkward, but Ms Just a salute,” he says. ers on a grass patch nearby. jong Pagar GRC in 2011. Managing director S. Veera of restaurant Brinda’s says in Indian custom, ner, stood stoically for hours in house this year.” Some of the group of over 30 members of the Chua family at Bukit Merah with a banner they rushed to get printed. They Koh wants her sons to know how [email protected] Managing director S. Veera, [email protected] throwing petals is a sign of showing respect and gratitude. PHOTO: S. VEERA the pouring rain to pay their re- [email protected] gathered from about 8.30am, over four hours before the procession was due to pass through. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN 22 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 23

SAYING GOODBYE: SINGAPORE POLY, COMMONWEALTH 1923 - 2015

AN INSPIRATION Mr Lee’s politeness stood out “I came to Singapore with just a A very suitcase but FORMER Singapore Air- a lot to me because I was now I have a lines stewardess Sharon very nervous and ‘blur’... I home and my Chong has fond memories was fresh out of National family is here. of her brief encounter serv- Junior College and just 19,” I travel often ing the late Mr Lee Kuan said the retired air steward- but I don’t Singaporean Yew on a flight to Bali, Indo- ess. have to worry nesia. Ms Chong was among about my family because I It was 1977 and Ms the thousands who parked know they are safe. Chong had been specially se- themselves along Common- Even my son in lected to be part of the crew wealth Avenue yesterday as kindergarten is inspired by the flying with Mr Lee, who the cortege carrying the late late Mr Lee. He told me about send-off was then Singapore’s Prime Mr Lee travelled through the things he did and about Minister. the west of Singapore. the one minute of silence they Mr Lee was travelling on She said: “It was impor- observed in school. government business with tant for me to go out into Mr Lee Kuan Yew is an then Deputy Prime Minister the streets to say goodbye inspiration to me and my Goh Keng Swee and a dele- to Mr Lee. I want him to for Mr Lee son.” gation of doctors, reporters A 1976 photo of Ms Sharon Chong (far right), who know I’m grateful to him. and security crew. served Mr Lee his lunch during a 1977 flight to Bali, “We’re the silent, sleep- – Mr Muraleedharan A.P.K., 42, Ms Chong’s interaction Indonesia. PHOTO: SHARON CHONG ing ones who have kept qui- an engineer at Makino who It took days of planning, camping out with Mr Lee on the Boeing et all these years. We are was at Dover 737 flight was brief as Mr awakened now that he has early to get good spot to say goodbye Lee had been deep in conversation when she served him his lunch. passed on. We feel ashamed that WITNESS TO CHANGE with Dr Goh, she said. “He stopped his conversation, we have not done much for the na- “I have too many reasons to But what struck her about the looked up and thanked me sincere- tion and never bothered with his be here. I grew up in a By MELODY ZACCHEUS stores to purchase ponchos. late statesman was his politeness ly after I laid the food before him. contributions until now.” kampung when I was young and MATHEW PEREIRA The mood of the crowd along towards the airplane crew – like “His acknowledgement meant MELODY ZACCHEUS and I have seen all the the stretch of road which ran be- changes.” WHETHER it was to secure a side the Singapore Polytechnic, – Mr Abdul Majid Mohamed good spot to view the funeral pro- opened by the late Mr Lee in 1979, Eusopp (below), 52, who works in cession, or make the crowds that was sombre. a logistics firm and was at Dover lined the roads along Common- Some arrived as early as 9am. with his daughter wealth Avenue West feel more Carrying flags, they found spots comfortable, planning was needed. on slopes around the hilly estate, Private school teacher Alice Ng and camped out on foldable chairs made a mental note of a spot and mats. Others travelled from along Commonwealth Avenue neighbourhoods beyond the west West as soon as she got confirma- of Singapore. They included a hus- tion of the procession route. band-and-wife pair, storeman Mo- It was on the divider under a hamad Lamin, 66, and housewife stretch of the overhead MRT track Sukati Mustaffa, 62, who live in between Buona Vista and Dover Sembawang. MRT stations. Squeezed