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SUNDAY, 5 APRIL 2015 SPECIAL EDITION MCI (P) 088/09/2014

The tributes to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew continue to flow as life returns to normal at a market at Toa Payoh Lorong 8 on Wednesday, three days after the State Funeral Service. PHOTO: WEE TECK HIAN REMEMBERING MR LEE KUAN YEW SPECIAL ISSUE 2 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Tribute cards for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew by the PCF Sparkletots Preschool (Bukit Gombak Branch) teachers and students displayed at the Chua Chu Kang tribute centre. PHOTO: KOH MUI FONG COMMENTARY Where does Singapore go from here?

died a few hours earlier, he said: “I am for some, more bearable. Servicemen the funeral of a loved one can tell you, CARL SKADIAN grieved beyond words at the passing of and other volunteers went about their the hardest part comes next, when the DEPUTY EDITOR Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I know that we all duties quietly, eiciently, even as oi- frenzy of activity that has kept the mind feel the same way.” cials worked to revise plans that had busy is over. I think the Prime Minister expected to be adjusted after their irst contact Alone, without the necessary and his past week, things have been, many Singaporeans to mourn the loss, with a grieving nation. fortifying distractions of a period of T how shall we say … diferent but even he must have been surprised Last Sunday, about 100,000 people mourning in the company of others, in Singapore. by just how many did. lined the streets to bid Mr Lee goodbye we now have to collect our thoughts, These were the Quiet Hours. After As of the last telling, close to two as he embarked on his inal journey, make sense of what exactly it is that we a frenzied week, when Singapore ca- million people headed to Parliament despite the buckets that rained down. have lost, and igure out how to move reened from grief to the need to say House and the various tribute centres Many more were glued to TV screens, on from here. thanks, and then back to mourning set up around the island to pay their wherever they could ind them, to watch So, what now? and grief again, life has settled back respects and to remember the found- the funeral procession and service. It If we can learn anything from the into more familiar rhythms. ing Prime Minister of Singapore in seemed as if an entire nation came to a reams of newspaper copy put out over The national colours have luttered their own ways. How many more did halt when the Singapore Civil Defence the seven-day period of national mourn- proudly atop lagpoles again, black rib- so at temples, mosques, churches or at Force sounded the alert for a minute of ing, from the blanket coverage on tel- bons have been taken down from Fa- home, with friends and family or alone, silence to be observed. evision and radio, the endless chatter cebook proiles, Parliament House and we’ll never know. Now, the oicial mourning period in the digital ether, it is this: Mr Lee the Padang have fallen quiet. The seemingly-endless queues gave is over, and there is that enemy of the was an exceptional man, and he built And yet … rise to their own ecosystem of Good Sa- grieving to contend with: Time. Af- an exceptional country. When Prime Minister Lee Hsien maritans who spontaneously turned up ter the frenzy of activity, Singapore But — and there is always a but Loong appeared on national televi- to give out water, food, umbrellas and now has time to catch its breath and — this fact presents its own set sion at 8am on Monday, March 23, to other creature comforts to make the ponder the week that was. As anyone of challenges. announce that Mr Lee Kuan Yew had wait, which ran into as long as 10 hours who has been through the hell that is For someone like me, who grew up in SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

early Singapore, the startling changes nominee for the post of national police together to pledge ourselves to continue that have taken place have not seemed chief, outed as a suspect in a bribery building this exceptional country. as phenomenal as they ought to be. It case, was later cleared of charges by a “Let us shape this island nation into has been more of a process of osmosis court, while the leader who nominated one of the great cities in the world, re- — a skyscraper comes up here, a new him faces questions about why the can- lecting the ideals he stood for, realising rail station there, ungainly Hawker didacy was dropped. the dreams he inspired, and worthy of Hunters blossom into sleek F15SG Ea- Look all around you. the people who have made Singapore gles soaring over National Day Parades, Look at the pictures in the follow- our home and nation.” one generation of able leaders morphs ing pages that show kings, a former For Mr Lee, many of the Old Guard into the next, policies debated in one American President and the sitting leaders, and some members of the Pio- term are brought to fruition in the next, leader of a nation of over a billion people neer Generation, the words of Mr Lee even if the debate has become sharper, in attendance for the funeral of a man Hsien Yang, in his eulogy at the crema- more cantankerous. who once — in an almost distant time tion service at Mandai, are appropri- This is the natural order of things, — led a tiny nation of just ive million. ate: “Your work is done and your rest is it not? Look around you the next time you are is richly deserved.” Growing up in a Catholic school, I in the immigration queue at an airport For those of my generation, who have had hantam bola buddies of every con- in Australia or the United States, and gone from two-roomers in Tanglin Halt ceivable stripe. Folks of my generation ask yourself what right you have to be to better things, from kopi-o kosong in have an easy familiarity with “Selamat in the line for automated clearance. recycled condensed milk tins to Kopi Hari Raya”, “Happy Deepavali”; Mus- That is the great Myth of Singapore Luwak, and, yes, from Third World to lims say a cheery “Merry Christmas” to Exceptionalism, that this is the natural First, Mr Lee will have our enduring Christians, who reciprocate with gifts order of things. gratitude. We are champion grumblers, of fare, carefully prepared to ensure It is the vision of one man, and the and we have moaned about the muz- non-halal ingredients are avoided. We hard work of those he led, that has given zling of some Opposition voices, about gather on weekends, a veritable GRC rise to this. It is too easy to be compla- the endless chiding and cajoling from of buddies, similar despite our difer- cent, to think that things have always on high, and about the policies that ences, engaging in the raucous banter been this way, and that they will remain gave some quarters in the West cause that only the sharing of a single tongue so no matter what we do. Too easy to to accuse us — in not so kind terms would allow. think the world owes us living. That — of being little more than sheep for- Girlfriends and boyfriends, hus- we’re small but tough, that those ads ever following a shepherd in search of bands and wives, children, more and which advertise our muscular prowess greener grazing grounds, never mind more, families and lovers look diferent at half-time of the football game are the routes he took us on. from the way they did in the past. But enough to keep Singapore where it is, But deep down, we know life has there are no second looks, no raised and that it’s perhaps time we took our gotten better year by year. In the ver- eyebrows when a newspaper columnist collective foot of the gas pedal, because, nacular of today’s generation, we have describes his children as “Chindians”. well, look how far we’ve come! moaned about First World problems. This is the natural order of things, In the Quiet Hours, let your thoughts Champion grumblers, indeed. is it not? drift to where complacency will lead us, But for those for whom the events At school, in army camps, at work, because if it was one thing Mr Lee kept of the week of national mourning were WE SET YOU THINKING no one bothers if you grew up in a two- reminding us about, it is that we have their irst personal brush with the his- room lat in Tanglin Halt, as I did, or a no right to be here. We’ve crashed the tory that Mr Lee created, the words of EDITOR six-room bungalow in Namly Drive, as party. Now, we have to keep proving the Prime Minister should resonate Walter Fernandez a primary school classmate did. There that we belong. more. A gauntlet has been thrown DEPUTY EDITOR are so many scholars whose parents are Look around you. down. Will it be picked up? Carl Skadian hawkers and taxi drivers that these sto- There is one other thing our minds For many who were in the queues, ASSOCIATE EDITORS ries have become boring, routine, not should drift to in the Quiet Hours, at tribute centres, lining the streets loh Chee kong worth a mention in the news. Whether before the memory of the days after as the gun carriage trundled by, SG50 JaSon tan you drive a Ford or a Ferrari, you will March 23, 2015 fade into grey, before will be but a waystation on a longer DIGITAL EDITOR be ticketed if you break the law; and you we once again get caught up in the con- journey. For most of those who are in Mae lYnn tan can’t jump queue simply by telling me suming endeavour that is life, before school now, or just being enlisted, or VISUAL EDITOR who your father or mother is, because consigning events to an archive we will just starting work, for the couples who Mugilan raJaSegeran all you will get is a smirk. Nothing is go- revisit every once in a while — times will put last week behind them and ex- VOICES EDITOR ing to be diferent for you, just because. too few and far between to serve any perience joy as they exchange wedding derriCk a Paulo Again: This is the natural order of useful purpose beyond nostalgia: vows this weekend and the next, and FEATURES EDITOR things, is it not? There is a common thread that the one after that — because yes, life ChriStoPher toh It was former foreign minister ties together the speeches made by must go on — SG100 will be an even SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR George Yeo, perhaps, who summed the Prime Minister in the week that more meaningful milestone. ariel taM up most succinctly Mr Lee’s contribu- was — a word to the wise, if you will. The rest of us will turn the future tions to Singapore. Quoting from the That they came from a man so obvi- over to you soon. How will you fol- CORPORATE SERVICES • ROSALIND PNG CIRCULATION • SUNNY ISSAC monument to Sir Christopher Wren ously wracked by grief at times should low the prescription dispensed by the EDITORIAL SUPPORT in London, he said when asked about give us further pause and engender Prime Minister for moving on from • DOReeN SAbAI the founding Prime Minister’s most some thoughtfulness of what is ex- the grief? How to build on Mr Lee’s MEDIACORP PRESS LTD [email protected] important contribution to Singapore: pected of us in the days, months and foundations, strive for his ideals, and www.facebook.com/todayonline We should just look all around us. years ahead. These are the years we keep Singapore successful for many www.twitter.com/todayonline Look around you. And I mean, really will have to navigate “without the light years to come? Let us dedicate Caldecott broadcast Centre, look, not just at the towering achieve- ourselves as that has guided us” since the earliest Perhaps for you, in these Quiet Andrew Road, Singapore 299939 ments on these shores, but beyond one people to days of the Republic. Hours, the proper tonic is a good, ex- Tel: 6236 4888 | Fax: 6534 4217 as well. The irst, delivered at 8 am on March hortative dose of Mr Lee Kuan Yew build on his NEWS HOTLINE 6822 2268 Look at the newspapers and at the foundations, 23, said: “Let us dedicate ourselves as himself, taken from a speech made to CIRCULATION HOTLINE 1800 698 6329 reports of the howls of protest after a strive for one people to build on his foundations, the Singapore Press Club on June 7, ADVERTISING HOTLINE 6333 9888 report about the leader of a neighbour- his ideals, strive for his ideals, and keep Singapore 1996, but just as relevant today, almost ing country who had the gall to turn up and keep exceptional and successful for many 20 years hence: SPECIAL ISSUE at a Thaipusam celebration in the garb Singapore years to come.” “The sky has turned brighter. PRODUCTION TEAM: of another ethnic group. exceptional The refrain, at the funeral service There’s a glorious rainbow that beck- Find out about the lawmakers in and successful at the University Cultural Centre on ons those with a spirit of adventure, Shahiron Sahari a faraway land who invited the lead- for many years March 29: “We come together not only and there are rich indings at the end NG bOON Chew er of another country to speak in di- to come. to mourn. We come together also to of that rainbow. huang QinQin rect opposition to a plan by their own rejoice in Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s long and “To the young and not so old, I say, tan Jun-lei Prime Minister president to strike a nuclear deal with Lee Hsien Loong full life, and what he has achieved with look at the horizon, follow that rainbow, aliCia Wong Iran. Debate how it came to be that a at 8aM on MarCh 23 us, his people, in Singapore. We come go ride it!” 4 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW “The first among our founding fathers is no more.”

The seven-day period of national mourning for former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew drew an unprecedented outpouring of emotion from Singaporeans. In this special edition, we take a look back at a historic week for Singapore and present our reports from those seven days as a keepsake. This special edition divides the events into two parts, beginning with a chronological retelling of the mourning period, from the private wake at Sri Temasek, through the days of massive queues at Parliament House, and on to the private cremation at Mandai. The back of the book comprises pages from our special edition on that fateful Monday, March 23, 2015.

Members of the public gather at Raffles Place to watch on a screen the live broadcast of the State Funeral Service of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew on Sunday, March 29. PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Mr Lee Kuan Yew: His life and times, 1923 - 2015

Sept 16, 1923 1936 to 1942 1942 to 1945 1947 Dec 23, 1947 June 21, 1949 Mr Lee Kuan Yew was Graduates from Telok Kurau Japanese Occupation of Singapore, during Enters Cambridge a€er brie‚y Marries fellow law undergraduate Kwa Graduates from born to Mr Lee Chin Koon English School, attends Raes which Mr Lee worked as a clerk and attending London School of Geok Choo in secret in England. O„cial Cambridge with rare and Mdm Chua Jim Neo Institution and Raes College transcriber for the Japanese, and ran his Economics wedding was held on Sept 30, 1950 double-starred First- before studies are interrupted own businesses on the side class honours by WWII

1920 1930 1940

Feb 10, 1952 Nov 21, 1954 April 2, 1955 1957 May 30, 1959 1961 Sept 16, 1963 Aug 9, 1965 Aug 9, 1966 1966 — early 1970s 1976-1978 Sept 7, 1979 His Žrst son, Elected Wins seat in Youngest Leads PAP to Campaigns Singapore joins Chokes back First National Launched bilingual Visits China, and Launches Mr Lee Hsien Secretary-Gen- Tanjong Pagar, child Lee historic win of for Singapore Malaya as an tears while Day Parade policy where all two years later, Speak Loong, who eral of the remains MP of Hsien Yang 43 out of 51 to merge with autonomous announcing held at Padang students have to learn Chinese leader Mandarin will become People’s Action the ward for 60 is born seats in Malaya state a€er Singapore’s their Mother Tongue Deng Xiaoping campaign Singapore’s Party, which he years; daughter Legislative declaring expulsion from as a second language. returns the visit, third Prime founded with Lee Wei Ling is Assembly; independence Malaysia Conscription begins setting in stone Minister, is Toh Chin Chye, born the same becomes from British a€er strong lobbying decades of born S Rajaratnam, year Singapore’s Žrst by Mr Lee. Family bilateral coopera- among others Prime Minister planning polices tion with China encouraging people to have small families — culminating in the Stop at Two campaign — also introduced

1950 1960 1970

Oct 21, 1981 Dec 22, 1984 Oct 9, 1985 1988 Nov 28, 1990 Nov 5, 1992 Jan 1994 Oct 2003 Aug 12, 2004 PAP loses PAP loses Addresses the Introduces the Group Steps down as Prime Steps down as PAP Proposes in Parliament Mrs Lee su£ers a Mr Lee Hsien Loong is monopoly of Potong Pasir US Congress Representation Minister, handing secretary-general, a that formal benchmarks stroke while in appointed Prime Parliament seat to Mr during an Constituency scheme over leadership to Mr post he held for 38 be introduced to link London with Mr Minister, while Mr Lee when Workers’ Chiam See Tong o„cial visit to to ensure minority Goh Chok Tong. years. In the same ministers’ and senior civil Lee. She would go assumes newly-creat- Party’s JB in the General the US representation in Becomes Senior year, Mr Lee Hsien servants’ salaries to on to have another ed role of Minister Jeyaretnam Election; Mr Lee Parliament. But Minister. That same Loong is diagnosed private sector; White two strokes before Mentor wins the Anson Hsien Loong is scheme has been year, Mr Lee Hsien with cancer Paper published later she passed away in by-election elected into Ang criticised by Opposi- Loong is appointed that year and approved 2010 Mo Kio GRC tion as hindering Deputy Prime by Parliament electoral competition Minister

1980 1990 2000

Oct 2, 2010 May 7, 2011 May 14, 2011 2012 to 2013 Nov 7, 2014 Feb 5, 2015 March 23, 2015 Mrs Lee PAP loses a GRC Announces retirement Public concerns over Celebrates the PAP’s Mr Lee is admitted Mr Lee passes passes away to an opposition from Cabinet with Mr Goh Mr Lee’s health mount. 60th anniversary at to Singapore away at SGH. He party — the Chok Tong a€er General He misses his constitu- Victoria Theatre General Hospital was 91. Workers’ Party — Election to give Mr Lee ency’s Chinese New and Concert Hall, (SGH) a€er falling ill for the Žrst time Hsien Loong a “fresh clean Year dinner for the Žrst where he receives a with severe slate”. Also revealed to time in 2013 but makes standing ovation pneumonia have peripheral neuropa- an appearance at the thy, a disease a£ecting the National Day Parade nerves

2010

Photos: Reuters, AP TODAY 6 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW Singapore and the world mourn Mr Lee Thousands send condolences, and praised him for playing a key role “not only in achieving Singapore’s re- global leaders pay tribute to a markable economic growth and pros- ‘lion among leaders’ perity, but also in securing peace and stability of the Asia-Paciic region and LOH CHEE KONG the world”. ASSOCIATE EDITOR Regional leaders including Malay- [email protected] sian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Indonesian President Joko Widodo also he Republic lost its founding paid tribute to Mr Lee’s leadership. T Prime Minister on Monday, Corporate bigwigs here and abroad March 23, and the world also expressed their condolences, as mourned the death of a global statesman. did some of his political adversaries. The announcement in the wee hours Even football clubs in Germany and of the morning — Mr Lee Kuan Yew England took to social media to ofer died at 3.18am, and the Prime Min- their condolences. ister’s Oice’s announced his death a While Mr Lee had been in ill health little after 4am — left many at a loss for more than a month, his death hit for words, coming as it did at the end Singaporeans hard. As the hearse of a week during which Singaporeans carrying his body made its way to feared the worst after a series of state- Sri Temasek, the oicial residence of ments chronicling his failing health the Prime Minister within the Istana made the front pages of local newspa- grounds, where a two-day private wake pers on successive days. was held, many members of the public Over the course of the day, tens of who gathered outside the Istana main thousands continuously thronged sites gate could not contain their emotions. across the island — including the Istana Cries of “Mr Lee! Mr Lee!” erupted. main gate, Parliament House, Tanjong Just hours after the announcement Pagar Community Club and the Singa- of the death, Prime Minister Lee Hsien pore General Hospital, where Mr Lee Loong addressed Singaporeans in a had been warded — to pen their trib- live broadcast. In a voice choked with utes and condolence messages. emotion, and a visage etched with grief, Singaporeans from all walks of life the Prime Minister said: “I am deeply also took to social media to pay trib- saddened to tell you that Mr Lee Kuan ute to Mr Lee, whose death came only Yew passed away peacefully this morn- months before Singapore’s 50th Na- ing at the Singapore General Hospital... tional Day. The irst of our founding fathers is no The Republic’s embassies and con- more. He inspired us, gave us courage, sulates across Asia saw streams of Sin- kept us together, and brought us here. gaporeans and locals turning up to sign He fought for our independence, built a condolence books, while global leaders nation where there was none, and made past and present wrote of the sadness us proud to be Singaporeans. We won’t they felt after the loss of “a giant of his- see another like him.” tory who will be remembered for gen- He added: “To many Singapore- erations to come”, in the words of United ans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan felt tributes to the man who had been tearing as I write this. What is there to States President Barack Obama. In his Yew was Singapore. As Prime Min- so inluential in their political careers. say about Mr Lee Kuan Yew that has condolence note — among the irst to ister, he pushed us hard to achieve Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, not already been said?” arrive from a world leader — Mr Oba- what had seemed impossible. After who was once Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s He added: “Each time I think about ma said his discussions with Mr Lee in he stepped down, he guided his suc- principal private secretary, said he him now, I tear. Each time I read a 2009 were pivotal to the US’ policy of cessors with wisdom and tact. In old did not have the words to express his tribute to him, I choke. It is diicult rebalancing to the Asia-Paciic region. age, he continued to keep a watchful gratitude for everything that he had to describe in words, the grief I feel.” Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi eye on Singapore. Singapore was his done for Singapore, while Manpower With lags lying at half-mast, and Jinping described Mr Lee as a “unique- abiding passion. He gave of himself, Minister Tan Chuan-Jin expressed a students in all public schools observing ly inluential statesman in Asia”, while in full measure, to Singapore ... I am similar sentiment: “One is at loss for a minute of silence during morning as- India Prime Minister Narendra Modi grieved beyond words at the passing words in moments like this. How does semblies, the Republic began its week- called him “a lion among leaders”. of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I know that we one fully articulate a nation’s grief or long mourning period. Moments after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo all feel the same way.” pay tribute?” the Prime Minister’s Oice announced Abe hailed Mr Lee’s “incomparable Other members of the Cabinet were Law and Foreign Minister K Shan- details of where Singaporeans could leadership and unparalleled insights” also despondent, as they wrote heart- mugam said: “Mr Lee is no more. I am sign condolence books and pen their SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

tributes, long queues started to form. how Mr Lee always had the interests Prime Minister big picture planning, he did not forget last respects at the private wake at the Mr S N Pillai, 50, was among the of the common man at heart despite Lee Hsien the common man.” Istana. Many could not hold back their irst in line at the Istana. The security the weighty job of steering the nation. Loong posted Young Singaporeans also joined in emotions, and emerged teary-eyed. Mr guard is a long-time resident in Mr Lee’s “One thing which struck me or last- on Facebook an the expressions of grief, with many say- Ho Nam Hua, 67, had left a message last Tanjong Pagar ward, and recalled how ed as a memory was during the SARS image of a flag at ing they learnt about Mr Lee from their Sunday at Teck Ghee Community Club Mr Lee had told him to study hard some (severe acute respiratory syndrome) half-mast at the parents. One, student Christopher Lim, for Mr Lee. He was back again the day four decades ago. period ... One question that he asked Istana on March 23 15, said: “He is a great man, someone Mr Lee’s death was announced and he Another Tanjong Pagar resident, during that period was: What about following Mr Lee’s who has helped Singapore accomplish intended to pay his respects at Parlia- Mr Loke Wai Tong, 76, said Mr Lee had the taxi drivers? How is this afecting death. PHOTO: MCI a lot. My parents always told me how ment House the next day. taken care of everything the residents their ability to earn a living? Because grateful we should be to him.” “I woke up at 7 plus and turned on needed. “We lost somebody who fought he knew at that time ... people were On the irst day of the private wake, the television. When I saw the news, I for us against the British, fought for our reluctant to go on public transport or some 1,200 visitors, including Cabinet cried and woke up my son,” he said in rights,” Mr Loke said. to take public taxis. His immediate ministers, MPs, Brunei Sultan Has- Mandarin. “(On Sunday), I came here to Tanjong Pagar GRC Member of Par- concern ... was for their welfare,” said sanal Bolkiah, Hong Kong tycoon Li leave a message ‘Mr Lee, get well soon’. liament Indranee Rajah told reporters Ms Indranee. “In the midst of all the Ka-shing and SGH nurses, paid their Today, I wrote ‘Mr Lee, please go well’.” 8 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — TRibuTes flow