under an umbrella as The 48-year-old said: “Every the rain poured, the couple, time I took the bus home the past whose 36th wedding anniversary few days, I would look at the fell on the same day as Mr Lee’s place and say, ‘it is perfect’.” funeral, said they admired the late Ms Ng came down at 9.30am statesman’s love for his wife. with two chairs – one for herself, “He was a loving father and the other for daughter Shermaine husband and so dedicated to us as Lam, 16. The wait was nothing. a nation... and we in return joined “What is this compared to him on the streets to show our what Mr Lee has done for Singa- love,” said Mr Mohamad. SHARING HIS LEGACY pore,” said Ms Ng, tearfully. Friends Aseling M., 75, and “When I was growing up, my New Creation Church had a lot Asothai Samy, 68, both house- grandparents told me about more people to think about. wives, took cover under Common- the changes made by Mr Lee It started assembling an army wealth MRT’s tracks. and I am really grateful and of volunteers several days ago. An- When asked which of Mr Lee’s want to show my gratitude. ticipating a large crowd lining the policies impacted them the most, I hope to share this with streets, the church ordered 13,500 Ms Aseling teared up. She said: my students, too. Even though bottles of water, 4,000 packets of “We loved everything he did for they did not know him, I want biscuits, 1,000 buns and 70 um- us. It’s so important for us to be them to know that he brought brellas to shield off the sun. here to bid him farewell.” the nation together. I am here But the volunteers did not ex- [email protected] Despite the heavy downpour, members of the public along Commonwealth Avenue did ST PHOTO: Madam Tan Goon Kwan, 65, breaking into tears as the cortege passes by. She made it to Bukit Merah Central at 8am to send him off in high pect the rain, and some ran to [email protected] not let up on shouting “Lee Kuan Yew” while waiting for the cortege to pass by. DANIEL NEO yesterday to secure a good spot to view the funeral procession. ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN spirits.” – Mr Abdul Majid’s 25-year-old daughter Nasihah Abdul Majid (above), who is a teacher Emotions FAMILY PRIDE “I brought my children to show them why we’re all so proud to be Singaporeans. I really hope they can learn run high from Mr Lee and the various lessons of good governance.” – Mrs Nungki Yeo, 36, housewife, with her children Yeo Su Jin, in Clementi seven, and Yeo Su Jay, six. Mrs Yeo is Indonesian, while her husband and children are Singaporean By ABDUL HAFIZ party at the Istana in 2012. I and MELISSA LIN shook his hand.” SHARING IN THE LOSS The fickle skies drizzled, then “My little girl says she wants ON THIS short stretch of Clemen- poured, and repeated the cycle. to meet Mr Lee in heaven. (My ti Road, after Commonwealth Ave- But the people stayed – in pon- children) understand the loss nue West and towards Dover chos, and under umbrellas and that the nation feels and Road, it was fitting that many mats which became emergency wanted to come out here to who defied the downpour for a fi- shelters. send him off.” nal goodbye to Mr Lee Kuan Yew As news filtered through that spoke of his push to make educa- the procession was nearing, those – Mrs Clare Low, 29, with her children Paige, 11, and Raeann, tion a cornerstone of nation-build- on the other side of Clementi six. Mrs Low is a teacher ing. Road surged forward along the A short distance away is the Na- stretch, turning the central road FOREIGN SUPPORT tional University of Singapore divider into a makeshift barrier. (NUS). Even closer is Singapore A hush fell around 1.40pm. “He’s one of the greatest Polytechnic’s Dover Road campus Then came the roar. The people stayed – wrapped in ponchos or under umbrellas and mats – in spite of the fickle skies. ST PHOTO: TIFFANY GOH leaders that have ever existed. which Mr Lee officially opened in “Lee Kuan Yew! Lee Kuan We’ve been in Singapore for 1979. Yew!” they shouted. seven years. I felt it was Mr Sim Lye Hock, a 58-year- Taxi driver Yeow Bee Hock, 54, important to show our old facility officer who waited for who was with his 19-year-old Happy to learn three languages support.” Mr Lee’s funeral procession with daughter, Petrina, was emotional – American expatriate Anne his wife and daughter, said: “I when he spoke of his regret after Duncan, 40, an administrator at could go to school because he the procession. SREE Harin Baskaran may be only the Singapore American School. pushed for it. If not for him, I “When I was younger, I 12, but he is bilingual and on the She had lifted her daughter Martha, 10, onto her shoulders so don’t know where I’d be now.” thought very differently about Mr way to becoming trilingual. He she could see the procession Ms Chloe Lee, third-year chem- Lee. After he died, I had the knows English and his mother istry student at NUS, was there chance to watch old documenta- tongue Tamil, and started picking SENSE OF CLOSURE with four schoolmates. ries of him. I came to apologise to up Chinese earlier this year. “We didn’t experience him.” That he is able to study three “There was a sense of closure Singapore’s transformation, but Retired oil field consultant Gu- languages is something the for all of us Singaporeans as that doesn’t mean that we don’t nasingan Thambiraja, 69, said: “I first-year student at National Uni- his cortege passed. We did appreciate it. Like the fact that we wish more had recognised Mr Lee versity of Singapore High School what we could to show are female but can get an educa- and all that he did when he was of Mathematics and Science is appreciation and add layers of tion, unlike in other countries,” alive, instead of having to be re- thankful to Mr Lee Kuan Yew for. gratitude to a solemn the 21-year-old said. minded. “He’s the reason I can have a occasion.” Crowds there started gathering “They said he was too aggres- good education and he also encour- – Mr Kelvin Tan, 50, at 10am yesterday. sive, too hot-tempered. Whatever aged bilingualism,” Sree Harin a part-time lecturer A group of more than 30 from they said about him, he had a plan said. Pioneer Zone 6 Residents’ Com- for this country.” He was among the throngs who LUCKY TO HAVE HIM mittee sat on mats waving mini Madam Nayagam, a 77-year- braved the downpour along Clem- “We don’t have a figure to flags. old who lives in Clementi, was enti Road yesterday to bid Mr Lee Senior research engineer Krishnamoorthy Baskaran and his son Sree Harin respect like that from where I RC chairman Salim Ali, 54, asked what seeing Mr Lee for the a final farewell. Baskaran waiting in Clementi Road yesterday. Sree Harin knows English and come. Singaporeans are lucky said: “I met Mr Lee 10 years ago last time meant. He picked Chinese as a third Tamil and started picking up Chinese this year. ST PHOTO: MELISSA LIN that Mr Lee has changed it at a conference. I waved to him, “It was very sad. He was a very language because “China has the from a poor country to a great he waved back.” nice man, a very good man, he did largest population in the world one like it is today.” Many like him cherished their everything for us.” and I want to be able to interact who started waiting by the road years, he added: “Waiting three – General worker Rahman Anisur, meetings with Singapore’s first Her voice breaking, she added: with the people in Chinese”. with his family at 10.45am, hold- hours was nothing compared to 33, from Bangladesh who was Prime Minister, no matter how “I want to say so many things, but “I wasn’t able to go to Parlia- ing mini-flags that he waved as being able to pay my last respects clearing the barricades after the brief. Said senior research engi- I cannot say anything now.” ment House (for the lying in Mr Lee’s cortege passed by three to Singapore’s first Prime Minis- procession left Commonwealth neer Krishnamoorthy Baskaran, [email protected] state), so this is the least I could hours later. ter.” Avenue. He said he clapped as 42: “I met him once at a garden [email protected] A large crowd gathered near Faith Methodist Church in Commonwealth, braving the heavy rain in order to bid a final goodbye to Mr Lee. ST PHOTO: TIFFANY GOH do for Mr Lee,” said Sree Harin, Sounding wise beyond his MELISSA LIN the cortege went past 24 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 25

SAYING GOODBYE: THE COMMUNITY 1923 - 2015