(Clockwise from top left): A family paying tribute to Mr Lee at the East Coast GRC Community Tribute; patrons watching the news about Mr Lee’s passing at a coffee shop in Bishan; people viewing videos of Mr Lee at a chinese medicine shop; Mr S Gunasegaran praying quietly outside the Istana; the state flag flying at half-mast during morning assembly at Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary). From a trickle of visitors into snaking lines s the hearse bearing the late The scene at the Istana was repli- tycoon Li Ka Shing and foreign digni- Over at Parliament House, a mix of A Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s body cated in other areas that had been set taries, began arriving. curious tourists and working profes- pulled up to the Istana’s Main up to allow Singaporeans to pay tribute At Tanjong Pagar Community Club, Elderly folk sionals on their lunch breaks dropped Gate at around 1pm on Monday, March to the nation’s founding prime minis- meanwhile, the mood was solemn came hand by, and despite the sunny weather, the 23, a hush fell, broken only by frenzied ter, and the mood elsewhere across among visiting residents and grass- in hand mood was sombre. Many came and triggering of camera shutters as the the island was one of quiet, sometimes roots volunteers. Visitors, several of with their went quietly, but by 4.15pm, oicials vehicle drove through, before a chorus tearful, grief. From sunrise, when state whom struggled to keep their emotions grandchildren, stationed there said almost 1,000 notes of cries — some calling out Mr Lee’s lags at government buildings, schools, in check, were guided and assisted by as they told had been left there. name — pierced the air. community centres and elsewhere were grassroots volunteers who wore white the younger The Singapore General Hospital, A private family wake was held at unfurled and raised to half-mast, to shirts, black pants and tags with black ones stories where well-wishers irst began gather- Sri Temasek, the oicial residence of late in the evening, as workers made lanyards. A few who held their compo- of Mr Lee’s ing the previous Friday, was another the Prime Minister, for Mr Lee until detours from their commutes home to sure until then broke down after de- contributions spot of choice for those who wanted to March 24, and the Main Gate of the pay respects, it was near impossible to positing lowers and other keepsakes to Singapore. pay tribute to Mr Lee. At the Quad out- Istana was the chosen gathering point venture into any corner of the island before moving on to view photos of In the case side Block 7, young and old alike arrived for many members of the public seeking where Mr Lee Kuan Yew did not loom Mr Lee’s public appearances from the of some steadily throughout the day, and placed to pen condolence notes and express large in thought or conversation. 1950s to his inal years, which were on families, three lowers, cards and letters beneath a their appreciation for Mr Lee and his Outside the Istana, elderly folk came display. A documentary of Mr Lee’s con- generations large black sign with the words: “We lifetime of public service. hand in hand with their grandchildren tributions to Singapore was also played were present. Remember with Gratitude”. By evening, the trickle of visitors and told them stories of Mr Lee’s con- on repeat. In the early afternoon, stu- Wherever they went, and whether spotted at daybreak had transformed tributions to Singapore. At Monday dents in school uniform began arriving they left lowers, balloons, cards or of- into sombre, snaking lines. Many in the morning assembly in schools, Majulah after lessons ended. Some took pictures Story by: fered a silent prayer, the grief was pal- queue were older Singaporeans who Singapura rang out loud and proud. In of the photo display, and parents also Ng Jing Yng, pable, and the sentiment was the same. had met Mr Lee in the past, during his Bishan, cofee shop patrons ignored the spent some time talking to their young Amanda Lee, Mrs Choi Heng, 68, a retiree, summed visits to their neighbourhoods, or other beverages at hand and sat glued to tel- children about Mr Lee. Valerie Koh, up the thoughts of many, saying in Man- such community activities. evision screens recounting the news of Teck Ghee Community Club began Jean Khoo, Xue darin: “I don’t think there’s going to be Jianyue, Siau Ming Teary-eyed, they clutched bouquets the day, and the life and times of Mr Lee. to draw visitors in the morning, and by En, Angela Teng, another (leader) like Mr Lee Kuan Yew of orchids, white lilies, white roses — Later in the afternoon, the Istana afternoon, residents were also making Matthias Tay … I always tell my grandson to respect one visitor brought blooms in the col- turned into a hive of activity as guests their way to Ang Mo Kio Central Stage Photos by: him because he must be respected for ours of the national lag — and came attending the private wake, includ- as soon as it had been set up. As a video Tristan Loh, Koh Mui doing all those things that he had done dressed to mourn in muted shades ing Deputy Prime Ministers Tharman of Mr Lee played on stage, wreaths and Fong, Jason Ho, for Singapore... It was so diicult in the of clothing. Shanmugaratnam and Teo Chee Hean, bouquets began arriving. Reuters and AP past but he made things better.” SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 Mr Lee a giant among men: Ministers Senior leaders at a private wake speak glowingly of Mr Lee’s commitment, which enabled Singaporeans to live a better life

abinet Ministers — former C and present — paid tribute to founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at Sri Temasek at the Istana on Monday, March 23, where a private wake was held. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said: “We have lost Lee Kuan Yew, but Singapore will live on and better still, because of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The foun- dations that he built up are the foun- dations for the future — everything, education, housing ownership, multi- racialism, tripatism, clean government — everything that was Lee Kuan Yew is what will hold us for the future.” Present to receive the visitors were Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching. Other senior leaders that visited the Istana include Emeritus Senior Minis- ter Goh Chok Tong, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, Law and Foreign Afairs Minister K Shanmugam, and Commu- nications and Information Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. Former Cabinet Min- Minister in the Prime Minister’s isters Othman Wok and S Dhanabalan Oice Grace Fu also spoke of Mr Lee’s came to give their condolences to the role in uplifting the role of women in Lee family as well. Singapore, pointing to the establish- Also present was Minister for Social ment of the Women’s Charter. and Family Development Chan Chun “That a regular Singapore woman Sing, who described the outpouring like me, born, bred and educated in Sin- of support for the Lee family he saw gapore, could assume a CEO position at Tanjong Pagar Community Club. in a local MNC which invested in many “I think that speaks a lot of how Mr countries, is testament to what Mr Lee Lee has touched the lives of so many had done for women in Singapore. He residents in Tanjong Pagar. We have We have lost gave us the opportunities to realise our people who are old, people who are Lee Kuan Yew, dreams and the privilege of choosing even on crutches, coming to pay their but Singapore our own destiny — to be educated, to respects to Mr Lee,” he said. “And I will live on pursue a career, to build a family and think over the last so many years, he and better still, to be what we want to be.” has done so many things for the Tanjong because of His relationship with his wife and Pagar residents, especially the older Mr Lee Kuan the role she played in his life — in both generation will remember him fondly.” Yew. The private and oicial capacities — also Writing on his Facebook page earlier foundations inspired many women in Singapore, in the day, Dr Ng said Mr Lee’s vision that he built said Ms Fu, whose father was press and commitment “enabled poor fami- up are the secretary to Mr Lee Kuan Yew from lies like mine to move up and give my foundations 1972 to 1993. children a better life today. I owe him for the future With tears in his eyes, labour chief a debt of gratitude”. — everything, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s On her Facebook page, Senior Min- education, Oice Lim Swee Say, who was at the ister of State for Health and Manpower housing community tribute site at the Bedok Amy Khor said: “Mr Lee invites super- ownership, Town Centre, said: “We are sad because latives. He was a giant among men. I can multi- Mr Lee is no longer with us. We are only marvel at his razor sharp intellect, racialism, grateful because he changed our lives his astute political judgment, his debat- tripatism, for the better. Obviously we’re going to ing skills, his discernment of global and clean miss him a lot. Even though he will no regional trends, his far-sighted vision, government longer be living with us in this world, and most of all, his devotion to the cause — everything I’m sure for most of us, if not all of us, of Singapore. that was Lee Mr Lee will forever be living in our “As a woman, I also feel that Mr Lee Kuan Yew hearts. May he rest in peace.” has done much for the advancement of is what will The outpouring of support from his women in Singapore. He in fact laid the hold us for the residents, who were looking forward to foundations for women, like myself, to future. having the opportunity to pay their last freely pursue our aspirations when he Mr Tharman respects, also made him appreciate that Shanmugaratnam provided equal access to education and From top: Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, former Cabinet minister S Dhanabalan and DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Singapore was “fortunate” to have had economic opportunities for all.” DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam were among the leaders at the wake. PHOTOS: THE STRAITS TIMES AND FINANCE MINISTER a leader like Mr Lee, he added. 10 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

PRIVATE WAKE AT SRI TEMASEK A time of profound sadness and grief

From relatives, friends, and the nurses from SGH who took care of him, to Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, some 1,200 attended the private wake of Mr Lee Kuan Yew on Monday, March 23. Many of them could not hold back their emotions at the wake held at Sri Temasek, the oicial residence of the Prime Minister within the Istana grounds. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Clockwise from above: SGH nurses who looked after Mr Lee; former Cabinet Minister Mr Othman Wok; Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and wife, Queen Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha; and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and his family all came to pay their respects to Mr Lee at the private wake.

Facing page bottom left: Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing and his son Richard with Ms Ho Ching.

Bottom left: Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew. PHOTOS: THE STRAITS TIMES 12 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — TRibuTes flow

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat (right) and Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng looking at messages to Mr Lee Kuan Yew written by visitors to the Tampines Community Tribute. PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Singaporeans, and how we had to stay From that point on, the work day a step ahead. Inside the red box was would run its normal course. Mr Lee Mr Lee’s red box always something about how we could read the documents and papers, cleared create a better life for all. his emails and received oicial calls by We would get to work right away. visitors. I was privileged to sit in on Mr Lee’s secretaries would transcribe every meeting he conducted. He would HENG SWEE KEAT whole range of questions, relections his dictated notes, while I followed up later ask me what I thought of the meet- Education Minister and observations. For example, in the on instructions that required coor- ings — it made me very attentive to years that he was working on his mem- dination across multiple government every word that was said and I learnt r Lee Kuan Yew had a red oirs, the red box carried multiple early agencies. Our aim was to do as much much from him. M box. When I worked as Mr drafts back and forth between his home as we could by the time Mr Lee came Evening was Mr Lee’s exercise Lee’s Principal Private Sec- and the oice, scribbled over with his into the oice later. time. Mr Lee had described his exten- retary, or PPS, a good part of my daily and Mrs Lee’s notes. While we did this, Mr Lee would be sive and disciplined exercise regime life revolved around the red box. Before For a long time, other regular items working from home. For example, dur- elsewhere. It included the treadmill, Mr Lee came in to work each day, the in Mr Lee’s red box were the cassette ing the period when I worked with him rowing, swimming and walking — locked red box would arrive irst, at tapes that held his dictated instruc- (from 1997 to 2000), the Asian Financial with his ears peeled to the evening about 9am. tions and thoughts for later transcrip- Crisis ravaged many economies in our news or his Mandarin practice tapes. As far as the various oicers who had tion. Some years back, he switched to region and unleashed political changes. He would sometimes take phone calls worked with Mr Lee could remember, a digital recorder. It was a tense period, as no one could while exercising. he had it for many, many years. It is a The red box carried a wide range of tell how events would unfold. Often, He was in his 70s then. In more large, boxy briefcase, about 14cm wide. items. It could be communications with I would get a call from him to check recent years, being less stable on his Red boxes came from the British gov- foreign leaders, observations about the certain facts or arrange meetings with feet, Mr Lee had a simpler exercise ernment, whose ministers used them inancial crisis, instructions for the inancial experts. regime. But he continued to exercise. for transporting documents between Istana grounds staf or even questions In the years that I worked for him, Since retiring as Minister Mentor in Government oices. Our early minis- about some trees he had seen on the ex- Mr Lee’s daily breakfast was a bowl of 2011, he had been more relaxed dur- ters had red boxes, but Mr Lee is the pressway. Mr Lee was well known for As his PPS, dou hua (soft bean curd) with no syrup. ing his exercises. Instead of listening only one I know who used his consist- keeping extremely alert to everything I saw the It was picked up and brought home in intently to the news or taking phone ently through the years. When I started he saw and heard around him. When punishing a tiin carrier every morning, from a calls, he shared personal stories and working for Mr Lee in 1997, it was the he noticed something wrong, like an pace of work food centre near Mr Lee’s home. He joked with his staf. irst time I saw a red box in use. It is ailing rain tree, a note in the red box that Mr Lee washed it down with room tempera- While he exercised, those of us in the called the red box, but it is more a deep would follow. had set ture water. Mr Lee did not take cofee oice would use that time to focus once wine colour, like the seats in the cham- We could never anticipate what himself. I had or tea at breakfast. again on the red box, to get ready all ber in Parliament House. Mr Lee would raise — it could be any- a boss whose When Mr Lee came into the oice, the day’s work for Mr Lee to take home This red box held whatever Mr Lee thing that was happening in Singa pore every thought the work that had come earlier in the with him in the evening. Based on the was working on at any one time. or around the world. But we could be and every red box would be ready for his review day’s events and instructions, I tried Through the years, it held his papers, sure of this: It would always be about action was and he would have a further set of in- to get ready the materials that Mr Lee speech drafts, letters, readings and a how events could afect Singapore and for Singapore. structions for our action. might need. It sometimes took longer SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

than I expected and, occasionally, I had to ask the security oicer to come back for the red box later. While Mrs Lee was still alive, she would drop by the Istana at the end of the day to catch a few minutes together with Mr Lee, just to sit and look at the Istana trees that they both loved. They chatted about what many other old cou- ples would talk about. They discussed what they should have for dinner or how their grandchildren were doing. Then back home went Mr Lee, Mrs Lee and the red box. After din- ner, the couple liked to take a long stroll. During his days as Prime Minister, while Mrs Lee strolled, Mr Lee liked to ride a bicycle. It was, in the words of those who saw it, “one of those old-man bicycles”. None of us who have worked at the Istana can remember him ever changing his bicycle. He did not use it in his later years as he became frail, but I believe the old-man bicycle is still around somewhere. After his dinner and evening stroll, Mr Lee would get back to work. That was when he would open the red box and work his way through what we had put into it in the oice. Mr Lee’s study was converted out of his son’s old bedroom. His work table was a simple, old wooden table with a piece of clear glass placed over it. Slipped under the glass are fam- ily memorabilia, including a picture of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong from his National Service days. When Mrs Lee was around, she stayed up reading while Mr Lee worked. They liked to put on classical music while they stayed up. Mr Heng speaking to a visitor at the Tampines Community Tribute. PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN In his days as Prime Minister, Mr Lee’s average bedtime was 3.30am. coronary artery did not work. After the return to the hospital at the end of the diverse contents it held tell us much As Senior Minister and Minister Men- operation, he was put in the intensive night. But he asked his security team about the breadth of his concerns, from tor, he went to sleep after 2am. If he care unit for observation. When he re- if they could take him to the Singapore the very big to the very small; the daily had to travel for an oicial visit the next gained consciousness and could sit up in River instead. It was late in the night routine of the red box tells us how his day, he might go to bed at 1am to 2am. bed, he asked for his security team. The and Mr Lee was in mourning. His secu- life revolved around making Singapore Deep into the night, while the rest security oicer hurried into the room rity team hastened to give a bereaved better, in ways big and small. of Singapore slept, it was common for to ind out what was needed. Mr Lee husband a quiet moment to himself. By the time I served Mr Lee, he was Mr Lee to be in full work mode. asked: “Can you pass me the red box?” As he walked slowly along the bank the Senior Minister. Yet, he continued Before he went to bed, Mr Lee would Even at that point, Mr Lee’s irst of the Singapore River, the way he and to devote all his time to thinking about put everything he had completed back thought was to continue working. The Mrs Lee sometimes did when she was the future of Singapore. I could only in the red box, with clear pointers on security oicer rushed the red box in alive, he paused. He beckoned a secu- imagine what he was like as Prime what he wished for us to do in the oice. and Mr Lee asked to be left to his work. rity oicer over. Then he pointed out Minister. In policy and strategy terms, The last thing he did each day was place The nurses told the security team that some trash loating on the river and he was always driving himself, me and the red box outside his study room. The other patients of his age, in his condi- asked: “Can you take a photo of that? all our colleagues to think about what next morning, the duty security team tion, would just rest. Mr Lee was 72 at I’ll tell my PPS what to do about it to- each trend and development meant for would pick up the red box, bring it to the time. morrow.” Photo taken, he returned to Singapore and how we should respond us waiting in the oice and a new day In 2010, Mr Lee was hospitalised the hospital. to them in order to secure Singapore’s would begin. again, this time for a chest infection. I was no longer Mr Lee’s PPS at the well-being and success. Let me share two other stories in- While he was in the hospital, Mrs Lee time. I had moved on to the Monetary As his PPS, I saw the punishing pace volving the red box. passed away. Mr Lee had spoken about Authority of Singapore to continue with of work that Mr Lee had set himself. I In 1996, Mr Lee underwent balloon his grief at Mrs Lee’s passing. As soon the work to strengthen our inancial had a boss whose every thought and angioplasty to insert a stent. It was his as he could, he left the hospital to at- regulatory system that Mr Lee had every action was for Singapore. second heart operation in two months, tend the wake at Sri Temasek. started in the late 1990s. But I can But it takes private moments like after an earlier operation to widen a Mr Lee was under doctor’s orders to guess that Mr Lee probably had some these to bring home just how entirely feedback on keeping the Singapore Mr Lee devoted his life to Singapore. River clean. I can also guess that the In fact, I think the best descrip- I have taken some time to picture and the instructions were fer- tion comes from the security oicer describe Mr Lee’s red box. The ried in the red box the next morning who was with Mr Lee both of those reason is that for me, it symbolises his to the oice. Even as Mr Lee lay in the times. He was on Mr Lee’s team for unwavering dedication to Singapore so hospital. Even as Mrs Lee lay in state. almost 30 years. He said: “Mr Lee The security oicers with Mr Lee is always country, country, country. well. The diverse contents it held tell us were deeply touched. When I heard And country.” much about the breadth of his concerns about these moments, I was also moved. This year, Singapore turns 50. ... the daily routine of the red box tells us I have taken some time to describe Mr Lee would have turned 92 in Sep- how his life revolved around making Mr Lee’s red box. The reason is that, tember. He entered the hospital on Singapore better, in ways big and small. for me, it symbolises his unwavering Feb 5. He continued to use his red box dedication to Singapore so well. The every day until Feb 4. 14 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW Mourning moves into public phase