RAFFLES PLACE: The crowd held in rapt attention watching the live telecast of Mr National grief: Why Lee’s funeral service. One could discern group solidarity later on, with the cheers of the such an outpouring? crowd along the route of the funeral procession and the shouts of “Lee Kuan Yew, Gratitude just one of many reasons, Lee Kuan Yew!” evoking a National national grieving also about release Day Parade or post-election By CLARISSA OON now almost bent double from old victory parade, DEPUTY LIFE! EDITOR age and illness but with the clarity rather than that sometimes comes from a a state funeral. THE guestbook spoke volumes: rival rather than a friend. ST PHOTO: the entry from the young girl who In a nutshell, many Singapore- ONG WEE JIN thanked Mr Lee Kuan Yew for giv- ans felt they owed something to ing her safe streets at night and Mr Lee, and this cut across age, “the luxury of deciding what and gender, race and religion. This where to study”; the scrawl of the was their last chance to express it Indian gentleman beside her ex- to the strongman leader whose pressing gratitude for this “great tough love had mobilised a nation country”. and carved out a place for it in the Invocations of “Allah” and sun; the arch-pragmatist whose “God”, declarations like “I love devastating, take-no-prisoners you”, as well as Malay phrases brand of oratory had a way of and Chinese characters peppered bringing all political debates down other entries on the facing page. to earth. Standing at the East Coast and He did not leave anything to Joo Chiat Community Tribute faith or chance, but believed in be- Centre yesterday afternoon, I ing two steps ahead of the compe- who make my living from words tition. To improve Singapore’s was at a loss for them. Finally I chances of success, he retooled Many Singaporeans feel they owe something to Mr Lee, and this cut across age, wrote, simply: “My condolences everything from the languages we gender, race and religion. ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG to you, PM Lee Hsien Loong and spoke to the number of babies we family, on the loss of your father had. We lived with the rapid eco- and our first Prime Minister.” nomic growth, legislated multira- missing out on a historic moment today’s political arena. One of the big questions of the cialism, bilingual education policy and even peer pressure. Mr Lee’s In a 1986 parliamentary de- past seven days must surely be and overarching state control that body had lain in state at Parlia- bate, Mr Chiam once likened Mr what accounted for the emotional were his imprints, internalising ment House until Saturday, and Lee’s dominance to that of a ban- outpouring among usually reti- these to no small extent even if several hundred thousand people yan tree with roots so well spread cent Singaporeans in reaction to we disagreed with some policies. formed snaking queues to pay out that nothing else can grow un- Mr Lee’s death at age 91. Crowd psychology is a complex their last respects to him there. der it. Veteran opposition politician affair, of course, and gratitude is Finally, the public mourning In a sense then, the national Chiam See Tong provided part of only one of the elements fuelling carries with it nostalgia for an ear- grieving over the past week has the answer when he likened the the overwhelming turnout to say lier era when Singapore faced a cri- also been about release, much in man who was arguably his fiercest a final goodbye. sis of survival and needed forceful the same way that the death of an political opponent to the One can discern group solidari- leadership. elderly parent allows one finally country’s Churchill. ty – the cheers of the crowd along Today that survival is taken for to find oneself. “He was there at the time the route of yesterday’s funeral granted, but the aspirations of Sin- In the years ahead, the country when Singapore was swamped procession and the shouts of “Lee gaporeans are more complex, the will look to new leaders across the with numerous problems, ranging Kuan Yew, Lee Kuan Yew!” hunger for alternative voices is political spectrum to fill the void. from domestic to international is- evoked a National Day Parade or greater and the divisions in socie- Until then, the collective mourn- sues. He was there, just as Britain post-election victory parade, rath- ty no less deep. In that sense, Mr ing is akin to that last great imag- needed Winston Churchill during er than a state funeral. Lee was a product of his time and ined huddle under the banyan’s World War II – always taking a The most bandied-about ques- it is debatable if a young man cut shade, before new shoots spring strategic and long-term view of tion of the past week, “Are you go- from the same cloth as him would up to take its place. Singapore,” said Mr Chiam, 80, ing?”, carried with it a fear of succeed as spectacularly in [email protected] All over Singapore, a minute of silence for a lifetime of dedication

FROM MRT stations to bus cluding SBS Transit staff at the interchanges, homes and Toa Payoh bus interchange, put community centres, Singapore- what they were doing aside for ans acted as one yesterday that moment of silence. evening, when they observed a Even the MRT train service minute of silence to honour the stopped for the minute of si- country’s founding father, Mr lence. Lee Kuan Yew. At the Junction 8 mall in A siren sounding across the is- Bishan, the usual stream of peo- land linked those who were not ple came to a standstill in front watching Mr Lee’s state funeral of a big screen outside the MRT service to the 2,200 gathered at exit. the University Cultural Centre, Part-time florist Sharon where it was taking place. Chew, 58, had tears in her eyes Others followed the live as she said: “It’s such a pity that broadcast on television and on- we lost such a talented and line. great man. I’m deeply pained be- As those at the funeral ser- cause he’s left us. I’ve been vice bowed their heads, a lone watching his life history on tele- ANG MO KIO: More than 1,400 people gathered to watch a live feed of the funeral service, observe the national minute of bugler from the SAF Military vision and I really feel very silence and mourn together in the GRC where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is an MP. ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG Band sounded the Last Post – a moved.” final salute to the deceased – Said Mr Jason Lee, 29, an as- and people across the island also sistant banquet manager who bowed their heads as a mark of was watching the eulogies on At PM Lee’s constituency, respect for Singapore’s first his phone: “It was a show of re- Prime Minister, who died last spect ... for a man who gave his Monday aged 91. life to the nation. The minute Many stopped in their tracks was the least we could have tears and a standing ovation BISHAN: A woman became emotional during the live telecast of the state funeral – some with bags in hand out- done.” service. At the Junction 8 mall, many came to a halt in front of a big screen outside side shopping malls like Raffles MAY CHEN, AW CHENG WEI, the Bishan MRT exit. ST PHOTO: DANIEL NEO City, while others at work, in- JOANNA SEOW and CHARISSA YONG By CHARISSA YONG the funeral service and to mourn said: “I came here to honour Mr together. Lee because I can’t go to the city CHANGI: Time TRANSPORT MS SIVA Pillai, 41, stationed her- All the 900 seats there were centre to pay my respects (at Par- stood still for STAFF: At self along Jalan Bukit Merah to taken, with dozens of people liament House). staff, passengers Braddell, (from catch a glimpse of the gun car- standing at the back, craning their “There were too many people and visitors at far left) MRT riage bearing Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s necks to watch the service on a there. I’m an old man, I can’t Changi Airport. station managers casket as it passed by at 1.20pm. large screen on a stage. stand in line for hours,” he said. PHOTO: CHANGI stopped work to Then, barely an hour later, she Several cried, dabbing at their Mr Lai had no trouble at all in AIRPORT GROUP observe a minute was at the community tribute cen- eyes and damp cheeks with tissue Ang Mo Kio, as the front rows of of silence. Over at tre about 15km away in Ang Mo as PM Lee delivered his eulogy to chairs were reserved for the elder- TOA PAYOH: Toa Payoh bus Kio watching Mr Lee’s funeral ser- his father. ly and people with disabilities. Mr Wincent Das, interchange, SBS vice being screened live. They gave their MP a standing Student Haikal Hirman, 15, was who lost one leg to Transit staff (left) Ms Pillai’s long hair and black ovation when he finished and, lat- perched on his bicycle near the diabetes last year, did the same thing. clothes were still damp from the er, rose again to observe the na- stage, next to three friends he had stood when