Thousands gather to pay he seven-day period of mourn- procession that saw it traverse the Members of the for queues and tentages for people to their respects as the casket is T ing for Singapore’s founding lawns of the Istana, before it made its public taking go through security scans set up out- Prime Minister moved into way through parts of the Central Busi- pictures and side Parliament House. A huge turnout moved to Parliament House a more formal phase on Wednesday, ness District. shouting ‘Thank was expected, with organisations and March 25, when the body of Mr Lee In doing so, it aforded Singapore- you, Mr Lee!’ companies making plans to ferry their LOH CHEE KONG Kuan Yew was transferred from Sri ans, who had thus far travelled in droves as Mr Lee Kuan members and employees, respectively, AssocIATe edITor Temasek — the Prime Minister’s of- to the various tribute centres nation- Yew’s coin leaves to the venue. Credit Suisse and DBS, [email protected] icial residence on the Istana grounds wide, a way to pay their last respects the Istana on a for example, were understood to have — to Parliament House, where it lay in in person to a man who had touched ceremonial gun chartered buses to provide transport TEO XUANWEI state until Saturday, March 28. many lives. carriage to lie in for employees from their oices. dePUTY NeWs edITor Mr Lee’s casket was carried on a Preparations for the lying-in-state state at Parliament Several irms, including BNP Pari- [email protected] ceremonial gun carriage in a solemn began on the Tuesday, with barricades House. PHOTO: AP bas Singapore, Standard Chartered SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Bank Singapore and law irm Rajah nation where there was none, pursued ple who had worked for Mr Lee at the riage proceeded towards The Istana & Tann, also allowed their staf to a vision for Singapore and built a irst- Istana and in his Oice, were behind main building, making its way past a take time of from work to pay their class country that every Singaporean the carriage as part of a 70m foot pro- garden. A dozen Istana landscape tech- respects. Staf of the National Trades should be proud of ... For a man who cession. The Singapore Armed Forces nicians and horticulturalists were lined Union Congress could also request for had done so much for Singapore, this (SAF) Band played Beethoven’s Fu- up along the entrance to the garden. time of, subject to work exigencies, its is the least that we can do.” neral March No 1 during the proces- At The Istana Plaza, President Tony spokesperson said. At 9am on March 25, a coin-bearer sion, which was led by his family mem- Tan and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh A BNP Paribas Singapore spokes- party — led by Brigadier-General Ong bers including Mr Lee’s three children Chok Tong ofered their respects, along person said: “Mr Lee was instrumen- Tze-Ch’in, Commander 3rd Division, — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, with 90 staf from the President’s Oice, tal in building Singapore into the key and comprising eight oicers from the Dr Lee Wei Ling and Mr Lee Hsien and the Prime Minister’s Oice, and 24 inancial hub it is today and we believe Army, Navy, Air Force and Police Force Yang — and seven grandchildren. Ceremonial Guards. As the carriage that it is important for our employees — draped the State lag over Mr Lee’s The carriage passed by a military came to a stop, a bag piper from the to have the chance to pay their last casket, the highest State honour ac- line of honour comprising 48 person- Singapore Gurkha Contingent played respects to the founding father of this corded to a leader. The coin bearers nel from the SAF Military Police Com- Auld Lang Syne. successful nation.” then carried the casket and made their mand, and 20 representatives from Mr The carriage then made its way out StanChart Singapore CEO Neeraj way to the gun carriage waiting just Lee’s Tanjong Pagar ward and Mr Lee of the Istana grounds. By then, a sea Swaroop added: “Mr Lee Kuan Yew outside the entrance of Sri Temasek. Hsien Loong’s Teck Ghee ward. of oice workers, parents with young had dedicated himself to building a Eight pallbearers, made up of peo- After the foot procession, the car- children in tow, retirees and youth — some of whom had streamed in three hours earlier — had gathered at the Istana’s main gate, alongside a contin- gent of journalists, including some from international media outlets. One of the crowd, administrative oicer Aminah Harun, 51, said she took time of from work to witness the historic moment. “He is the father of Singapore. No matter how, we must come,” she said. Along the funeral procession route that passed through Orchard Road, Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, crowds thickened as the minutes ticked away. From staying updated by tuning in to news reports on the radio and live webcast, to iddling with their cameras and smartphones, the crowd waited in hushed anticipation until the blares of Auld Lang Syne played on a bagpipe emanated from the Istana grounds. Moments later, the gun carriage bearing Mr Lee’s casket emerged at 9.38am, trailed by his immediate and extended family — barring his daugh- ter, Dr Lee Wei Ling, who was unwell. Clapping, and cheers such as “We will miss you, Mr Lee” and “Good job, Mr Lee”, erupted from teary-eyed mourners, while others tossed lower bouquets in the direction of the gun car- riage as it made its ive-minute journey to Parliament House. At Parliament House, the casket was received by the Chief of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng, Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yaacob, as well as the Prime Minister and the rest of the family. Unlike previous State funerals for the country’s leaders, the State funeral for Mr Lee saw, for the irst time, the tri-service chiefs — Chief of Army Per- ry Lim, Chief of Navy Lai Chung Han and Chief of Air Force Hoo Cher Mou — being part of the irst Vigil Guards, which also consisted of Lieutenant- General Ng and Chief of Staf-Joint Staf Chia Choon Hoong. The tradi- tional mounting of Vigil Guards during the lying-in-state period symbolises the highest form of respect accorded to the deceased. Mr Lee’s friends and former col- leagues also held vigil at Parliament House. They were joined by representa- tives from various national agencies, as a relection of his diverse contribu- tions to nation-building, the Govern- ment said. 16 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — Final jouRney to paRliament house

FROM SRI TEMASEK TO THE MAIN GATE A last trip around lush Istana For the last time, Mr Lee Kuan Yew left Sri Temasek on Wednesday, March 25, with a send-of by eight personal staf who had served and worked closely with him. At 9am, after a private farewell from his family, Mr Lee’s casket was placed on a gun carriage and the funeral procession began. Passing the garden, the procession was met by President Tony Tan and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong at the Istana Plaza, where they said their goodbyes, along with staf from the President’s Oice and the Prime Minister’s Oice, as well as Ceremonial Guards. From there, the procession passed through the main gate, beginning its journey towards Parliament House.

From top-left: The Guard of Honour draping the national lag over Mr Lee’s coin in the Istana before the procession left for Parliament House, where the public could pay their last respects; Mr Lee’s grandsons holding a portrait of him as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other family members leave Sri Temasek; The gun carriage and procession making their way out of Sri Temasek; President Tony Tan, his wife Mrs Mary Tan and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong bowing along with the rest of the Istana staf as the gun carriage heads for the main gate. PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION,

THE STRAITS TIMES SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

THROUGH ORCHARD ROAD, BRAS BASAH ROAD AND NORTH BRIDGE ROAD History comes to the Historic District Exiting the Istana main gate, the procession was greeted by a sea of oice workers, parents with young children in tow, retirees and youth. Passing through Orchard Road, Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road at a gentle pace, the procession was accompanied by occasional cries from the crowd calling Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s name.

Above: The gun carriage bearing Mr Lee’s state-flag-draped casket travelling on North Bridge Road. Below: People lined the streets, with some struggling to hold back tears, as the gun carriage passed by. PHOTOS: JASON HO, WEE TECK HIAN 18 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — Final jouRney to paRliament house

AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE Final arrival at Parliament House

Arriving at Parliament House, Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s casket was received by eight pallbearers representing the three branches of Government: The Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary. Among them were Mr Benny Lim, Permanent Secretary (National Development, National Security and Intelligence Coordination and the Prime Minister’s Oice); Mr Aaron Maniam, director of the industry division at the Ministry of Trade and Industry; and Mr See Kee Oon, Presiding Judge of the State Courts. Once the casket was placed in Parliament House, the irst Vigil Guards — a irst for a State funeral — began their watch, among them the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Above left: The gun carriage carrying the body of Mr Lee Kuan Yew from the Istana arrives at Parliament House. Above right: Mr Lee’s casket is carried out from the gun carriage to be moved into Parliament House. Below: The national-flag-draped casket is received by Mr Lee’s family. PHOTOS: REUTERS, MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

INSIDE PARLIAMENT HOUSE Lying in state Visitors were ushered into Parliament House in groups of 30 to 40. Initially told to pause before Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s casket and then bow, visitors were later told to file past the casket instead before they were led out, so the queues could move more quickly. Joining the public were Cabinet ministers and foreign dignitaries, including ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh and Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, as well as President Tony Tan and his wife.

Above: Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, with Chief of Army, Major-General Perry Lim; Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han; Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou; and Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Brigadier-General Chia Choon Hoong performing the first Vigil Guard as President Tony Tan and Mrs Mary Tan pay their respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew at Parliament House; Below: Mourners filing past Mr Lee’s coffin. PHOTOS: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN, OOI BOON KEONG 20 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW An emotional Parliament House bids teary farewell

Members of Parliament share told the House: “Today, we have the opportunity to tell Mr Lee if he could heartwarming tales of Mr Lee hear us and I believe he can. Mr Lee, in special sitting of Parliament. we would like to tell you that Singapo- reans have decided.” NG JING YNG He added: “Thousands upon thou- [email protected] sands lined the streets on your journey from Sri Temasek to this Parliament packed House came together House and queued for hours under the A on Thursday, March 26, in a hot sun to pay their respects here. historic sitting to pay tribute to “They did so spontaneously, an out- the Republic’s founding Prime Minister. pouring of gratitude and admiration A dozen Members of Parliament for what you have done for their lives (MPs), including Speaker Halimah Ya- ... Singaporeans, young and old … have cob, rose to pay tribute to the late Mr pronounced the inal judgment of your Lee Kuan Yew, in front of a public gal- life’s work. It is a great work that has lery illed with, among others, civil serv- surpassed all expectations.” ants, former MPs and members of the Nominated MP Chia Yong Yong ad- Old Guard such as Mr Othman Wok, mitted that she was critical of Mr Lee’s Mr Ong Pang Boon and Mr Jek Yeun policies as a young adult, and noted that Thon, who had fought many political many have also accused Mr Lee as be- battles with Mr Lee. ing “arrogant” and “ruthless”. The absence of Mr Lee was keenly But she said: “I am convinced that if felt: A bouquet of white lowers occu- I were born in Singapore in an earlier pying an empty seat was conspicuous era, or if I were born in a similar era, amid a full house in Parliament. It was but in another Asian country, I would where Mr Lee used to sit. not, being a girl with disability coming Several of the MPs struggled to from a poor family with no connec- keep their emotions in check, wiping tions, I would not have been able to go away tears as they spoke. The solemn to school, enter a profession and serve mood was punctured by heartwarm- the community today.” ing accounts of Mr Lee. Leader of the Mr Low hailed Mr Lee as an “ex- House Ng Eng Hen quipped that he traordinary political leader born of a could hear Mr Lee’s reprimand in his turbulent and uncertain era” whose out- ear for the long wait that Singaporeans standing wisdom and courage steered had to endure to pay their last respects the country out of extreme challenges. to Mr Lee in Parliament House. “I am Acknowledging Singapore’s leap sorry that they had to wait so long,” from Third World to First within one Dr Ng said to Mr Lee. “My Cabinet generation, Mr Low said the success colleagues walked through the crowds “arose not only from Mr Lee’s extraor- thanking our people for their patience. dinary ighting spirit and tenacity, but Singaporeans smiled, replied that the also from his sincerity”. wait was little compared to what you He said: “However, I don’t think the have done for them.” People’s Action Party’s one-party rule One by one, the MPs paid tribute to is the key to Singapore’s fast economic diferent aspects of Mr Lee’s life — from development, strong social cohesion his unbridled passion for the country and unity. This is because not an in- and his conviction as a politician, to his signiicant number of Singaporeans ability to make unpopular but neces- were sacriiced during the process of sary decisions. They also recounted nation-building and policymaking and how much they learnt from him as a our society has paid a price for it. This mentor, and his caring and sensitive is why Mr Lee is also a controversial side underneath a tough exterior. igure in some people’s eyes.” Mr Lee may have had his critics: Dr Ng said that Mr Lee had his crit- Even at the special Parliamentary sit- ics and took unpopular decisions in the ting, Opposition leader Low Thia Khi- early years of independence, such as ang showered Mr Lee with praise but extending working hours and slashing took a jibe at People’s Action Party the number of public holidays. “(But) Mr policies, which Mr Low claimed society Lee would often warn voters against “has paid a price for”. But going by the politicians with silver tongues purvey- overwhelming adulation from Singapo- ing sweet promises, empty promises. reans for Mr Lee since the news of his He gained a fearsome reputation as one death broke, Dr Ng declared that the who eschewed the easier, more popular public has pronounced the “inal judg- but ultimately wrong paths,” he said. ment” of his life’s work. Several speakers also shared anec- Alluding to Mr Lee’s famous stance dotes that illustrated Mr Lee’s char- that he did not care too much about acter. Dr Ng recounted that the MPs how history would judge him, Dr Ng planned to celebrate Mr Lee’s 90th SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

birthday last year at a time when he ter reading news reports about it. “An very relieved too,” Mr Wong said. “Mr the great impact he made on the lives had become frail and needed intrave- 86-year-old gentleman, doing physi- Lee’s physical health declined in recent of millions of Singaporeans, including nous nutrition. The celebrations were otherapy, reading newspapers. Lesser years, although he was still mentally mine. His policies enabled me, son of Flowers on the seat called of when Mr Lee health took a mortals would have thought of other sharp. It pained me each time I saw him hawker parents, to become a Deputy occupied by the late turn for the worse, but he surprisingly things, but Mr Lee said, ‘I’ve to make appearing in public attending to the call Prime Minister. Many poor families’ Mr Lee Kuan Yew in showed up. “I found out later that he a speech in Parliament’,” he said. of duty. I would have preferred to re- children have done well too. Many in Parliament, placed overruled his doctors, saying he must Former Deputy Prime Minister member him when he was much itter this House came from humble begin- by Dr Yaacob attend Parliament because he had given Wong Kan Seng shared how Mr Lee physically and not so gaunt and frail.” nings. Social mobility is not an abstract Ibrahim before the his commitment,” said Dr Ng. “At age had nagged him to go home and recom- Mr Wong, who stepped down from theory in Singapore.” special sitting on 90, frail and hydrated, Mr Lee kept his mended doctors to him after learning Cabinet in 2011, called the day of the The sitting concluded with everyone Thursday, March word to be here.” that he was diagnosed with transient special Parliamentary sitting “one of in the House — including members of 26. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF Dr Ng also noted how in 2009, Mr ischaemic attack (TIA). It turned out the saddest days in my life”. the public and the Old Guard in the pub- COMMUNICATIONS AND Lee unexpectedly joined a debate on a that Mr Wong did not have TIA. He said: “No words can truly as- lic gallery — rising to observe a min- INFORMATION motion about equality in Parliament af- “I was relieved and I believe he was cribe or relect his contributions and ute of silence, with their heads bowed. 22 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

A minute of silence being observed for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the special Parliament sitting. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION

SPECIAL PARLIAMENT SITTING two convictions: One, he wanted a Sin- House and we will feel the vacuum. The gapore without a colonial master, and least that we as parliamentarians can two, he wanted a system that focused do now is to uphold the values that he on meritocracy. held dear when he was alive. In Parliament, Mr Lee set very high In 1999, when we moved to this Cham- In grief, we have standards for himself and expected ber from the old Parliament House, the same from all the other Members Mr Lee said: “The importance of this of Parliament too. In a speech to Par- Chamber did not, and does not, depend liament in 1999, Mr Lee said that he on its size and its grandeur, but upon the become more wanted Members of Parliament whose quality of men and women who occupy it “instincts are immediately for Singapo- as representatives of the people. By the reans”. He reminded us that “Parliament standards of other public and private as an arena for the contest of wits and buildings in Singapore, it is modest by united as S’poreans wills over matters of policies will always comparison. But that is a virtue. Behind remain important because of our system the understatement lie great strengths On Thursday, March 26, 12 Members of edly, the most illustrious of them all. of parliamentary democracy”, but that of character, integrity and determina- Mr Lee became the irst Prime Min- we must “make no mistake ... In this tion. That is what will see Singapore Parliament rose to pay tribute to Mr Lee Kuan ister of Singapore after the People’s Chamber, we are playing for keeps. The through, not the grand statements and Yew. Two of their speeches are reproduced here. Action Party secured 43 of the 51 seats future of Singapore and its people ... is monuments in brick and mortar or steel in the Legislative Assembly during the not a question for light-hearted banter.” and concrete, with which so many other General Election of 1959. He took the Even when he was ill and quite frail, new nations try to impress themselves HALIMAH YACOB reins of leadership for 31 years and led Mr Lee would make tremendous efort and their followers.” Mr Lee could very Speaker the then ledgling Singapore through a to attend Parliament sittings as he took well have described himself and his own most uncertain time. He gave the found- his duties very seriously. life when he made that statement. ing generation hope and a clear sense Mr Lee never linched from taking Mr Lee reminded us that, “Nobody n behalf of this House and with of direction, especially when Singapore hard decisions, many of which were believed that we could make it, but we O a heavy heart, I wish to place was taking its irst, tentative steps as taken in this august Chamber. In 1968, have. But there is no reason to believe on record the demise of Mr Lee an independent nation. This was just when speaking on the Employment Bill, that we will continue to make it. We Kuan Yew, the Honourable Member of what our forefathers needed. he said: “We will be judged as a govern- will continue to make it only if there Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC and Mr Lee was a “conviction politician”. ment by results. These results depend, are tough-minded people who know founding Prime Minister of Singapore, When asked in his memoirs what it took among other things, upon the morale the diference between the froth and on March 23, 2015. to be a politician, he said: “You must and enthusiasm of the people, and the the substance.” Mr Lee’s demise is a great loss to have convictions.” Mr Lee, himself, did pace set by their leaders in Parliament Honourable Members, it now falls Parliament and the people of Singapore, not set out with the aspiration to be a and outside.” upon us as Members of this House to en- and it is with great sadness that this politician. In his memoirs, he recounted Mr Lee’s abiding concern was the sure that we continue Mr Lee’s legacy of House pays tribute to the man we know that he returned to Singapore from his interest and welfare of the people, even a responsible and efective Parliament, a as the founding father of Singapore. Mr overseas studies to be a lawyer. But he if there were painful adjustments to duty we owe to the people of Singapore. Lee was an outstanding parliamentar- was driven to assume public oice by be made in the short term. People re- The House records with deep regret ian and his speeches in this House were spected and followed him because of the passing of the Honourable Member never dull or inconsequential. It was in one very important element and that of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC this House that he fought many battles In a speech to Parliament in 1999, is trust. They trusted that he did not and founding Prime Minister of the and shaped numerous policies to set Mr Lee said that he wanted Members make decisions for his own self-aggran- Republic of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Singapore on the right trajectory. of Parliament whose “instincts are disement or personal beneit, but truly Yew. On behalf of all Members, I wish Mr Lee founded the People’s Ac- immediately for Singaporeans”. He reminded us for the beneit of Singapore. to express our deepest sympathy and tion Party in 1954 and took part in the that “Parliament as an arena for the contest of wits Mr Lee’s personal leadership and condolences to the family of the late landmark 1955 Singapore Legislative and wills over matters of policies will always his style and values helped shape the Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Assembly election. At the age of 31, remain important because of our system of tone and the kind of Parliament that we I also wish to thank the thousands Mr Lee secured the seat of Tanjong parliamentary democracy”, but that we must have inherited today. Deeply commit- that have braved the hot sun to pay Pagar — a seat he held for 14 succes- “make no mistake ... In this Chamber, we are ted to Singapore, passionate to ensure their last respects to Mr Lee for your sive General Elections and one by-elec- playing for keeps. The future of Singapore and its not just Singapore’s survival, but also support and sympathy. In this moment tion. His parliamentary career spanned people ... is not a question for light-hearted banter. its success, he was a leader par excel- of grief, we have become even more nearly 60 years, earning him the honour Mdm Halimah Yacob lence. He had devoted his entire life to united as Singaporeans. Mr Lee Kuan of being the longest-serving Member of SPEAKER make the life of all Singaporeans better. Yew’s death is indeed a grievous loss to Parliament in Singapore and, undoubt- Mr Lee has left a deep impact on this Singapore and this House. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 Aspiring to his example is greatest tribute sure that Singapore remained well po- DR NG ENG HEN sitioned for the future. Minister for Defence In 2009, Mr Lee, at 86 years, unex- and Leader of the House pectedly joined a debate on a motion about equality in this House. or such a monumental life, any He said: “Sir, I had not intended F eulogy will fall short and I seek to intervene in any debate. But I was your pardon. But to honour his doing my physiotherapy just now and memory and remind us what his life stood reading the newspapers and I thought for, I propose to capture the essence of I should bring the House back to earth Mr Lee through his speeches — the ... and remind everybody what is our very words he used in this Parliament. starting point, what is our base, and if Even at the dawn of his political ca- we do not recognise where we started reer, Mr Lee identiied closely with the from, and that these are our foundations, hopes and aspirations of common Sin- we will fail.” An 86-year-old gentleman gaporeans. In his irst election in 1955, doing his physiotherapy, reading his he told the voters of Tanjong Pagar newspaper — a lesser mortal would that out of 25 divisions, he wanted to have thought of other things — but represent “workers, wage earners and Mr Lee said: “I’ve to make a speech small traders, not wealthy merchants in Parliament.” or landlords”. This was why he “chose Mr Lee went on to explain why the Tanjong Pagar, not Tanglin”. The resi- Constitution of Singapore “enjoins us dents of Tanjong Pagar believed and (the Government) to speciically look trusted him and elected him by a hand- after the position of the Malays and some margin. Astonishingly, Mr Lee asked if economic aid from the British Members of only good fortune can save us from other minorities”. Our Constitution would be returned as their MP for 13 could ease the efects of the pull-out, Parliament holding the unpleasantness which reason and states expressly that it is a duty of the subsequent elections. He would serve Mr Lee’s quick and unequivocal rejoin- vigil at Parliament logic tell us is ahead of us. But we are Government “not to treat everybody as as Member of Parliament for Tanjong der was that any aid should “not make House before not an easy-going people. We cannot an equal. It is not reality, it is not practi- Pagar for 60 years, from 1955 to 2015, us dependent on perpetual injections attending a special help thinking, calculating and plan- cal, it will lead to grave and irreparable and is the only MP that Tanjong Pagar of aid from the outside”, that “we can- parliamentary ning for tomorrow, for next week, for damage if we work on that principle”. has ever had since elections started in not change our attitude to life, that the session to pay next month, for next year, for the next Mr Lee refused to be swayed by ide- Singapore, predating our independ- world does not owe us a living” and tribute to generation. And it is because we have ology that could not work. He dubbed ence. I doubt this record will ever be that “we cannot live by the begging Mr Lee Kuan Yew. restless minds, forever probing and these as “highfalutin ideas that misled broken in our parliamentary history. bowl ... The best way of meeting the PHOTO: MINISTRY OF testing, seeking new and better solu- Singaporeans”. As a result today, many But Mr Lee and his Government problem is to go about it quietly and COMMUNICATIONS tions to old and new problems, that we countries come to Singapore to study did not get re-elected time and time intelligently discussing our problems AND INFORMATION have never been, and I trust never shall how we have maintained our harmony again because they dispensed sweet in a low key and with as little fuss and be, tried and found wanting.” in a multiracial society. words. Indeed, Mr Lee would often bother as possible”. Mr Lee spoke these words in 1968 Above all, Mr Lee believed that ulti- warn voters against politicians with There was steel in the tone of these to remind Singaporeans that unless mately it was in the quality of its people silver tongues purveying sweet prom- replies, but Mr Lee revealed later in they were willing to change and con- and leaders that determined a nation’s ises, empty promises. He gained a fear- 1999 that he knew how serious the tinuously adapt, even if it meant short- chances of success. some reputation as one who eschewed problem really was. He said: “1968 to term pains, Singapore could not rise. When Parliament moved in 1999, the easier, more popular but ultimately 1971 ... were critical years for our young In return for the people’s trust and Mr Lee never believed in the size of this wrong paths, as he recounted in his Republic. We knew we either made it willingness to do what was needed, Chamber and its grandeur. He believed book Hard Truths. or we would fail. We worked hard, we Mr Lee and his Government promised that with the understatement lies great Flattery fell lat on him, as did lofty worked smart and, most important, a better Singapore after these reforms strength, character, integrity and de- but pretentious ideals. For Mr Lee, the we worked as a team. By the time the — “more industries and more jobs termination, and that is what will see acid test was how the idea or proposal British withdrew in October 1971, we ... improved standards of education, us through. would make Singapore stronger. If it had avoided massive unemployment ...” health services, social amenities and Great strength of character, determi- weakened this country’s foundations, Mr Lee said: “With as little fuss as housing for all” ... nation and integrity. Mr Lee Kuan Yew he would reject it, even if it was politi- possible”. But in those critical years (it) As prescient as these words were, it had all of these qualities and more. He cally incorrect to say so and attracted would mean a fundamental overhaul of seemed an unattainable dream when kept his promises. What he said he widespread criticism. If it would make what Singaporeans had indeed become Mr Lee made these promises in 1968. would do, he would and more — whether Singapore better, then no obstacles, no accustomed to but could not aford. To Singapore’s per capita GDP then was it was for individuals or an entire nation. preconceived notions, no preset habits stop the rot, Mr Lee rooted out corrup- around Myanmar’s today. It would take As we honour his memory, we re- were too deeply entrenched to uproot tion, and attacked the malaise that af- a further two decades of constant efort solve to learn from his example to or overcome. Indeed, he would attack licted our society and economy. What and continuous change, “seeking new be men and women, individually and these hindrances squarely and vigor- followed would remake the work envi- and better solutions”, which included collectively as a nation, to have that ously to improve our circumstances. ronment, industrial relations, schools, CPF (Central Provident Fund) reforms great strength of character, integrity That was the Lee Kuan Yew the world skills upgrading, productivity, defence Great strength and the introduction of NS (National and determination. These values, as knew and respected throughout his and security ... ridding Singapore of of character, Service) in 1967. But at the end of it, Mr Lee emphasised, would see us political life. unsavoury, unproductive and unsus- determination Mr Lee and his Government deliv- through diicult times. We must main- In 1968, an MP asked in Parliament tainable habits and customs inherited and integrity. ered. Cabinet colleagues remember tain the, as he put it, “restless minds, how the British withdrawal would im- from its past. Mr Lee Kuan Mr Lee, our mentor, often reminding forever probing and testing, seeking pact Singapore. Mr Lee told Singapo- We in Government and as MPs on Yew had us to under-promise and over-deliver. new and better solutions to old and reans matter of factly that the British the ground know how diicult it is to all of these Say less and do more. What you prom- new problems, (so) that we have never bases made up 20 per cent of the GNP carry unpopular policies, even if they qualities and ise, you must deliver and more. Mr Lee been, and I trust never shall be, tried (Gross National Product) and tens of are right. Why did Mr Lee and his Gov- more. He kept walked his talk. and found wanting”. thousands of jobs would be lost. He ernment choose to persuade Singapo- his promises. Even in his twilight years, Mr Lee We must aspire to these qualities spoke plainly on this drastic impact. reans to do, again and again, what was What he said kept a constant watch over Singapore’s that Mr Lee asked of us, because that Singaporeans would have “to adapt necessary but painful? Mr Lee himself he would do, future in the world. Singapore’s well- would be the greatest tribute to the and adjust, without any whimpering provided us the answer. he would being was his obsession, and as eve- memory of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, of what or wringing of hands, as a way of life He said in 1968 in this House: “If and more. ryone knows, woe betide anyone who he stood for, fought against and desired which they have been accustomed to we were a soft community, then the Dr Ng Eng Hen tried to knock it down. He was never for the good of Singapore and Singapo- MINISTER FOR DEFENCE over 30 years comes to an end”. temptation would be to leave things AND LEADER complacent about our fundamentals reans. THIS IS AN EDITED EXCERPT FROM When another MP followed and alone and hope for the best. Then, OF THE HOUSE and his singular passion was to make DR NG’S SPEECH 24 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

And the crowds just kept on coming More than 450,000 people — fort of the long wait, especially for the The huge turnout and massive out- used as a holding area. elderly and young children, the queue pouring of grief had caught the au- Nevertheless, the crowds were too 6,500 an hour — queued over line will be temporarily suspended,” thorities of guard. On the irst day of much to bear for some, with ambu- 82 hours at Parliament House the committee said on Friday. the lying in state, the State Funeral lances spotted arriving at various times Earlier in the day, it was announced Organising Committee had to change over the four days. LOH CHEE KONG that a live video feed of the lying in state plans and extend visiting hours twice Many people were stirred into spon- ASSOCIATE EDITOR was set up, but it did little to quell the in the span of just over three hours. taneous acts of kindness to bring a [email protected] desire of Singaporeans seeking to pay The visiting hours for Mr Lee’s ly- measure of respite from the piercing their respects in a “meaningful way”, ing in state were initially set at 10am mid-day sun or long wait. Individu- TEO XUANWEI as some of them put it. to 8pm daily until Saturday. So excep- als prodded the old and handicapped DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR The huge crowd prompted at least tional was the number that showed to proceed to the front of the queues, [email protected] one national leader to express his con- up on the irst day that the authorities while banks, restaurants and hotels in cern over public safety and the well- announced barely two hours after the the vicinity of the lines gave away car- ver the four days of the lying- being of those in the queue. Thanking public were allowed in to pay their tons of water and snacks, for instance. O in-state phase, Singaporeans Singaporeans for their patience and un- respects that closing hours would be Others came up with gestures of turned up in full force to pay derstanding in enduring the long wait, pushed to midnight for the irst day. appreciation for Mr Lee. Artisan des their last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean When crowds continued to thicken, Fleurs, a lorist at Rales Xchange, Despite repeated advice from the said the authorities were concerned an announcement was made at about gave out white roses to those heading authorities to not join the queue but for the “health and safety of the people 2.45pm that Parliament House would to Parliament House, with the owner, to head to the tribute centres spread who have to wait for a very long time, remain open for 24 hours until 8pm who declined to be named, saying only across the island instead, the crowd particularly those who may be a little on Saturday. that “Lee Kuan Yew is a great man and grew relentlessly, prompting the au- older, those with children and so on”. In tandem, public transport opera- we’re doing this to show our respect”. thorities to temporarily suspend the After the temporary suspension tors also extended their service hours The choir from St John’s College, queue on Friday, March 27, a day before lasting about seven hours, the queue to around the clock for two days. from Mr Lee’s alma mater Cambridge the lying in state was to end. resumed at 6.15am on Saturday. In all, Singaporeans of all ages and races, University, also attended the lying-in- By the time the queue was temporar- 454,687 people — an average of 6,500 and from all walks of life halted their state ceremony to perform a moving ily halted, the estimated waiting time visitors per hour — paid their respects daily activities as the nation entered rendition of the popular 1998 National to enter Parliament House had reached at Parliament House during the lying- the public mourning phase for Mr Lee, Day Parade song, Home. more than 10 hours. Barricades were in-state phase. in a display of the extent to which the Although many had to wait for sev- put up to prevent people emerging from As a result of the overwhelming Republic’s founding Prime Minister eral hours for their chance to pay their City Hall MRT station from crossing response, the number of Singapore had touched their lives. respects to Mr Lee, they were unper- the road to get to the Padang. Armed Forces personnel involved in the From witnessing the procession car- turbed. Madam Yu Soo Sing, 75, said: Apologising for the temporary sus- State Funeral was doubled from about rying his casket to Parliament House, to “We should be grateful for what he has pension, the State Funeral Organising 2,800, said the State Funeral Organ- attending the lying-in-state ceremony, done for us, putting in place policies that Committee said in a statement that it ising Committee. A total of about 300 they came in droves — schoolchildren, give us this comfortable environment sought the public’s understanding that tents and 1,000 barricades were set up housewives, seniors, disabled people to live in. He’s not perfect and he’s not the decision was taken to “protect the to manage the queues. and even foreigners. In particular, the alone in building up this nation, but safety and well-being of those wishing Mr Ang Guan Cheong, 27, and his chance to pay their last respects to Mr we can’t deny his sacriices and con- to pay respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew”. family were the last in the seemingly Lee at close quarters drew droves of tributions.” The committee noted that there had never-ending streams of people who had mourners and caused confusion on the Commenting on the “absolutely been a sharp increase in the daily num- thronged Parliament House, but for him, irst day over where queues started — overwhelming” response shown by ber of visitors since the lying in state being last was a blessing in itself. Speak- snaking lines stretched to at least eight Singaporeans, Environment and Wa- began on the Wednesday. ing to Channel NewsAsia after they left hours’ wait at times — even after many ter Resources Minister Vivian Bal- By 10pm on the irst day, some 37,000 Parliament House at about a quarter to had thronged the numerous tribute akrishnan told TODAY: “I think people people had paid their last respects at midnight on Saturday, Mr Ang said: “Ac- sites set up since Mr Lee’s death. are inally realising what a huge impact Parliament House. The number spiked cording to Chinese tradition, it is actually As a result, the authorities had to im- he had on our lives as individuals, as to almost 148,000 a day later. As of 11pm a great honour to be the last person to provise plans, diverting queues to sev- families and as a country — we wouldn’t on Friday, more than 290,000 people pay respects. It’s symbolic (and) of great eral places including Hong Lim Park, have a country and citizenship, and we had paid their respects to Mr Lee at importance. So my family is ... blessed Fort Canning, Clarke Quay and New wouldn’t have had all the opportunities The massive Parliament House. to be given this opportunity, because it Bridge Road. we’ve had. He has literally made this crowd in the “We would like to accommodate as was totally unplanned.” While there were confusion on the country and made us one united people. queue at a holding many as possible in this overwhelm- His father, Mr Henry Ang, 62, added: irst day over where the entrances were “All around, you see people ... pre- area beside the ing outpouring of respect and love for “We were very, very fortunate that we and grouses about the multiple queues pared to wait for eight hours or more. floating platform Mr Lee Kuan Yew. However, to ensure did not need to wait six to seven hours. forming up, tempers largely remained I think that just shows you the depth of on Friday, March 27. safety of individuals due to the large Everybody knows Mr Lee is the great- cool. By the second day, the queue was feeling and appreciation Singaporeans PHOTO: JASON HO crowds and to limit the physical discom- est man.” more orderly, with the Padang being have. This is once in a lifetime.” 26 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — The public Queues

IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Thousands battle heat to pay respects For hours on Wednesday, March 25, thousands waited in the sun until it was finally their turn to take a few precious minutes to say their final farewell to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Undeterred by estimated waiting times that extended as long as eight hours, visitors formed long lines that snaked through the Central Business District, encouraged by simple acts of kindness provided by individuals along the way. Drinks, fans and snacks were among the items handed out and, by the evening, portable toilets were set up at Hong Lim Park. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Facing page, counter- clockwise from top: A massive line formed at noon from the underpass leading to Clarke Quay from Parliament House; Members of the public queuing at Hong Lim Park to enter Parliament House; The long queue snaked all the way to the Padang at about 7pm.

This page, top: Undeterred by the sweltering heat, thousands lined up at Empress Place and on Cavenagh Bridge. Right: As day gave way to night, people continued queuing at Empress Place for a chance to pay their respects to Mr Lee. PHOTOS: RAJ NADARAJAN,

KOH MUI FONG, ROBIN CHOO,

WEE TECK HIAN, MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN 28 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — The public Queues

No let-up as crowds continue to swell The confusing lines that threaded through the Central Business District on the irst day of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s public wake gave way on the second day, March 26, to a tidier state of afairs, as tents and barricades were lined up with military precision on the Padang, bringing more order to the queues. Waiting times shortened for many, and clearer signs and more ushers lessened the confusion. But the crowds swelled at nightfall, leading ushers to once again warn of seven-hour waits while more tents and barricades were brought out to accommodate the numbers. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Counterclockwise from top: The queue from Parliament House where Mr Lee Kuan Yew lies in state stretched to the Asian Civilisations Museum. Tents were put up at the Padang to shelter those queuing from the heat, as seen from Swissotel The Stamford. At dawn, Social and Family Development Minister Chan Chun Sing greeted people waiting in line at the Padang to gain entry into Parliament House to pay their respects to Mr Lee. Members of the public waited in line at the Padang crossing at Saint Andrew’s Road in front of the Singapore Recreation Club at daybreak. At dusk, the crowd outside the Asian Civilisations Museum swelled.

PHOTOS: JASON HO, WEE TECK HIAN DON WONG WONG PEI TING 30 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — The public Queues

I got some time of earlier from work today and decided to make this trip with my family. There are six of us; I think three of them should be in Parliament House by now. Ater paying our respects, we will be having a family dinner. Mr Lawrence Lim (with flowers), 40 WITH (FROM LEFT) WIFE MOON YEO, 38, AND SISTER-IN-LAW YEO ZILIN, 24

Faces in the crowd

Wave after wave of Singaporeans turned up at Parliament House to pay respects to founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, undaunted by hours of waiting in the sweltering heat. Here, some share with TODAY why the fleeting minutes spent in the presence of Mr Lee’s casket are well worth the wait.

When I came out ater paying my respects, I thought, ‘What’s next?’ I believe that it is for us to take (Mr Lee’s) vision forward. That will be his wish. Mr Joshua Gopal Sundram, 38 WHO WORKS IN THE SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES, WITH WIFE ANGELINE LIM, 39, AND DAUGHTER KAYLA JOY SUNDRAM, 3.

To see more, go to www.today Mr Preston Samuel, 20, an ITE College East student, volunteering his time with the CD Lionhearters by online.com/ distributing drinks to those waiting in line at the Padang. He clocked in 12 hours yesterday, starting at 7am. He is rememberinglky looking forward to a good shower when his shift ends today. PHOTO: DON WONG SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Renee Ng turned four years old on March 29. She spent some time on foot with her parents during their two-hour wait on Friday to pay their last respects to Mr Lee at Parliament House. She said she was tired, but eager to go home to get some playtime.