All over Singapore, come with to pay his respects. observing a minute buses were pouring rain. tional moment of silence. of silence during But she said she rushed back to Ms Anita Chia, 57, said: “This When it was the moment of si- held back at the live broadcast interchanges, and Ang Mo Kio, where she lives, to is a time for community. lence, one by one, the four friends at Toa Payoh Hub. “I could’ve watched the funer- stood, removed their caps and trains pulled to a be with her fellow Singaporeans He wanted to go to stop at stations to observe the moment of silence, al service at home. But being here bowed their heads. Parliament House during that sing the national anthem, and re- as part of a group is what Mr Lee Administrative assistant Lu to pay his respects moment of cite the national pledge. would’ve wanted. Regardless of Ying, 39, said in Mandarin that to Mr Lee. No one silence too. “Mr Lee’s legacy will live on,” the rain, we are here to say good- she was touched by the events. could take him PHOTOS: LIM she said, tearing up. “This week, bye to our national leader,” the Said the permanent resident, there, so he caught YAOHUI FOR THE he’s done what we could not do lecturer added. who moved to Singapore 13 years the telecast of the STRAITS TIMES, on our own. He brought us all to- She said she chose to go to the ago and is married to a Singapo- funeral service at DESMOND WEE gether.” Ang Mo Kio site to support PM rean: “Even though I’m not a citi- Toa Payoh instead. In Ang Mo Kio GRC where Lee. It was the last chance for resi- zen, I felt like I was going to cry. ST PHOTO: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is dents – the only chance, for many This week, I found out how united WANG HUI FEN an MP, more than 1,400 people – to pay their respects to Mr Lee. Singaporeans truly are.” gathered to watch a live feed of Retiree Lai Tsun Yuen, 74, [email protected] 26 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 27

SAYING GOODBYE: OVERSEAS 1923 - 2015 Tears flow as S’poreans abroad gather to watch funeral

From Beijing to Bangkok, they came together to bid Mr Lee final farewell

SINGAPOREANS across Asia yes- three Singaporeans, in their late terday gathered to bid farewell to 50s at least, took a nine-hour bus the man who put Singapore on the ride from Chiang Mai because world stage. “it’s the least we can do”. Away from home, it was their chance to honour and thank Mr Tears for ‘guiding light’ Lee Kuan Yew, who had made a difference in their lives and made KUALA LUMPUR – There was no them feel proud to be Singapo- holding back the tears, for some rean. of the 100 people at the Singapore High Commission as they listened Mr Lee ‘sacrificed so much’ to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s eulogy for Singapore’s BEIJING – No flight delay or can- “guiding light” Mr Lee. cellation could stop China-based “Fifty years ago, we were aban- businessman Raymond Lim, 66, doned just like that. Without him, from travelling to Beijing, where we wouldn’t be where we are to- he joined some 300 Singaporeans day,” said Ms Adelene Bek, 42, re- to watch the live telecast of Mr ferring to the 1965 Separation. Lee’s state funeral. Singapore’s High Commission- Emotions ran high in the ball- er to Malaysia, Mr Vanu Gopala room of the Shangri-La China Menon, said more than 2,000 had World Summit Wing hotel, with signed the condolence book in the many sobbing or hugging their past week, including Malaysians. loved ones as they followed the live coverage of the funeral proces- Bound by same name sion back home. “Mr Lee had sacrificed so JAKARTA – Mr Jason Ting Kuan much for Singaporeans. I’m just Yew, 32, was among the 70 people sacrificing a few hours of sleep who were at the Singapore Embas- and rest to see him through the sy here yesterday to pay their last last phase as a form of my respect respects and watch the telecast. for his leadership,” said Mr Lim, “My father is an admirer of Lee who runs a seafood processing Kuan Yew and even though I’m company in coastal Weihai city. Malaysian, I was named after After his flight from Weihai him,” said Mr Ting, who was with was cancelled after a long delay his Indonesian wife Dewiani Mulja- on Saturday night, he drove two di and baby son. “We feel moved hours to nearby Yantai city from by the ceremony.” where he flew to Beijing. Singapore’s Ambassador to In- The telecast was organised by donesia Anil Kumar Nayar said the Singapore Chamber of Com- large numbers of people had merce and Industry in China. Simi- signed the condolence book at the lar events took place in Shanghai, embassy. “Not just Singaporeans, Suzhou and Xiamen. not just political office-holders in Mr Stanley Loh, Singapore’s Indonesia, but also ordinary Indo- Ambassador to China, told the au- nesians, Malaysians, other foreign- dience that many Singaporeans ers,” he said. were enjoying good opportunities in China because Singapore was Don’t want to grieve alone regarded as a country that is suc- cessful and has a reputation for NEW DELHI – Some held hands, zero tolerance of corruption. others comforted each other as Former Chinese president Jiang tears fell when more than 40 Sin- Zemin and former premiers Li gaporeans met at the Singapore Peng and Zhu Rongji had sent per- High Commission here yesterday. sonal letters of condolences, he Some said they came because told reporters. they did not want to watch Mr More than 5,000 Singaporeans Lee’s last journey alone. and foreigners paid their respects “I think watching by yourself at the embassy and in consulates and together with other Singapore- in China, he added. ans is different. You don’t want to In Hong Kong, over 1,000 Sin- grieve alone,” said Mr Yeoh Phee gaporeans gathered to view the Teik, chief executive of Vistara, live telecast at the consulate. The the joint venture airline between Consul-General of Singapore, Mr Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons. Jacky Foo, led the tributes, say- The Malaysian is a Singapore per- ing: “He gave us the security um- manent resident. brella. He gave us economic oppor- Indian flags flew at half-mast tunities. And he built a social yesterday as the South Asian coun- framework, for Singapore to try marked a day of national thrive and Singaporeans to pursue mourning in honour of Mr Lee. A coming of age for ‘good life kids’ their dreams.” Said Mr Lim Thuan Kuan, Singapore’s High Commissioner ‘The least we can do’ to India: “The response has been By JANICE HENG has become real to us. is really from the books, from the the coffin passed, just like that, emotional from Singaporeans of “When he was still around, you news, from our parents.” and silence fell in its wake. BANGKOK – For Singaporean all ages, even the younger ones. AN HOUR before Mr Lee Kuan just didn’t grasp what he had But precisely because my gener- Even before the vehicles were friends Lulu Seah, Aileen Ang and You see people crying as they sign Yew’s body left Parliament done,” said researcher Raymond ation do not know – cannot know out of sight, people began to peel Nicholas Ng, who are in their 50s the book.” House, the hipster cafes of Tan- Khoo, 29, who was also at the – the vast changes which Mr Lee away from the barricades: Old and live in Bangkok, it was the jong Pagar were busy with the usu- same rain-lashed junction. wrought, we can only marvel at men shaking the rain off their san- first time they got together not to Missing home al young crowd, though the flow- “His passing made us more cu- them in retrospect. dals, families in matching rain- celebrate but to mourn the man ing tops and short-sleeved shirts rious about him, and made us real- What were we trying to do, coats. who “made them proud to be Sin- MANILA – Solemn and silent, were in more sombre shades than ise how much he did.” this past week, with our mourning But a few of us lingered a little gaporean”. nearly 100 people were at the Sin- usual. Like other 20-somethings to Facebook statuses? longer. There was Mr Lin, sharing They were some of the 300 peo- gapore Embassy in the heart of Later, I recognised some of whom I had spoken, while Mr For a generation whose life ex- an umbrella with his girlfriend. ple who gathered at the Singapore Manila’s financial district to those same 20-somethings nearby Khoo was sad about Mr Lee’s periences feel more like current af- There was a young man with a Embassy yesterday. Among them watch Mr Lee’s final journey. as we stood in the rain at the junc- death, grief was not his greatest fairs than history, perhaps there stylish quiff, staring ahead, smart- were Thai nationals like Ms Sunee “When you’re stuck in heavy