PHOTO: DON WONG

Reporting by: Siau Ming En, Laura Philomin, Ng Jing Yng, Jean Khoo, Angela Teng and Lee Yen Nee

I brought my grandson to pay our last respects because it is a special day, history in the making. He has done so much good for us. I remember shaking his hand at an election rally a long time ago. He’s a very sincere and fair man. Mr Teo Ho Peng, 73

He is our founding father and, as part of the pioneer generation, I know the diiculties in the past. But today, there are so many beneits. Now, when I visit the doctor, it’s so much cheaper. Really grateful to him. Ms Lam Siew Kiew, 65

Mr Lee Kuan Yew is a very great man. He’s the best Prime Minister we have ever known. Without him, Singapore wouldn’t be so successful and prosperous. We are very grateful for all his eforts, for what he has done for us in terms of (the economy) and in terms of how (he) changed We never expected to join to the queue. We were thinking of paying Singapore into a modern city, our respects somewhere outside, near Parliament House. But we from a Third World country thought about it and decided we didn’t want to regret later and so we’re in line. into a First World country. Nicole Ong (third from left), 16 Ms Estella Yeo, 26 PAYA LEBAR METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECONDARY) STUDENT 32 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and former United States President Bill Clinton observing a moment of silence. PHOTO: AP Tributes pour in from world leaders

Mr Lee’s death was also seen as will be remembered for generations to Namgyel Wangchuk, and former US dia, as well as President Joko Widodo come as the father of modern Singapore Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. of Indonesia. the world’s loss, as 170 foreign and as one (of) the great strategists of A commentary written by Dr Kiss- Alongside 2,200 guests, the foreign dignitaries came to pay tribute Asian afairs,” Mr Obama said. inger that preceded his arrival in Sin- leaders listened in rapt attention for China’s President Xi Jinping called gapore spoke of Mr Lee fondly. more than two hours as speaker after JASON TAN Mr Lee an “old friend of the Chinese “Lee Kuan Yew was a great man. speaker, led by PM Lee, recounted the ASSOCIATE EDITOR people”, adding that the late leader was And he was a close personal friend, legacy and life of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. [email protected] the “founder, pioneer and promoter of a fact that I consider one of the great “Mr Lee was not just a perceptive China-Singapore relations”. blessings of my life. A world needing to observer of world afairs, but a states- he outpouring of tributes to Mr Closer to home, Malaysian Prime distill order from incipient chaos will man who articulated Singapore’s in- T Lee Kuan Yew from world lead- Minister Najib Razak, who visited miss his leadership,” wrote Dr Kiss- ternational interests and enlarged our ers and the steady stream of Parliament House to pay respects to inger, in what PM Lee later described strategic space,” said PM Lee in his eu- foreign digitaries who lew here to pay Mr Lee on March 26, said Mr Lee’s as a “moving eulogy”. logy. “In the process, he built up a wide their last respects to him speak of Mr “achievements were great, and his leg- In all, 170 foreign dignitaries from network of friends and acquaintances, Lee’s reputation as a respected states- acy is assured”. 27 countries, regions and international in and out of power. He knew every Chi- man whose loss will be felt as keenly Even former PM Dr Mahathir Mo- organisations attended the four-day ly- nese leader from Mao Zedong and every around the globe as in Singapore. hamad, who often did not see eye to ing in state for Mr Lee. US president from Lyndon Johnson. In the words of his son, Mr Lee eye with Mr Lee, was moved to pen a Many countries also mourned the “He established close rapport with raised Singapore’s standing on the tribute on his blog. late leader in their capitals, with Bhutan President Suharto of Indonesia, one of global stage far above what anyone At the Singapore Embassy in Bang- and New Zealand lying their national our most important relationships. Oth- might have reasonably expected from kok, seven former Thai prime minis- lags at half-mast on March 29 to mark ers included Deng Xiaoping, Margaret such a small state. ters — Prem Tinsulanonda, Anand the state funeral service. Thatcher, Helmut Schmidt, George “At crucial turning points, from the Panyarachun, Chuan Leekpai, Ban- India did the same, while also de- Shultz, as well as President Bill Clin- British withdrawal ‘East of Suez’ to the harn Silapa-archa, Somchai Wong- claring a national day of mourning ton and Henry Kissinger, who are here Vietnam War to the rise of China, his sawat, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Yingluck with no oicial entertainment across this afternoon. views and counsel inluenced thinking Shinawatra — turned up to sign the Lee Kuan Yew the country. “They valued his candour and in- and decisions in many capitals,” said condolence book. was a great Australia and New Zealand passed sight. Hence despite being so small, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in “He was one of my very good friends man. And he parliamentary motions to mark his Singapore’s voice is heard, and we en- his eulogy at the University Cultural while we worked together. We were was a close passing. joy far more inluence on the interna- Centre (UCC) on March 29. both Prime Minister at the same time,” personal “Mr Lee did not just lead his country; tional stage than we have any reason The global respect that the late Mr said Mr Prem, who called on Singa- friend, a fact he also made his country,” said Austral- to expect.” Lee commands was evident in the con- poreans never to forget Mr Lee. “We that I consider ian PM Tony Abbott in his parliamen- As the funeral service came to an tinous stream of condolence messages were very close and helped each other one of the tary motion. “In the mid-1950s, when he end, a minute of silence was observed, and tributes that poured in throughout often. If there was no Lee Kuan Yew, I great blessings irst came to prominence in Singapore, followed by a recitation of the Pledge the week of oicial mourning. believe there would be no Singapore.” of my life. A his country was poor and friendless. and a stirring rendition of Majulah In a statement released shortly after Dozens of world leaders past and world needing Today, it is rich and well connected.” Singapura. the announcement of Mr Lee’s passing, present travelled to Singapore to pay to distill order Mr Abbott was among the two dozen As the casket was carried out of the United States President Barack Obama their respects to Mr Lee in private at from incipient world leaders who attended the state hall before its inal journey to Mandai said he appreciated Mr Lee’s wisdom, the Istana and during the lying in state chaos will miss funeral service at the UCC on March Crematorium, the world leaders stood including discussions they held during at the Parliament House, including for- his leadership. 29, along with the Sultan of Brunei Has- with their heads bowed, a poignant his trip to Singapore in 2009 when he mer Indonesian Presidents Susilo Bam- sanal Bolkiah, former US President Bill farewell to a man mourned by many Dr Henry Kissinger was formulating his Asia-Paciic policy. bang Yudhoyono and Megawati Sukar- FORMER UNITED STATES Clinton, Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe Singaporeans in the hall and across “He was a true giant of history who noputri, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar SECRETARY OF STATE and Narendra Modi of Japan and In- the globe. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Clockwise from above: Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife paying their respects on Friday, March 27; Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor on Thursday, March 26; Israeli President Reuven Rivlin with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching behind him on March 27; Former US Secretary of State Dr Henry Kissinger with Madam Ho Ching on Saturday, March 28. 34 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW ‘The heavens opened and cried for him’ Thousands gather to view the Boon, one of the few surviving mem- people lined the streets along the funeral bers of the Old Guard, former Cabinet procession route. It added that almost funeral procession in heavy rain Minister S Dhanabalan and unionist 2,000 police oicers were deployed to and to watch the funeral service G Muthukumarasamy. ensure the cortege and the accompany- In painting a broad sweep of Mr Lee’s ing convoy had a smooth passage. LOH CHEE KONG impact on Singapore, the Prime Min- The 15.4km funeral procession saw ASSOCIATE EDITOR ister touched on Mr Lee’s role in turn- Mr Lee’s cortege making its way past [email protected] ing Singapore’s vulnerability in water signiicant landmarks such as Old security into a strength. He recalled Parliament House, City Hall and the AND TAN WEIZHEN how Mr Lee personally managed all Padang, where Mr Lee oversaw the [email protected] aspects of the Republic’s water talks country’s irst National Day Parade with Malaysia. 50 years ago, and from where a bat- n his eldest son’s words, the heav- “He launched water-saving cam- tery of ceremonial guns boomed out a I ens opened and cried for him. But paigns, built reservoirs and turned 21-gun salute that reverberated across the heavy downpour did not deter most of the island into water catchment the downtown area. tens of thousands of Singaporeans from to collect the rain to process to use. He The procession also passed the lining the streets and spending hours cleaned up the Singapore River and NTUC Centre and Trade Union House, under the rain on Sunday, March 29, to Kallang Basin,” he said. “He dreamed as well as the housing estates of Tanjong send of their founding Prime Minister of the Marina Barrage long before it Pagar, Bukit Merah and Queenstown. on his inal journey. became feasible and persevered for The heavy rain — coupled with the From all walks of life and regard- decades ... And he lived to see it be- low clouds over the Padang — led to less of age, race or creed, they were come a reality.” the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s there to witness Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s PM Lee noted that today, Singapore Black Knights scrapping plans to ly a cortege making its way from Parlia- has moved towards self-suiciency in “Missing Man Formation”, where one ment House, where his body had been water, and become a leader in water aircraft would leave the four-aircraft lying in state for the previous four technologies. “So perhaps, it is appro- lying formation as an aerial salute. days, to the National University of Sin- priate that today, for his State Funeral, Nonetheless, a four-aircraft lypast gapore’s University Cultural Centre the heavens opened and cried for him,” was lown by the RSAF Black Knights (UCC) for a funeral service attended he said, choking back his tears. to honour Mr Lee. by 2,200 guests. Mr Lee’s second son, Mr Lee Hsien The entire funeral procession route Among them were Old Guard mem- Yang, gave the inal eulogy at the UCC. was lined by crowds, and while some bers who fought shoulder-to-shoulder Two wreaths were then laid by PM organisations such as the Corrupt Prac- with Mr Lee in the Republic’s tumultu- Lee and President Tan, in that order, tices Investigation Bureau and the la- ous early years and foreign dignitaries and a lone bugler from the Singapore bour movement gathered their mem- such as former United States Presi- Armed Forces military band sounded bers to pay tribute, most who turned dent Bill Clinton, former US Secretary the Last Post. up were driven by a spontaneous desire of State and Mr Lee’s close friend Hen- As the service drew to a close, si- to bid a inal farewell to a founding ry Kissinger, Japanese Prime Minister rens from the Singapore Civil Defence father. Cries of “Lee Kuan Yew”, and Shinzo Abe, Indian Prime Minister Force’s Public Warning System rang “Thank you, Mr Lee” erupted, and Narendra Modi, Australian Prime out across the country at 4.35pm — people broke down in tears as Mr Lee’s Minister Tony Abbott, and other re- the cue for a minute of silence to be cortege drove past. gional leaders. observed as a mark of respect to By the time the funeral service at Across the island, people gathered Mr Lee. The nation fell silent and came the UCC ended, hundreds of Singa- to watch the service, which lasted more to a standstill. poreans had also made their way to than two hours, at cofeeshops, shop- At MRT stations, trains pulled to the roads leading to the Mandai Cre- ping malls and community centres, a stop and commuters stood still and matorium and Columbarium, where a among other places. bowed their heads. Similar scenes were private ceremony was held by PM Lee The service, which was telecast played out at places such as Changi Air- and his family. live on television and the Internet, was port, cruise and ferry terminals, and Sembawang resident Yeo Bee also watched by Singaporeans living shopping malls. Flight landings and Kheng was among those who wanted overseas and people around the world, take-ofs were suspended for a short to be there at Mr Lee’s “inal destina- presented to PM Lee. with screenings organised in several period, and the despatch of buses from tion”, as Mr Yeo put it. The 51-year-old About 300 people attended the pri- countries including China, Hong Kong, interchanges was halted. Checks at the retiree said he cycled 10km from his vate funeral service, where Mr Lee’s Canada, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints were home to Mandai Road, cutting through three children and two of his grand- and Thailand. also stopped. forest paths. children delivered moving eulogies and As a mark of respect, countries such The service ended with those gath- He, like Mr Lawerence De Silva, 42, provided glimpses of what Mr Lee was as New Zealand, India and Bhutan lew ered at the UCC, as well as tens of and his wife, who made their way there like away from the public eye. Following their lags at half mast. thousands around the island, reciting from Yishun, echoed what a nation unit- this ceremony, Mr Lee was cremated. At the solemn service, Prime Min- the Pledge with hand on heart and ed in grief had ofered as an explana- PM Lee, who spoke irst, shared how ister Lee Hsien Loong was the irst of singing a rousing rendition of the Na- tion for an unprecedented outpouring his father had been there for him when 10 speakers to deliver eulogies. The tional Anthem. of tributes over the previous week. “It he learnt how to ride a bicycle. “Once, others included President Tony Tan Despite the torrential rain that day, was the least we could do.” when I was just getting the hang of Keng Yam, Emeritus Senior Minis- the State Funeral Organising Commit- At the Mandai Columbarium, the balancing on two wheels, he pushed ter Goh Chok Tong, Mr Ong Pang tee estimated that more than 100,000 state lag that covered the casket was me of from behind to get me started. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

I pedalled of across the ield, think- shed light on his father’s preference The bugle Dr Lee Wei Ling, revealing that her diference in this world. Not just that ing he was still supporting and push- for Chinese names. “He was given the player playing father developed Parkinson’s disease you could make a diference, but that ing me. Then I looked back and found name Harry at birth. But he soon felt it the Last Post. three years ago, paid homage to his you could do it with your head held that, actually, he had let go and I was did not it him and the fact that he was PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES ighting spirit, saying that the “aston- high,” he said. cycling on my own! He was so pleased a son of Singapore. When Papa was 10, ishing outpouring of emotion” in the Mr Li Shengwu, who is Mr Lee Hsien and so was I.” his youngest brother Suan Yew was previous week was because people Yang’s eldest son, recounted the talks He also thanked the people who had born. Papa persuaded his parents that it knew he would always ight for them. he would have with his grandfather played a role in caring for his father, was not a good thing to give Suan Yew “They knew he was ready to ight for about politics and the state. such as the late Mr Lee’s niece Kim Li a Western name. Decades later, when them till his last breath,” she said. “As you might guess, we didn’t al- and other friends, who would take turns Papa entered politics, he also found His grandson, Mr Li Hongyi, said ways agree. But, at the dining table, to accompany his father on outings, as his name Harry a political liability,” his grandfather’s charisma “came he never argued opportunistically, he well as Mr Lee’s medical team and his he said. When the late leader’s three not from showmanship, but from never took a position he didn’t be- security team. children were born, they were given pure substance”. lieve for tactical advantage,” he said. Mr Lee Hsien Yang, in his eulogy, only Chinese names. “Yeye showed me you could make a ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY XUE JIANYUE 36 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — FuneRal PRocession and state FuneRal

BRAVING THE RAIN, MOURNERS STAND WITH FLAGS, BANNERS The final farewell

After a week that saw more than a million people paying their respects to Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, more than 100,000 lined the streets for Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s last trip past several landmarks that represent milestones in his career. Despite the downpour, they stood with their flags and banners for the fleeting moment when his cortege went past to say their final goodbyes.

Counterclockwise from far left: The State Funeral Procession out of Parliament House; The crowd waiting at the Padang during the State Funeral Procession; Members of the public roaring “Lee Kuan Yew” and waving the national flag as the gun carriage bearing the late Mr Lee drives past Cantonment Road. PHOTOS: RAY CHUA, RAJ

NADARAJAN, KOH MUI FONG SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

HEADS OF STATE, MEMBERS OF PUBLIC AMONG MOURNERS A stately and solemn farewell About 2,200 guests were present at the University Cultural Centre for the State Funeral Service, including members of the late Mr Lee’s family, President Tony Tan, Cabinet ministers, the judiciary and foreign leaders — among them former United States President Bill Clinton, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Some members of the public were also invited for the service, during which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his brother Hsien Yang delivered eulogies, as did members of the Old Guard and Dr Tan.

Above: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wiping away tears during the service. Right: Mr Lee and his wife Ho Ching bowing to mourners after the State Funeral yesterday. PHOTOS: THE STRAITS TIMES,

MINISTRY

OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND INFORMATION 38 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — State funeRal SeRvice

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong meditating at Parliament House in front of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s casket before the start of the State Funeral. PHOTO: FACEBOOK Ten eulogies were delivered at the State Funeral on Sunday, March 29. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered the first of these, speaking in English, Malay and Mandarin. His remarks in English are reprinted below. Let’s pledge to continue building this exceptional nation

vived hardship, danger and fear dur- BUILDING A NATION common space shared by all. Together LEE HSIEN LOONG ing the Japanese Occupation. These with Mr S Rajaratnam, he enshrined Prime Minister life experiences drove him to fight for From the ashes of Separation, he built these ideals in the National Pledge. independence. a nation. The easiest thing to do would He kept us safe in a dangerous and In one of his radio talks on the Battle have been to appeal to Chinese voters tumultuous world. With Dr Goh Keng his has been a dark week for for Merger — many years ago in 1961 alone. After all, Singapore had been Swee, he built the Singapore Armed T Singapore. The light that has — Mr Lee said: “My colleagues and I expelled from Malaysia because we Forces (SAF) from only two infantry guided us all these years has are of that generation of young men were majority Chinese. battalions and one little wooden ship been extinguished. We have lost our who went through the Second World Instead, Mr Lee went for the nobler into a well-trained, well-equipped and founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who War and the Japanese Occupation, and dream of a multiracial, multi-religious well-respected fighting force. lived and breathed Singapore all his life. emerged determined that no one — nei- nation. Singapore would not be based He introduced National Service He and his team led our pioneer ther the Japanese nor the British — had on race, language or religion, but on (NS) and personally persuaded par- generation to create this island nation, the right to push and kick us around.” fundamental values — multiracialism, ents to entrust their sons to the SAF. Singapore. Mr Lee championed independence equality, meritocracy, integrity and He succeeded, first because he led by for Singapore through merger with rule of law. Mr Lee declared: “This is example — his two sons did NS just like MR LEE KUAN YEW’S Malaya to form a new federation — the not a country that belongs to any sin- every Singaporean son. And, in fact, EARLY YEARS Federation of Malaysia. He worked tire- gle community; it belongs to all of us.” my brother and I signed up as regu- lessly to bring about this and succeed- He checked would-be racial chau- lars with the SAF, and went in on SAF Mr Lee did not set out to be a politician, ed. Unfortunately, the merger did not vinists and assured the minorities that scholarships. Second, people trusted let alone a statesman, as a boy. In fact, last and, before long, we were expelled their place here was secure. He insisted Mr Lee and believed in the Singapore his grandfather wanted him to become from Malaysia. on keeping our mother tongues, even as cause. Hence, today, we sleep peace- an English gentleman! Separation was his greatest “mo- English became our common working fully at night, confident that we are But events had left an indelible mark ment of anguish”, but it also proved language. He encouraged each group well protected. on him. He had been a British sub- to be the turning point in Singapore’s to maintain its culture, faith and lan- Mr Lee gave us courage to face an ject in colonial Singapore. He had sur- fortunes. guage, while gradually enlarging the uncertain future. He was a straight SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

talker and never shied away from hard lives. HDB new towns sprung up one us to speak about Mr Lee later on. He was not afraid to change his truths, either to himself or to Singapo- after another to house our people — Thank you, Mr Ong. mind when a policy was no longer reans. His ministers would sometimes Queenstown, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio Mr Lee received many awards in his relevant. When he saw that our birth urge him to soften the tone of his draft — to be followed by many more. We had long life, but wore them lightly. When rates were falling below replacement speeches, to sound less unyielding to roofs over our heads and became a na- he received the Freedom of the City of more than 30 years ago, he scrapped human frailties. And often, he took tion of homeowners. With Devan Nair London in 1982, he said: “I feel like a the Stop at Two policy and started en- in their amendments, but would pre- in the NTUC, he transformed the union conductor at a concert bowing to ap- couraging couples to have more chil- serve his core message. As he said: “I movement into a positive force, coop- plause, but unable to turn around to dren. That was almost 30 years ago. always tried to be correct, not politi- erating with employers and the Gov- invite the accomplished musicians in Having upheld a conservative ap- cally correct.” ernment to improve the lot of workers. the orchestra to rise and receive the proach to supervising our inancial He was a powerful speaker: Moving, Mr Lee cared for the people whom ovation for the music they have pro- sector for many years, he eventually inspiring, persuasive, in English and he served — the people of Singapore. duced. For running a government is decided to rethink and liberalise, but Malay and, by dint of a lifelong hard slog, When SARS struck in 2003, he wor- not unlike running an orchestra and to do so in a controlled way. And this in Mandarin and Hokkien. MediaCorp ried about taxi drivers, whose liveli- no Prime Minister ever achieves much was how Singapore’s inancial centre has been broadcasting his speeches this hoods were afected because tourists without an able team of players.” took of in a new wave of growth, to week, reminding us that his was the had dried up, and pressed us to ind Because he worked with a strong become what it is today. He was al- original Singapore Roar: Passionate, ways to help them. team and not alone, because people ways clear what strategy to follow, but formidable and indomitable. Mr Lee also cared for the people knew he cared for them and not for never so ixed to an old strategy as to Above all, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was who served him. One evening, he rang himself and because he had faith that be blind to the need to change course a ighter. In crises, when all seemed me up. Just a few years ago, one of my Singaporeans would work with him to when the world changed. hopeless, he was ferocious, endlessly mother’s WSOs (woman security oic- achieve great things, Mr Lee won the Nothing exempliies this better resourceful, irm in his resolve and ers) was having diiculty conceiving trust and conidence of Singaporeans. than water security, which was a life- steadfast in advancing his cause. a child and he wanted to help her. He The pioneer generation, who had long obsession of his. He entrenched Thus he saw us through many bat- asked me whether I knew how to help lived through the crucial years, had the PUB’s two Water Agreements with tles — the Battle for Merger against her adopt a child. He was concerned for a deep bond with him. I once met a Johor in the Separation Agreement. the communists, which most people people not only in the abstract, but also lady who owned a successful fried-rice He personally managed all aspects thought the non-communists would personally and individually. restaurant. She told me: “Tell Mr Lee of our water talks with Malaysia. He lose; the ight when we were in Malay- Internationally, he raised Singa- Kuan Yew I will always support him. I launched water-saving campaigns, sia against the communalists, when his pore’s standing in the world. Mr Lee was born in 1948 and I am 48 years old built reservoirs and turned most of the own life was at risk; Separation, which was not only a perceptive observer of (the year was 1996, there was some is- island into water catchment to collect cast us out into a hazardous world; and world afairs, but also a statesman who sue then). I know what he has done for the rain to process to use. He cleaned then the withdrawal of British military articulated Singapore’s international me and Singapore.” She and her gen- up the Singapore River and Kallang forces from Singapore, which threat- Basin. He dreamed of the Marina Bar- ened the livelihoods of 150,000 people. rage long before it became feasible and Because he never wavered, we did Because he never wavered, we did not falter. Because he fought, we persevered for decades until, inally, not falter. Because he fought, we took took courage and fought with him, and prevailed. And thus, Mr Lee took technology caught up and it became courage and fought with him, and pre- Singapore from Third World to First. feasible and it became a reality. vailed. And thus, Mr Lee took Singa- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong And he lived to see it become a real- pore from Third World to First. ity. When PUB invented NEWater and In many countries, anticolonial when desalination became viable, he ighters and heroes would win inde- interests and enlarged our strategic eration knew that ... if you follow Lee backed the new technologies enthusi- pendence and assume power, but then space. At crucial turning points, from Kuan Yew, you will survive. astically. The result today is Singapore fail — fail at nation building because the the British withdrawal East of Suez and has moved towards self-suiciency in challenges of bringing a society togeth- the Vietnam War to the rise of China, LEAVING HIS MARK water, become a leader in water tech- er, growing an economy and patiently his views and counsel inluenced think- ON SINGAPORE nologies and turned a vulnerability into improving people’s lives are very dif- ing and decisions in many capitals. strength. So perhaps, it is appropriate ferent from the challenges of ighting In the process, he built up a wide Mr Lee imbued Singapore with his that today, for his State Funeral, the for independence, mobilising crowds, network of friends and acquaintances, personal traits. He built Singapore to heavens opened and cried for him. getting people excited and overthrow- in and out of power. He knew every Chi- be clean and corruption-free. His home Greening Singapore was another of ing a regime. But Mr Lee and his team nese leader from Mao Zedong and every was spartan. His habits were frugal. his passions. On his travels, when he succeeded at nation building, together United States President from Lyndon He wore the same jacket for years and came across trees or plants that might with his team of ministers. Johnson. He established close rapport patched up the worn bits instead of grow well here, he would collect sap- Just weeks after Separation, he with President Suharto of Indonesia, buying new ones. He imparted these lings and seeds, and hand-carry them boldly declared: “Ten years from now, one of our most important relation- values to the Government. home. He used the Istana grounds as this will be a metropolis. Never fear!” ships. Others he knew included Deng Even when old and frail, on his 90th a nursery and would personally check And indeed, he made it happen. He in- Xiaoping, Margaret Thatcher, Helmut birthday, when he came to Parliament on the health of the trees. Not just in stilled discipline and order, ensuring Schmidt, George Shultz, as well as and MPs celebrated his birthday in general, but (also) individual, particu- that, in Singapore, every problem got President Bill Clinton and Henry Kiss- Parliament, he reminded them that lar trees. If they had names, he would ixed. He educated our young. He trans- inger, whom we are honoured to have Singapore must remain clean and in- know their names. He knew their formed labour relations from strikes here this afternoon. They valued his corruptible, and that MPs and minis- scientiic names. Singapore’s Prime and confrontation to tripartism and co- candour and insight. ters had to set the example. Minister was also the Chief Gardener operation. He campaigned to upgrade As Mrs Thatcher said: “(Mr Lee) had He pursued his ideas with tremen- of the City in a Garden. skills and raise productivity, calling this a way of penetrating the fog of propa- dous, infectious energy. He said of him- He had a relentless drive to improve efort a marathon with no inish line. ganda and expressing with unique clar- self: “I put myself down as determined, and continued to learn well into his old He enabled his economic team — ity the issues of our times and the way consistent, persistent. I set out to do age. At 70, to write his memoirs, he Goh Keng Swee, Hon Sui Sen, Lim to tackle them. He was never wrong.” something, I keep on chasing it until it started learning how to use his com- Kim San — to design and carry out And hence, despite being so small, Sin- succeeds. That’s all.” Easy to say, very puter. Every so often, he would call me plans to attract investments, grow the gapore’s voice is heard and we enjoy far few do it. And this was how he seized for help, sometimes late at night, and I economy and create prosperity and more inluence on the world stage than opportunities, seeing and realising would give him a phone consultation, jobs. As he said: “I settled the political we have any reason to expect. possibilities that many others missed. talking him through the steps — how conditions so tough policies … could Mr Lee did not blaze this path alone. So it was he who pushed to move to save a ile, how to ind a document be executed.” He was the outstanding leader of an Paya Lebar airport to Changi. It was that had vanished somewhere on his However, Mr Lee was also clear that exceptional team — a team that in- he who rejected the then convention- hard drive. And if he could not ind while “the development of the economy cluded Goh Keng Swee, S Rajaratnam, al wisdom that multinational corpo- me, he would consult my wife. is very important, equally important Othman Wok, Hon Sui Sen, Lim Kim rations (MNCs) were rapacious and He made a ceaseless efort to learn is the development of the nature of San, Toh Chin Chye, Ong Pang Boon, exploitative, and he wooed foreign Mandarin over decades. He listened to our society”. So he built an inclusive Devan Nair and quite a number more. investments from MNCs personally tapes of his teacher, talking, convers- society where everyone enjoyed the They were his comrades and he never to bring us advanced technology, to ing with him every day, in the morning fruits of progress. Education became forgot them. So it is very good that bring us overseas markets and to cre- while shaving at home, in the evening the foundation for good jobs and better Mr Ong Pang Boon is here today with ate for us good jobs. CONTINUED ON PAGE 40 40 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — State funeRal SeRvice

Some other Prime Ministers told me him becoming legal adviser to so many mous architect. He was the architect Let’s pledge to they couldn’t imagine what it was like trade unions and was excited by the of the cathedral and is buried in the to have two former PMs in my Cabinet. hubbub in Oxley Road whenever elec- cathedral, which was his masterpiece. continue building But I told them it worked, both for me tions happened, and our home became There is a Latin epitaph on his grave, and for Singapore. the election oice. and it reads: Si monumentum requiris, For all his public duties, Mr Lee also I remember when we were prepar- circumspice. It means if you seek his this exceptional nation had his own family. My mother was a ing to join Malaysia in the early 1960s, monument, look around you. Mr Lee CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 big part of his life. They were a deeply going along with my father on constitu- Kuan Yew built Singapore. To those while exercising at Sri Temasek. He loving couple. She was his loyal spouse ency visits — the “fang wen” tours that who seek Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s monu- kept up his Mandarin classes all his life. and conidante — going with him eve- he made to every corner of Singapore. ment, Singaporeans can reply proudly: Indeed, his last appointment on Feb 4 rywhere, fussing over him, helping For him, it was back-breaking work, “Look around you.” this year, before he was taken gravely with his speeches, and keeping home week after week, every weekend, rally- I said the light that has guided us ill early the next morning, was with his and hearth warm. They were a perfect ing the people’s support for a supremely all these years has been extinguished. Mandarin tutor. team and wonderful parents. When my important decision about Singapore’s But that is not quite so. For Mr Lee’s He inspired all of us to give our best. mother died, he was bereft. He felt the future. For me, these were not just Sun- principles and ideals continue to invig- And he was constantly thinking about devastating loss of a lifetime partner day outings, but also an early political orate this Government and to guide our Singapore. At one National Day Rally who, as he said, had helped him become education. people. His life will inspire Singapore- in 1988, he declared: “Even from my what he was. I remember election night in 1963, ans and others for generations to come. sickbed, even if you are going to lower My father left the upbringing of the the crucial General Election when the Mr Lee once said: “We intend to see me into the grave and I feel something children largely to my mother. But he PAP defeated the pro-communist Ba- that (Singapore) will be here a thou- is going wrong, I will get up.” And he was the head of the family and cared risan Sosialis. My mother sent me to sand years from now. And that’s your meant that. Indeed, even after he left deeply about us, both when we were bed early, but I lay awake in bed to duty and mine.” Mr Lee has done his the Cabinet, occasionally, he would small and long after we had grown up. listen to the election results until the duty, and more. It remains our duty still raise with me issues that he felt He wasn’t very demonstrative, much PAP had won enough seats to form the to continue his life’s work, to carry strongly about. less touchy feely. So, not new age, but Government again. And then I think I the torch forward and keep the lame During the Budget debate two years he loved us deeply. fell asleep. burning bright. ago … MPs hotly debated the cost of After my irst wife Ming Yang I remember the day he told me, while Over the past month, the outpour- living, public transport and so many died, my parents suggested that I we were playing golf at the Istana that ing of good wishes, prayers and support other matters preoccupying Singapo- try meditation. They gave me some should anything happen to him, he from Singaporeans as Mr Lee lay ill has reans. Mr Lee felt we had lost sight of books to read … I read the books, but wanted me to look after my mother and been overwhelming, and even more so the fundamentals that underpinned our I didn’t make much progress. I think my younger brother and sister. since he passed away on Monday. Peo- survival. He emailed me, sending me a my father had tried meditation too, I remember the night the children ple of all races, from all walks of life, draft speech. He told me he wanted to young and old, here and abroad have speak in the Chamber to remind Sin- mourned him. Hundreds of thousands gaporeans of these unchanging hard We come together not only to mourn. We come together also to rejoice queued patiently for hours, in the hot truths — what our survival depends in Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s long and full life, and what he has achieved with sun and through the night, to pay re- on. But I persuaded him to leave the us, his people in Singapore. spects to him at Parliament House. task to me and my ministers. And he Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong I visited the queue at the Padang: took my advice. Many Singaporeans, not so few non- But his biggest worry was that Singaporeans, who came out of deep younger Singaporeans would lose the also not too successfully. His teach- slept on the loor in my parents’ bedroom respect and a sense of compulsion, instinct for what made Singapore tick. er told me later that when he told at Temasek House in Kuala Lumpur, be- that here was a man they wanted to And this was why he continued writ- Mr Lee to relax, still his mind and let cause the house was full of ministers who do honour to. Many more wrote heart- ing books into his 90s – Bilingualism, go, he replied: “But what will happen had come up from Singapore. And every felt messages and took part in tribute Hard Truths, One Man’s View Of The to Singapore if I let go?” so often, my father would get up from ceremonies at community sites all over World and at least one more guided by When I had lymphoma, he suggested the bed to make a note about something, the island. him, still in the process of being writ- that I try meditation more seriously. He before lying down to rest again. But obvi- Thousands of overseas Singapo- ten, on the history of the PAP. Why thought it would help me ight the can- ously, he was not asleep, and the date was reans gathered in our embassies and did he do this? So that a new genera- cer. He found me a teacher and spoke Aug 7, 1965, two days before Separation. consulates to remember Mr Lee. And tion of Singaporeans could learn from to him personally. With a good teacher Growing up with my father, living later in this funeral service, all of us his experience and understand what to guide me, I made better progress. through those years with him, made — in this hall, across our island and in their security, prosperity and future In his old age, after my mother died, me what I am. far-lung lands — will observe a min- depend upon. my father started meditating again and This year is the 50th anniversary ute of silence, say the National Pledge One of Mr Lee’s greatest legacies this time with help from Ng Kok Song, of Singapore’s independence. We all and sing Majulah Singapura together. was preparing Singapore to continue whom he knew from GIC. Kok Song wanted Mr Lee to be present with us on We have all lost a father. We grieve beyond him. He believed that a leader’s brought a friend to see my father. The Aug 9 to celebrate this milestone. More as one people, one nation. But in our toughest job was ensuring succession. friend was a Benedictine monk who did than anybody else, it was he who fought grief, we have displayed the best of So he systematically identiied and Christian meditation. for multiracialism, which ultimately Singapore. Ordinary people going to groomed a team of successors. He made My father was not a Christian, but led to our independence as a sovereign great lengths to distribute refresh- way for Mr Goh Chok Tong to become was happy to learn from a Benedictine republic. It was he who united our peo- ments and umbrellas to the crowd Prime Minister after him, but stayed monk and even called me to suggest ple, built a nation and made our 50th and help one another in the queue late on in Mr Goh’s Cabinet to help the new that I meet the monk, which I did. He anniversary worth celebrating. Sadly, into the night. Citizen soldiers, Home team succeed. He provided stability probably felt I needed to resume medi- it is not to be. Team, cleaners, all working tirelessly and experience, and quietly helped tation too and, to give you some context, But we can feel proud and happy that around the clock. Our shared sorrow build up Mr Goh’s authority. this was the few months after the 2011 Mr Lee lived to see his life’s work come has brought us all together and made He knew how to guide without being General Election. I was by then nearly to fruition. At last year’s National Day us stronger and more resolute. obtrusive, to be watchful while letting 60 and he was by then nearly 90. But Parade, when Mr Lee appeared and We come together not only to mourn. the new team develop its own style, its to him, I was still his son to be worried waved, the crowd gave him the most We come together also to rejoice in authority. He described himself as a over and, to me, he was still a father deafening cheer of the whole parade. Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s long and full life, “mascot”, but everyone knew how spe- to love and appreciate, just like when Last November, the People’s Action and what he has achieved with us, his cial this mascot was and how lucky we I was small. Party celebrated its diamond anniver- people in Singapore. We come together were to have such a mascot. So this morning, before the ceremo- sary at Victoria Concert Hall, where Mr to pledge ourselves to continue building It was likewise when I took over. nies began at Parliament House, we Lee founded the party 60 years ago. this exceptional country. Let us shape Mr Goh became Senior Minister and had a few minutes. I sat by him and Party members were so happy to see this island nation into one of the great Mr Lee became Minister Mentor, a meditated. that Mr Lee could be there, they gave cities in the world, relecting the ideals title he felt relected his new role … In- Of course, growing up as my father’s him a rousing, emotional standing ova- he stood for, realising the dreams he in- creasingly, he left policy issues to us, son could not but mean being exposed tion. Those of us who were there will spired, and worthy of the people who have but would share with us his reading of to politics very early. I remember as a never forget it. made Singapore our home and nation. world afairs and his advice on major little boy, knowing that his constitu- St Paul’s Cathedral in London was Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew. May problems that he saw over the horizon. ency was Tanjong Pagar, I was proud of built by Sir Christopher Wren, the fa- you rest in peace. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

PRIVATE SERVICE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS Mandai, the final stop Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s casket made its final stop at Mandai Crematorium, where a private funeral service was held before the cremation. The flag that was draped over his casket was folded and presented to his eldest child Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Eulogies were then delivered by two of the late Mr Lee’s grandsons, as well as his children Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Dr Lee Wei Ling and Mr Lee Hsien Yang.

Above: Members of the public watching as the funeral cortege arrives at Mandai Crematorium. Below: The Singapore flag that was draped over the casket presented to Mr Lee. PHOTOS: THE STRAITS TIMES, WEE TECK HIAN 42 RemembeRing LEE KUAN YEW — PRivate funeRal seRvice

several times, but to no avail, because nurses and physiotherapists — who Pa’s abdominal muscles were very tense. have helped Papa be as comfortable as Farewell, Papa Yak then called for help over his possible in his inal days. My family is walkie-talkie. Liang Chye was the only extremely grateful to all of you. senior SO downstairs, and, sensing I also want to thank the Prime Min- something strange in Yak’s voice, he ister’s Oice staf who kept the oice — I will miss you came running up. They formed a hu- running smoothly in Papa’s absence. man chain. Liang Chye, the shortest Thank you all for being with Papa and and probably the strongest, was posi- for helping to ease his sufering in the This is an excerpt of the eulogy tioned behind Papa; the tallest, Yak, at last ive years of his life. Thank you for the furthest end of the human chain; being here with us today, to bid fare- by Dr Lee Wei Ling at the and Kelvin, the one of middle height, well to Papa. private service held at Mandai. between the two. They coordinated My brothers have said much about their pull and after several attempts, Papa. I just want to focus on one point: fter Mama died in October the piece of meat was inally ejected. What have I learnt from Pa? What is A 2010, Papa’s health deteriorat- By this time, Papa had already turned the biggest lesson he taught me? ed rapidly. The past ive years purple. But within seconds of the meat The inluence parents have on chil- have been challenging. But as always, being dislodged, he was mentally alert. dren depends on many things. To a cer- Papa was determined to carry on as I would like to give special thanks to tain degree, it depends upon the tem- normal as possible, as best as he could. Liang Chye and Kelvin, and especially perament of the parent and the child. He developed Parkinson’s disease ASP Yak, whose presence of mind saved Temperamentally, I am very similar three years ago, which severely limited Papa’s life. To all the SOs who have to Papa. So similar that in a given situa- his mobility. He had great diiculty served Papa over the years, I thank tion, I can predict how he would feel and standing and walking. But he refused you on behalf of my family. respond. For example, the SOs would to use a wheelchair or even a walking I would also like to thank all the look on with some amusement at the stick. He would walk, aided by his se- nurses, doctors and specialists who way Pa struggled to complete his 12 min- curity oicers (SOs). have looked after Papa over the years, utes on the treadmill, even on days that Papa was also plagued by bouts of especially those who were involved he was tired. He may rest in between hiccups that could only be controlled in the last ive years of his life, when bouts on the treadmill, but he was al- by medication which had adverse side his medical problems multiplied and ways determined to hit 12 minutes. The efects. Over and above the frequent became more complicated. At a ripe SOs were amused because they knew hiccups, his ability to swallow both old age of 91, he had multiple medical I was equally fanatical about exercise. solids and liquids was impaired, a not problems and many specialists, so the Today, I have run up and down my 20m uncommon problem in old age. list of people to thank is a very long corridor 800 times, making it to 16km. Papa searched the Internet and tried one. I am grateful to each and every Once, about 15 years ago, my father a wide variety of unorthodox hiccup one of them for all the care they have told me: “Mama and I should be very therapies. For example, he once used provided to Papa. happy that you remain single and hence rabbit skin and then chicken feathers When Pa was not well at home, I was will be able to look after us in our old to induce sneezing, so as to stop the the irst line of defence. I would handle age. But you will be lonely. Also, you hiccups. Although the sneezing some- on my own what I could at home. At have inherited my traits, but in such times stopped his hiccups, it did not do other times, though, I had to call the an exaggerated way that they are a so consistently enough. Papa also tried relevant specialists outside of oice disadvantage to you.” reducing his food intake, because he felt weeks. Pa thought that very unkind Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s hours when Papa had a medical emer- Papa, I know you would have pre- that eating too much could precipitate to the SO and insisted that the SO re- casket being put gency. Since the most common emer- ferred if I had married and had chil- hiccups; hence, he lost a lot of weight, turn to Singapore together with the in place before the gency was pneumonia, one particular dren. But I have no regrets, no regrets and appeared thin and gaunt. rest of the delegation. He wasn’t going private service. doctor was called most frequently. He I was able to look after you and Mama Papa was stubborn and determined. to leave any Singaporean behind, not PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES doesn’t wish to be named, so I’ll call him in your old age. He would insist on walking down the least an SO. Dr X. After several calls, I learnt that What is the most important lesson steps at home, from the veranda to Sensing he was special, all the SOs Dr X would be up by 5.45am to send I have learnt from Papa? It is never to the porch where the car was parked. have been very kind to Papa. On behalf his children to school. One morning at push around anyone simply because he Ho Ching had a lift installed so Papa of my family, I would like to thank all of 5am, I had to call him. I apologised for or she is weaker than me or in a socially need not negotiate those steps. But them. I know each of them well, even the waking him up and asked him to tell his inferior position. And never to let anyone when he was aware and alert, he re- number of children they have. To me, registrar on duty at SGH what to do, bully someone else if I am in a position fused the lift though it was a struggle they were not only staf whose job was adding: “You don’t need to rush in to to stop such bullying. If I saw someone for him to walk down those steps even to look after Papa, but also friends of see Pa. You can see him after you have being bullied unfairly by his superior, with three SOs helping. the family. They helped me pull out the sent your children to school.” Dr X re- I should have no hesitation to come to But the lift was not installed in vain. SIM card from my BlackBerry when it plied: “Today is Sunday.” But even on the rescue of the victim. Since I am by On several occasions when he was ill hung; they were friends for me to share Sundays, he made his rounds at SGH. nature pugnacious like my father and I and needed to be admitted to Singa- food and goodies with whenever the During his last illness, Pa had to be enjoy a ight so long as it is for a just and pore General Hospital (SGH), he did opportunity arose. cared for in the Medical Intensive Care good cause, I learnt these lessons readily. not protest when the SO guided him Soon after my father died, Yak called Unit of the Singapore General Hospi- We have seen an astonishing out- into the lift. Still, even when ill, if he to inform me. After being in my room tal. This was a very diicult time for pouring of emotion on the passing of was asked if he wanted to use the lift, alone and unable to go back to sleep, I Papa, the medical staf, as well as for my father this week. There are many the answer would invariably be “no”. went downstairs to the SOs’ room and the family. The MICU staf were dili- reasons people feel this way about Papa. The SOs were an integral part of sat with the two SOs on duty, watching gent and meticulous in their care, and But I think one reason is that they know Papa’s life, even more so in the last black-and-white footage of Papa in his no efort was spared to help Papa and Papa was a ighter who would always ive years. They looked after him with younger days. I needed the company tend to his every need. The doctors had ight for them no matter what the odds tender loving care, way beyond the call of friends. Jun zi zhi jiao dan ru shui meetings twice a day to discuss how to were. They know that he was ready to of duty. One doctor friend, who came — there is a Chinese saying that the proceed, including on weekends and ight for them till his last breath. to help dress a wound Papa sustained relationship between two honourable Chinese New Year. This morning, I noticed that the when he fell, noticed this and said to gentlemen is as understated as plain Again, I thank all the doctors in- maid, in setting the dining table, had me: “The SOs look after your father as water. That was the relationship be- volved in this last ight. That includes moved away Papa’s chair and placed though he is their own father.” tween the SOs and me. not only the respiratory specialist who it against the wall. It was a poignant Papa believed that goodwill goes One occasion, while having lunch at ran the ICU, who played the most im- reminder that this farewell is forever. both ways. He was very considerate home, Papa choked on a piece of meat. It portant role, but also Dr X, who decid- I have been controlling my feelings for towards his SOs. Once, while in Saudi went down his trachea and obstructed ed on what antibiotics to use, and the this past week, but looking at this unex- Arabia on an oicial trip, one SO came his airlow. Fortunately, the SOs knew cardiologists, and others who advised pected scene, I nearly broke down. But I down with chickenpox. The doctors de- what to do. Assistant Superintendent of on how to maintain nutrition whilst can’t break down, I am a Hakka woman. cided that the SO should be isolated in Police (ASP) Yak and Kelvin together Pa was sedated and intubated on the Farewell, Papa. I will miss you. Rest some hospital in Saudi Arabia for two carried out the Heimlich manoeuvre respirator. Thank you all — doctors, in peace. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 Your work is done, your rest is richly deserved This is the full eulogy of Lee Hsien Yang at the private service held at Mandai.