tion of Cantonment Road and Neil reaction: “It’s more that we’re was some selfishness under all phone forgotten in his hand. Vivatakron, 83, who made a traffic at 6pm, you miss home. Road, waiting for the arrival of a grateful that he has contributed that emotion and reflection. We kept peering down the three-hour journey, taking three You miss the Singapore that Lee man most of us had never met. so much.” In our own way, we strove to road, watching as the procession buses and a motorcycle taxi, to Kuan Yew built,” said Mr Christo- (Clockwise, from above) The Indian flag was flown at half-mast at Parliament House in New Delhi, as India marked a day of Our generation are the lucky In a sense, we grew up in a become part of this historical mo- disappeared into the distance, as get here. pher Tan, 23, who has been in the mourning for Mr Lee. ones. We are the “good life kids”, post-Lee Kuan Yew age. I was ment, to stake a claim on a chap- if still unsure what exactly we had She did not know Mr Lee per- Philippines for six months to help Mourners at the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta gathered to watch the live coverage of the funeral. as our elders remind us in dialects two years old when the prime min- ter of the Singapore story that we come to bid farewell to. sonally, but two of her grandchil- with his father’s fish trading busi- In Beijing, French national Harold Pradal, 37, and his Singaporean wife Evangeline Ho, 33, attended the live telecast of the that the late Mr Lee did not quite istership passed to Mr Goh Chok had always thought about in the Something far greater than us dren were schooled in Singapore. ness. funeral. Mr Pradal worked in Singapore from 2006 to 2009, where he learnt about Mr Lee’s contributions to Singapore. manage to eradicate. Tong in 1990. The improvements past tense. had come and gone, and was even “He was a good man, and I admire Mr Peter Tay, 60, president of Around 50 Singaporeans gathered for a simple memorial ceremony in Washington, DC on Saturday, which Singapore We knew this well before the we have seen in our lifetime are And so we gathered, yesterday now fading into the rain. him,” she said. the Singapore Philippine Associa- Ambassador to the United States Ashok Mirpuri attended. past week, of course. We had small in comparison: the disap- morning, on that rain-swept cor- But perhaps in bearing witness Singapore Ambassador to Thai- tion, said he would have queued In Vancouver, 140 Singaporeans attended a memorial event for Mr Lee. Social Studies lessons and the sto- pearance of non-air-conditioned ner. to its passing, we too became part land Chua Siew San said over for eight hours himself to pay his The live telecast of the funeral drew a big crowd at the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. ries of our parents, stories so dis- buses, say, or the rise of Marina The crowd perked up as the of something greater. This was his- 1,000 people had come to sign Mr respects to Mr Lee had he been in Malaysian Jason Ting Kuan Yew was at the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta with his Indonesian wife Dewiani Muljadi and baby tant that we imagined them in se- Bay Sands. first police motorcycles sped past. tory, right before us, and for once Lee’s condolence book in the past Singapore. son to pay their respects to Mr Lee. Mr Ting says his father admired Mr Lee and named him after Singapore’s former PM. pia: night-soil carriers, kampung As 29-year-old Lin Wei Liang, As the cortege drew into view, – for perhaps the first time – it week. Reports by Kor Kian Beng, Tan Hui Yee, Over in Manila, Ms Kelicia Tan, 40, wept while watching the live streaming of the funeral. games, a life before television. who works in human resources, flags rustled urgently. was a history we could call our “It’s been overwhelming, the Shannon Teoh, Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja, PHOTOS: NIRMALA GANAPATHY, WAHYUDI SOERIAATMADJA, KOR KIAN BENG, But perhaps it was only with said: “I haven’t been through the A cry went up – “Lee Kuan own. response,” she said, adding that Nirmala Ganapathy and Raul Dancel SINGAPORE EMBASSY IN THE U.S., CIEL LUI BEI, SHANNON TEOH, RAUL DANCEL Mr Lee’s death that that history tough times. What we understand Yew! Lee Kuan Yew!” – but then [email protected]