apa was born in 1923 when P Singapore was part of the Brit- ish Empire, the Straits Settle- ments lag luttered over Government House, and the people of Singapore sang God Save the King. He was given the name Harry at birth. But he soon grew to feel that it did not it him and the fact that he was a son of Singapore. When Papa was 10, his youngest brother Suan Yew was born. Papa persuaded his parents that it was not a good thing to give Suan Yew a Western name. Decades later, when Papa entered politics, he also found his name Harry a political liability. In truth, two decades before, he had already felt it was not right for him. When Loong, Ling and I were born, Papa gave us only Chinese names, and used the Wade Giles romanisation sys- tem to spell the names. As Papa was from a Peranakan household, he sought the help from the court interpreter Mr Wong Chong Min in the choice of names. Two years ago, Loong while walking around Queenstown met the son of Mr Wong — the man who had named the three of us. The names parents choose for their children embody the hopes, aspirations and dreams they have for them. Chinese names in particular, with their many possible wonderful layers of meaning, allegory and poetry, lend themselves well to this. For their eldest son, Papa and Mama chose the name 显龙 (Hsien Loong). It meant “illustrious dragon”. It was an appropriate and auspicious name for a boy, especially one born in the Year of the Dragon. Mr Lee Hsien Yang delivering a eulogy for his father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, at Mandai Crematorium. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES “For my sister, they chose the name 玮玲 (Wei Ling), which means ‘the in life. I am sure that Papa would not beautiful sound of tinkling jade’. I sup- I have suggested to them (my children) should they have wanted it otherwise. pose Mama thought that that was an Papa, thank you for a lifetime of appropriate and feminine name for a be asked whether they might be related to Lee Kuan service to the people of Singapore. You daughter, although I don’t think it in any Yew, that a good answer was to say their name was made this little red dot the nation all of way circumscribes Ling’s development! spelt ‘Li’, not ‘Lee’ ... This response which I suggested us are proud to call home. For me, they chose the name 显扬 Papa, thank you for being a wonderful (Hsien Yang). Some people think that was not meant to mislead and obfuscate; it is born husband and companion to Mama. For since I’m named Yang, I was born in the out of a desire to be recognised for who we are as individuals and not loving her completely and caring for her Year of the Goat, which is not the case. for whom we are related to. We are immensely proud of Papa and his illness and during your lives together. Instead, my name had more literary Papa, thank you for being my own origins, and was derived from a quote achievements, and yet perhaps it is part of our DNA to seek our own special father. Always there to guide, from the three letter classics (三字经). way in life. I am sure that Papa would not have wanted it otherwise. counsel and advise me, every step of Mama used to tease me when I was the way, but also prepared to step back young that my name meant “illustrious and to let me ind my own wings and show-of”. In fact, the phrase it was de- Unsolicited compliments like this are whether they might be related to Lee make my own way. rived from 扬 名 声 ，显 父 母 means “to the most authentic and heartfelt. Kuan Yew, that a good answer was to Papa, thank you for loving my wife, do good deeds, in order to bring honour Keeping private my family connec- say their name was spelt “Li”, not “Lee”. and my children, Shengwu, Huanwu to one’s parents”. tion only served to enhance the pleas- “Li” is one of the most common Chinese and Shaowu. You have been a loving I am sure many Singaporeans trav- ure. Sadly, as I developed a more visible surnames in the world. grandfather to each of them, sharing elling abroad have received compli- public proile, it has become harder not This response which I suggested small pleasures, enjoying their com- ments on Singapore and its transforma- to be recognised as Lee Kuan Yew’s son. was not meant to mislead and obfus- panionship. tion over the last 50 years. Usually the I have taught my children never to cate; it is born out of a desire to be rec- Papa, it is hard to say goodbye. Your conversation would quickly acknowl- mention or launt their relationship ognised for who we are as individuals work is done and your rest is richly de- edge the role of Lee Kuan Yew. with their grandfather, that they need- and not for whom we are related to. served. In our own diferent and diverse I would not acknowledge my rela- ed to make their way in the world on We are immensely proud of Papa and ways, my family and I will continue to tionship — I would just nod and say, their own merits and industry. I have his achievements, and yet perhaps it is honour you and your memory in all yes, it’s been a remarkable journey. suggested to them should they be asked part of our DNA to seek our own way that we do. TODAYONLINE.COM WE SET YOU THINKING

MONDAY, 23 MARCH 2015 SPECIAL EDITION MCI (P) 088/09/2014

1923–2015 Lee Kuan Yew Architect of modern Singapore

As for me, I have done what I had wanted to do, to the best of my ability. I am satisfied. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew addressing a crowd on National Day, June 3, 1962. National Day was then celebrated on June 3 to mark the day in 1959 when Singapore attained self-government. Photo: AP ‘We won’t see another like him’

A nation, led by PM Lee Hsien “The Prime Minister is deeply grieved Mr Lee had been warded at SGH be lown at half-mast during the week to announce the passing of Mr Lee since Feb 5 after coming down with of mourning. Loong, mourns — ‘the first of Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister severe pneumonia. Despite a later A private family wake will be held our founding fathers is no more’ of Singapore,” PMO said in statement statement that his condition had im- today and tomorrow at Sri Temasek — issued just past 4am. proved, he never recovered. His condi- the Prime Minister’s oicial residence CArl SkAdiAn, Deputy Editor, and At about 6.20am, the Cabinet also tion worsened progressively last week, on the Istana grounds. From today to loh Chee kong, Associate Editor issued a statement: “We will always statements from the PMO said, and a Sunday, condolence books and cards remember his sound guidance, his con- inal update on his deterioration which will be placed at the Istana’s main gate r Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s stant questioning, and his fatherly care arrived on Sunday afternoon said his for the public to pen their tributes to M visionary founding Prime for Singapore and for all of us. Let us condition had “weakened further”. At Mr Lee. Condolence books will also be Minister and architect of dedicate ourselves to Singapore and 4:05am today, the announcement that opened at all overseas missions. the country’s rise from a ledgling is- Singaporeans, in the way that Mr Lee Singapore had been bracing itself for Mr Lee’s body will lie in state at land nation expelled from Malaysia showed us.” and dreading for more than a month Parliament House from Wednesday to to one envied worldwide for its rapid Mr Lee’s last public appearance was was made. Saturday, for the public to pay their re- economic progress, far-sighted politi- on Nov 7 last year, at the 60th anniver- The Republic now enters a seven- spects. A State Funeral Service will be cal leadership and all-round eiciency, sary celebrations of the People’s Action day period of national mourning - from held at 2 pm on Sunday at the National died this morning. Party’s (PAP) — which he founded in today to Sunday - for its founding leader, University of Singapore’s University He was 91. 1954 — held at Victoria Memorial Hall. a man who inspired awe and was re- Cultural Centre. Mr Lee’s death came a few months PAP chairman Khaw Boon Wan garded as an intimidating presence at Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, shy of the 50th anniversary of the Re- said in a statement that Mr Lee had the start of his tenure as Prime Minis- the eldest of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s three public’s independence on Aug 9. devoted his whole life to Singapore. Mr ter in 1959, but who later became syn- children, addressed the nation this In a brief statement announcing Khaw said: “Millions of Singaporeans onymous with Singapore’s success and morning via live television. his death, the Prime Minister’s Oice have improved their lives because of his was widely viewed with respect and With his voice choking with emotion (PMO) said Mr Lee, whose health had dedication and sacriice. As we mourn admiration — even if it was grudging at times, he spoke in English, Mandarin been deteriorating over the past two his passing, let’s also re-dedicate our- in some quarters. and Malay. In his English speech, he years, died peacefully at the Singapore selves to building on his legacy, for the As a mark of respect to Mr Lee, State said: “The irst of our founding fathers General Hospital at 3.18 this morning. Party and for Singapore. lags on all Government buildings will Continued on PAge 46 46 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

persuasion. The merits of his arguments were always discussed, sometimes de- bated, but the astute observer always arrived at the same conclusion —that Mr Lee never stopped thinking about the challenges facing this country. As he put it himself memorably: “Even from my sick bed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel something is going wrong, I will get up.” His visionary leadership drew praise from all over the world, and the success of Singapore gave it a relevance and weight in global afairs that few small states ever achieve. Former US Presi- dent Bill Clinton, for example, called him “one of the wisest, most knowl- edgeable, most efective leader in any part of the world for the last 50 years”. Other world leaders were similarly efusive in their praise, and many, in- cluding heavyweights such as China’s Deng Xiaoping and Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, eagerly sought his views as they themselves sought to transform their countries. To be sure, Mr Lee had his share of detractors. He went after what he deemed political “duds” with a venge- ance, resorting sometimes to surpris- ingly sharp language: He once de- scribed how he carried a igurative hatchet in his bag, a weapon he would Continued froM Page 45 experience, knowledge, ideas and life Mr Lee Kuan Yew, ing him to formulate the US’ policy of use against “troublemakers”. is no more. He inspired us, gave us cour- with us. He was my leader, mentor, in- then Secretary- rebalancing to the Asia Paciic. “(Mr His use of lawsuits against political age, kept us together, and brought us spiration, the man I looked up to most. General of the Lee’s) views and insights on Asian dy- opponents and Western media outlets here. He fought for our independence, He made me a proud Singaporean. People’s Action namics and economic management which were accused of meddling in built a nation where there was none, and Now he is gone. I mourn but he lives Party, speaking at were respected by many around the Singapore politics drew much criti- made us proud to be Singaporeans. We on in my heart. On behalf of Marine a rally for the world, and no small number of this and cism, as did his iron grip on the local won’t see another like him.” Parade residents, I ofer our profound Singapore general past generations of world leaders have press — he insisted at the outset that He added: “I am grieved beyond condolences to PM Lee Hsien Loong election at sought his advice on governance and there was no “Fourth Estate” role for words at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan and his family.” Fullerton development,” he added. it, and that its business was as a nation- Yew. I know that we all feel the same President Tony Tan said: “Mary and Square in 1972. Obituaries also appeared on the building entity. way. But even as we mourn his pass- I are deeply saddened by the passing of Photo: Ministry of websites of international media, includ- Mr Lee also waded into areas citi- ing, let us also honour his spirit. Let Mr Lee Kuan Yew. We extend our deep- inforMation and the ing The New York Times, The Financial zens deemed private, such as his ven- arts ColleCtion, us dedicate ourselves as one people to est condolences to his children Mr Lee Courtesy of national Times, The Economist, the BBC and tures into social engineering via the build on his foundations, strive for his Hsien Loong, Ms Lee Wei Ling and Mr arChives of singaPore the South China Morning Post. Graduate Mothers’ Scheme or the ideals, and keep Singapore exceptional Lee Hsien Yang, and their families.” The outpouring of grief relected Speak Mandarin And Not Dialects and successful for many years to come. In his three-page condolence letter the stature of a man who led a team of campaign, and drew lak as a result. May Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace.” to the Prime Minister, Dr Tan paid trib- able and equally visionary leaders and Policies such as the banning of chew- Across a grieving nation, which had ute to Mr Lee’s achievements, such as oversaw Singapore’s rise by formulat- ing gum, meanwhile, drew a mix of been bracing itself for bad news since how he rallied Singaporeans together ing policies aimed at overcoming the criticism and ridicule internationally. it was announced a little more than after forced separation from Malaysia myriad challenges faced by a tiny na- He remained unapologetic, however, a month ago that Mr Lee had been in 1965. “Many doubted if Singapore tion set amid what he described at the insisting that whatever he did was in the warded and subsequently put on a could have survived as a nation but outset as a “volatile region”. better interests of Singapore. He stood mechanical ventilator, grief gave way Mr Lee rallied our people together and His ideas spanned the gamut, from by his belief, which he explained starkly slowly to tributes for a man regarded led his cabinet colleagues to success- Singapore’s place in the larger world, in an interview published by National as a modern-day titan, not just in Sin- fully build up our armed forces, devel- the defence of an island just 50km Geographic magazine in 2010, that to be gapore, but in much of the world. op our infrastructure and transform across, housing, education and eco- a leader, “one must understand human On the Internet, where his legacy Singapore into a global metropolis,” nomic policies, to the seemingly mun- nature. I have always thought that hu- was a more divisive subject than it was Dr Tan wrote. dane, but which he explained were manity was animal-like. The Confucian elsewhere, an unprecedented outpour- Condolences from world leaders also equally critical; these ranged from theory was man could be improved, ing of condolence messages ensued, streamed in, with Australia Prime Min- the orderly rows of trees seen across but I’m not sure he can be. He can be even though the news broke in the wee ister Tony Abbott and New Zealand the island, for example, to the 1970s trained, he can be disciplined”. hours. Tributes from the public and po- Prime Minister John Key among the relegation of males with long hair to It was a theme he touched on several litical leaders began streaming in soon irst to pay tribute to Mr Lee. the back of queues to blunt the appeal times, including as early as 1987, when after PMO’s announcement. United States President Barack of Western hippie subculture, which he shrugged of criticism of meddling Said Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Obama said he was deeply saddened was deemed unhealthy for the coun- thus: “I am often accused of interfering Chok Tong, who succeeded Mr Lee as to learn of Mr Lee’s death. Ofering his try’s development. in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I Prime Minister in 1990, on Facebook: condolences on behalf of the American At every turn along the way, and did not, had I not done that, we wouldn’t “My tears welled up as I received the sad people, Mr Obama described Mr Lee even after he stepped down from his be here today. And I say without the news. Mr Lee Kuan Yew has completed as a remarkable man and a “true giant last post in Cabinet following the May slightest remorse, that we wouldn’t be his life’s journey. But it was a journey of history who will be remembered for 2011 General Election, Mr Lee cease- here, we would not have made economic devoted to the making of Singapore. generations to come as the father of lessly reminded Singaporeans of his progress, if we had not intervened on “He has bequeathed a monumen- modern Singapore and as one the great prescription for the country’s success very personal matters — who your tal legacy to Singaporeans — a safe, strategists of Asian afairs”. — or lit into its ills — with his signature neighbour is, how you live, the noise you secure, harmonious and prosperous Mr Obama said his discussions with blend of a politician’s oratory, a court- make, how you spit, or what language independent Singapore, our Homeland. Mr Lee during his trip to Singapore in room lawyer’s ability to wield a rapier you use. We decide what is right. Never He was a selless leader. He shared his 2009 were “hugely important” in help- to opposing arguments and a knack for mind what the people think.” SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

EARLY YEARS title of his book — From Third World to His intentions were telegraphed ear- each generation.” First, Mr Lee had a leading hand in all. ly, and moves were put in place after the Mr Nathan added: “The political Mr Lee Kuan Yew was born on Sept 16, There were numerous other deci- 1984 General Elections. Much discus- changeover also marks a generation- 1923, the eldest child of Mr Lee Chin sions he took that have been the subject sion of a handover ensued, and by the al change. Mr Lee Kuan Yew led the Koon and Madam Chua Jim Neo. The of much less publicity, but which have time Mr Goh Chok Tong was sworn in founding generation who fought for relatively prosperous family included had signiicant claim to the success as Singapore’s second Prime Minister independence and made Singapore three brothers, Dennis and Freddy Lee, Singap ore has enjoyed. The policy to on Nov 28, 1990, the momentous event succeed. The second generation, un- Lee Suan Yew, and a sister, Monica. adopt English as the lingua franca for was viewed as routine. der Mr Goh, had the less obvious but A natural at school, he topped the Singapore, the approach to foreign Mr Lee was then appointed Senior equally challenging task of building a standings for the national Senior Cam- policy, and even the decision to site Minister in Mr Goh’s Cabinet, a role nation and rallying the people, when bridge exams among students in British the airport in Changi instead of rede- akin to that of sage, and one which af- times were getting better and life more Malaya, which included Singapore, and veloping the old Paya Lebar site, are forded him the opportunity to give his comfortable. Mr Lee Hsien Loong went on to Rales Institution, but World among them. thoughts and advice on the issues con- now leads the post-independence gen- War II interrupted his progress. After Essentially, as recounted in the fronting Singapore, though, by his own eration, who have grown up amidst the war, armed with sterling grades, he book, Lee Kuan Yew: The Man And admission, he was keen to let the sec- peace, comfort and growing prosperity. went to London and earned a law de- His Ideas, the prescription for the trans- ond-generation leadership run things Mr Lee and his government must en- gree from Cambridge. The war years formation of the nation boiled down to and make the key decisions. gage the young on external and domes- and his time in London stirred a po- three elements: his view of the problem, His views were also sought on mat- tic issues which afect their future, up- litical awakening in the young Mr Lee. his analysis of how it could be solved, ters beyond Singapore. Many leaders date policies to relect the aspirations of Upon his return in 1950, Mr Lee and and his assessment of Singapore soci- around the world, as well as leading a younger generation of Singaporeans his wife — the love of his life and the ety and what was needed for it to grow. media commentators, considered him and adapt their style to stay in tune woman he once described as smarter In an interview with American jour- an oracle of sorts on geopolitics, one to with the times.” than he, Madam Kwa Geok Choo — set nalist Fareed Zakaria published in be tapped for his wellspring of insights “Singapore was never meant to be up the law irm of Lee & Lee. His law 1994, Mr Lee described the route he into global afairs. sovereign on its own. To survive, we career was short-lived, however, and and his team took to remake Singa- Much of what he thought of the had to be diferent, indeed exceptional. after a few years, he turned his gaze pore. “We have focused on basics in world was shaped by experience, and We progressed and thrived because towards politics. Singapore. We used the family to push he was viewed, irst and foremost, as we built strong institutions founded on A brief but necessary retelling of economic growth, factoring the ambi- a pragmatist whose irm ideas of what sound values — integrity, meritocracy, this period, shorn of much of the com- tions of a person and his family into our would work and what would not were equality of opportunities, compassion plexity of those times, saw him set up planning. We have tried, for example, uncoloured by theories. In an interview and mutual respect between Singapo- the People’s Action Party and lobby to improve the lot of children through with American journalist Tom Plate, reans of diferent ethnic, religious and — successfully — for self-government education,” he said. he said: “I am not great on philosophy social backgrounds. The government, from the British and enter into merger “The government can create a set- and theories. I am interested in them, judiciary, civil service, unions, schools with Malaya. It was what he irmly be- ting in which people can live happily but my life is not guided by philosophy and the media have promoted the inter- lieved was necessary for the survival of and succeed and express themselves, or theories. I get things done and leave ests of the common people. The public, a tiny island with no natural resources but inally it is what people do with their others to extract the principles from private and people sectors have built to speak of. lives that determines economic success my successful solutions. I do not work a national consensus on what the chal- The merger ultimately collapsed, or failure. Again, we were fortunate we on a theory. lenges are and how we can overcome undone by sharp diferences in po- had this cultural backdrop, the belief “Instead I ask: what will make this them. The people and government are litical and economic policies between in thrift, hard work, ilial piety and loy- work? … So Plato, Aristotle, Socrates united.” the ruling parties on both sides, which alty in the extended family, and, most — I am not guided by them. I read them He continued: “These are valuable boiled over into racial unrest between of all, the respect for scholarship and cursorily because I was not interested strengths and intangible assets critical the Chinese and Malays. learning.” in philosophy as such. You may call me to Singapore’s long-term survival and On the morning of Aug 9, 1965, Sin- He added: “There is, of course, an- a ‘utilitarian’ or whatever. I am inter- continued success. We must do all we gapore was expelled from the Federa- other reason for our success. We have ested in what works.” can to preserve them.” tion. Hours later, at a press conference, been able to create economic growth With the template for the transfer As Minister Mentor, Mr Lee’s pre- a visibly emotional Mr Lee explained because we facilitated certain changes of power in Singapore set, the nation occupation with Singapore’s well-being why he had believed — for the “whole while we moved from an agricultural underwent a similar process on Aug 12, continued. When he spoke in public, it of my adult life” — that merger was the society to an industrial society. We had 2004, when Mr Lee Hsien Loong was was usually to remind Singaporeans right move, but that separation was the advantage of knowing what the end sworn in as the country’s third Prime of what worked for the country, and now inevitable, and called for calm. It result should be by looking at the West Minister. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was sub- why it was necessary to do so. At his was during this press conference that and later, Japan. We knew where we sequently appointed Minister Mentor last appearance at his Tanjong Pagar the indelible image of him with tears in were, and we knew where we had to go. in his son’s Cabinet, while Mr Goh as- ward’s National Day dinner on Aug 16, his eyes came to be. It was a powerful We said to ourselves, ‘Let’s hasten, let’s sumed the mantle of Senior Minister. 2013, for example, he ofered his views testament to the anguish that separa- see if we can get there faster’.” In his speech at the swearing-in cer- on one of his pet topics —bilingualism. tion wrought in him. As Singapore’s success rounded into emony of the younger Mr Lee, Presi- Speaking before a crowd clearly en- For a nation suddenly cut adrift, view, Mr Lee was often praised for his dent S.R. Nathan neatly encapsulated thralled that he had turned up despite uncertain of what the future would farsightedness. Less well-known, but the factors that led to Singapore’s suc- feeling unwell, he said: “Education is bring — or, indeed, if there was one just as important, was his obsession cess, while also tracing the arc of Mr the most important factor for our next — his vow that there would be a place with detail, which ranged from how but- Lee Kuan Yew’s inluence on the island generation’s success. In Singapore, our for all in Singapore managed to bring tons should work down to the state of republic, its unlikely beginnings, and bilingualism policy makes learning dif- a measure of solace, and some steel, to cleanliness of the toilets at the airport. its future path. icult unless you start learning both the occasion. His prescriptions for excellence “This is only the second political languages, English and the mother across all areas rapidly iltered down changeover in nearly 40 years of our in- tongue, from an early age — the ear- THE ARCHITECT OF to the citizenry and, together with what dependence. Just as Mr Lee Kuan Yew lier the better.” MODERN SINGAPORE has come to be known as the Pioneer did, Mr Goh is stepping aside to make During his years as Minister Men- Generation, Mr Lee and his team deliv- way for a younger man when the coun- tor, actors on the global stage continued From the beginning, he and his team ered success to Singapore in such me- try is in good working order,” he said. to seek his views; he was a frequent set out to remake Singapore in every teoric fashion that the term “miracle” “Political self-renewal is essential if guest on forums that included world- sense of the word. The larger details has routinely been used to describe the the leadership is to refresh and remake wide business leaders and appeared of how they set about to do it and the transformation of the country — with- itself, stay relevant to the changing every now and then in the pages of results they achieved have been the out a trace of hyperbole. Singapore was political, economic and social envi- leading publications. subject of efusive praise, academic Even while he was leading this trans- never meant ronment and connect with a younger As a measure of the stature he con- tomes, and much more besides. formation, however, Mr Lee had his eye to be sovereign generation. An orderly and planned tinued to enjoy, the high-powered board From rehousing a squatter popula- on the future, speciically, an orderly on its own. self-renewal process is being built into of French oil giant, Total, held its meet- tion in Housing Board lats with modern and smooth transfer of power; it was To survive, our political system. This is unique to ing in Singapore, instead of Paris, for amenities, to conjuring up the defence something he viewed as critical to Sin- we had to Singapore and has served us well. It is the irst time. During the meeting, Mr of Singapore from practically nothing, gapore’s future success, and which was be diferent, the best way to ensure that Singapore Lee announced that he, after 19 years to formulating an economic policy that practically unheard of in the region and indeed maintains a consistent course, and on the board, intended to step down. took a ledgling nation — to borrow the much of the developing world. exceptional. continues to progress and prosper with Continued on page 48 48 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

n behalf of the people of self-interest, Mr Lee stepped down as “O Singapore, I would like to Prime Minister in 1990 to allow for a convey my most heartfelt President Tony Tan’s smooth leadership renewal after he condolences to you and your family had built up a younger team of Cabinet on the passing of your dear father, ministers. Nevertheless, he continued Mr Lee Kuan Yew. to serve and advance Singapore’s inter- Mr Lee dedicated his entire life to condolence letter to ests at home and abroad as Singapore’s Singapore from his irst position as a Senior Minister from 1990 to 2004 and legal adviser to the labour unions in the then as Minister Mentor from 2004 to 1950s after his graduation from Cam- 2011. He had spent more than 50 years bridge University to his undisputed role PM Lee Hsien Loong in the Cabinet and was the world’s as the architect of our modern Repub- longest-serving Prime Minister when lic. Few have demonstrated such com- to clean up the Singapore River and he stepped down in 1990. plete commitment to a cause greater Kallang River which were then heavily Through Mr Lee, Singapore earned than themselves. polluted by garbage, sewage and indus- international recognition and estab- Mr Lee was elected into the Brit- trial waste. The Singapore River now lished cooperative relations with major ish Legislative Assembly in 1955 and forms part of the Marina Bay, which is countries afecting our region. Mr Lee became Singapore’s irst Prime Min- not only a valuable source of fresh water was one of the irst to recognize China’s ister after leading the PAP to victory for our city state, but also a place which potential under Deng Xiaoping’s re- in the 1959 general election when Sin- is enjoyed by Singaporeans and tourists forms. Mr Lee’s brilliant intellect and gapore was granted full internal self- from around the world. Mr Lee also set candour of opinion led many interna- government. At that time, Singapore up the Housing Development Board to tional leaders and foreign diplomats to faced problems of high unemployment, develop our public housing estates to seek his views on developments in the poor infrastructure and a hostile ex- give every citizen a stake in the nation. region and around the world. Widely re- ternal environment. To secure Singa- Today, because of Mr Lee’s farsighted- vered as a senior statesman, Mr Lee was pore’s access to land, water and natu- ness, Singapore is hailed as a model of conferred numerous international ac- ral resources, Mr Lee led Singapore to sustainable and inclusive development colades throughout his political career. join the Federation of Malaysia before for developing cities around the world. Many aspects of our lives bear declaring independence from Britain Mr Lee made lasting contributions Mr Lee’s imprint — be it our HDB in 1963. However, the problems were towards the building of a meritocratic estates, our gardens, or the SAF. exacerbated when Singapore lost its and multicultural Singapore. As Sin- Without his remarkable foresight and economic hinterland after our forced gapore’s irst Prime Minister, Mr Lee relentless pursuit of Singapore’s devel- separation from Malaysia in 1965. Many put in place measures to ensure that opment, the Singapore that we know doubted if Singapore could survive as university places, government con- today would not exist. Singapore was a nation, but Mr Lee rallied our peo- tracts, and appointments into public Our thoughts are with you, wrote President Tan. his passion and he continued serving ple together and led his Cabinet col- oice would go to the most deserving Singapore till the last days of his life. leagues to successfully build up our candidates based on merit and regard- mother tongue as a second language to Singaporeans owe an eternal gratitude armed forces, develop our infrastruc- less of race and religion. Mr Lee also preserve the cultural and community to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The greatest trib- ture and transform Singapore into a established English as the common identity of the group. Because of these ute that Singaporeans can pay him is to global metropolis. working language and the main me- policies, Singaporeans today are able treasure and build upon the legacy that Even when Singapore’s urban devel- dium of instruction in our schools so to leverage on our bilingual and bicul- Mr Lee and his team have left us, and opment was still in its early phases, Mr that all Singaporeans would have equal tural edge to take advantage of the make Singapore an even better home Lee already had the vision of establish- opportunities to learn, communicate opportunities that present themselves for our future generations. ing Singapore as a liveable Garden City. and work regardless of race. Each eth- around the world. Our thoughts are with you at this Mr Lee initiated the ambitious project nic group was encouraged to learn its A leader who placed service before time of sorrow.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 plained in a letter that they felt “the Total chairman Christophe de Mar- time has come for a younger genera- gerie would have none of it, however, tion to carry Singapore forward in a and declared: “I refuse his dismissal, more diicult and complex situation”. your resignation. If you don’t mind, you The letter added: “After a water- will stay as a member of our advisory shed general election, we have de- board, which means you can come cided to leave the Cabinet and have a whenever you wish. It will be always completely younger team of ministers our pleasure.” to connect to and engage with this Despite his advancing age and dif- young generation.” fering role in government, one thing Mr Lee continued to remain in poli- did not change: His commitment to tics after this; he held on to his oice Singapore and his determination to as Member of Parliament for Tanjong see to it that everything, no matter Pagar GRC, but while he remained how trivial it seemed, worked the way active behind the scenes, recurring it should. bouts of ill-health took their toll, and The keen observer would have spot- he gradually receded from view, if not ted him in the unlikeliest of places. in inluence, and made fewer and fewer Here, being regaled by Formula 1 appearances in public. boss Bernie Ecclestone as the travel- On Feb 5 this year, he was warded ling motor circus staged its irst night in hospital with severe pneumonia, but race beneath the twinkling lights of it was only two weeks later, on Feb 21, Marina Bay. There, riding a golf cart that Singaporeans learnt of the sever- through the soon-to-be-opened Ma- ity of his illness, when a statement from rina Bay Sands Integrated Resort the Prime Minister’s Oice announced and being briefed on its attractions Mr Lee Kuan Yew speaking to a student during a visit to Raffles Girls’ Primary School. Mr Lee believed that that he was in the Intensive Care Unit and workings. education is the most important factor for the next generation’s success. PHOTO: DON WONG of the Singapore General Hospital and He also continued to worry about the was on mechanical ventilation. Despite way younger Singaporeans would view May 2011, beyond being historic in end of Mr Lee’s decades in the Singa- a later statement that his condition had the challenges facing the country, and sending more opposition politicians to pore Cabinet. improved, he never recovered. tried to drive the lessons he had learnt Parliament than ever before with the On May 14 that year, barely a week Mr Lee leaves behind his sons Hsien to them through his books. irst loss of a Group Representation after the elections, Mr Lee and Mr Goh Loong and Hsien Yang, and a daughter, The watershed general election of Constituency (GRC), also led to the jointly resigned from Cabinet, and ex- Wei Ling, as well as seven grandchildren. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

I am grieved beyond SEVEN DAYS OF NATIONAL MOURNING

words: PM in live address The Prime Minister has declared a period of National Mourning from March 23 to March 29. am deeply saddened to tell you As a mark of respect to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the that Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed State lags on all Government buildings will be lown at “I half-mast from today to Sunday. away peacefully this morning at the Singapore General Hospital ... A private family wake will be held from March 23 to The irst of our founding fathers is March 24 at Sri Temasek. no more. He inspired us, gave us cour- age, kept us together, and brought us here. He fought for our independence, built a nation where there was none, and made us proud to be Singapore- ans. We won’t see another like him. To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singa- pore. As Prime Minister, he pushed us hard to achieve what had seemed impossible. After he stepped down, he guided his successors with wisdom and tact. In old age, he continued to keep a watchful eye on Singapore. Singapore was his abiding passion. He gave of himself, in full measure, to Singapore. As he himself put it towards the end of his life and I quote: “I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. that we all feel the same way. But foundations, strive for his ideals, and What have I given up? My life.” even as we mourn his passing, let us keep Singapore exceptional and suc- I am grieved beyond words at the also honour his spirit. Let us dedicate cessful for many years to come. May passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I know ourselves as one people to build on his Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace.” ESM Goh leads leaders’ tributes to Mr Lee he Republic’s leaders paid trib- inal days, said Dr Tan, whose oice had “Today we lost a founding father of Sin- T ute on social media to Mr Lee also sent a condolence letter to Prime gapore. I hope Mr Lee is able to be with Kuan Yew, with Emeritus Sen- Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Mrs Lee once again, and that they may ior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who suc- Dr Tan said: “His vision to build a rest in peace together. In this moment ceeded Mr Lee as Prime Minister in prosperous, meritocratic and multi- of grief, please join me in expressing our Mr Lee’s body will lie in state at Parliament House from 1990, leading the tributes. racial Singapore deied expectations. deepest condolences to Mr Lee’s family. March 25 to March 28, for the public to pay their respects. Mr Goh wrote on Facebook: “My When others doubted our chances of “I do not have the words to express Those who wish to pay their last respects at Parliament tears welled up as I received the sad survival, he strove for excellence. To- my gratitude for everything that Mr House can do so from 10 am to 8 pm daily from Wednes- news. Mr Lee Kuan Yew has completed day, much that deines Singapore bears Lee has done for Singapore. Our lives day to Saturday. his life’s journey. But it was a journey his inluence: Security and the rule of have been transformed because Mr A State Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm on devoted to the making of Singapore. law, our cultural diversity and our eco- Lee had a vision of a better life for all March 29 at the University Cultural Centre, National “He has bequeathed a monumen- nomic progress, our public housing and Singaporeans, and dedicated his en- University of Singapore. tal legacy to Singaporeans — a safe, our gardens. Without Mr Lee’s strong tire life to this mission. Mr Lee and The State Funeral Service will be attended by the late secure, harmonious and prosperous leadership and immense contributions, his team built a deep rapport with Mr Lee’s family, friends and staf, the President, Cabinet independent Singapore, our Homeland. the Singapore that we know today our pioneer generation, and togeth- Ministers, Members of Parliament, Old Guards, senior He was a selless leader. He shared his would not have existed. er, they achieved what many thought civil servants, grassroots leaders and Singaporeans from all experience, knowledge, ideas and life “Mr Lee’s passing is a great loss to was impossible. walks of life. The State Funeral Service will be followed by a with us. He was my leader, mentor, in- all of us and to Singapore. It is up to “Mr Lee has lived a full and mean- private cremation at Mandai Crematorium. spiration; the man I looked up to most. us to honour the legacy of Mr Lee and ingful life. Let us come together as one Condolence books and cards will be available in front of He made me a proud Singaporean. the founding generation of Singapore people to express our appreciation, re- Istana by the Main Gate from Monday to Sunday, for those “Now he is gone. I mourn but he lives by building upon their work to make lect on what we have gone through to- who wish to pen their tributes to the late Mr Lee. Condo- on in my heart. On behalf of Marine Singapore an even better place for gether as a people, and resolve to build lence books will also be opened at all Overseas Missions for Parade residents, I ofer our profound generations to come.” on the legacy that Mr Lee has left us.” condolences to PM Lee Hsien Loong Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew The People’s Action Party (PAP) has overseas Singaporeans and friends. and his family.” posted a note on Facebook: “Mr Lee set up a tribute page at http://www. Also writing on Facebook, Presi- Kuan Yew — missed and remembered tributetolky.org and changed its logo The public can express their condolences and share dent Tony Tan said: “Mary and I are forever. You devoted your life to make on its Facebook page to black and white their memories of the late Mr Lee at the oicial website, deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Singapore exceptional and our lives as a sign of respect. http://www.rememberingleekuanyew.sg. Lee Kuan Yew. We extend our deep- better. You taught us all what it means “While we mourn the passing of one est condolences to his children Mr Lee to be Singaporean. I am truly grate- of the greatest leaders of our Party, we The public can call the 24-hour hotline at 6336 1166 with Hsien Loong, Ms Lee Wei Ling and Mr ful to you.” celebrate his incalculable contributions queries, or visit http://www.rememberingleekuanyew.sg Lee Hsien Yang, and their families.” Education Minister Heng Swee Keat to Singapore and its people,” it said on and http://www.facebook.com/rememberingleekuanyew As Singapore’s founding Prime Min- changed his Facebook cover photo to its Facebook page. for more details. ister, Mr Lee dedicated his life to Sin- a picture of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his “Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew, may gapore, and served Singapore till his late wife in his younger days. He wrote: you rest in peace.” 50 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

He was a true giant of history who will be remembered for generations to come as the father of modern Singapore and as one the great strategists of Asian afairs. United States President Barack Obama Leaders around the world mourn a giant

escribing Mr Lee Kuan Yew as Lee’s) views and insights on Asian ential force for stability and prosperity clarity of his views, the directness of his D giant igure and paying tribute dynamics and economic management and a friend to the United States,” Mr speech and his vision of the way ahead”. to his inluence on the world were respected by many around the Bush said. Mr Cameron said: “His place in stage, past and present world leaders world, and no small number of this and United Kingdom Prime Minister history is assured, as a leader and as mourned Mr Lee’s death this morning. past generations of world leaders have David Cameron said that Mr Lee “per- one of the modern world’s foremost United States President Barack sought his advice on governance and sonally shaped Singapore in a way that statesmen.” Obama said he was deeply saddened development.” few people have any nation”. Former UK PM Tony Blair said Mr by the news. He called Mr Lee a remark- Adding that he appreciated Mr Lee’s Mr Cameron said: “He made his Lee was “one of the most extraordinary able man and “a true giant of history wisdom, Mr Obama said that his dis- country into one of the great success leaders of modern times”. who will be remembered for genera- cussions with Mr Lee during his trip stories of our modern world. That Sin- “He was a genuine political giant. tions to come as the father of modern to Singapore in 2009 were “hugely im- gapore is today a prosperous, secure He was the irst to understand that Singapore and as one the great strate- portant” in helping him formulate US’ and successful country is a monument modern politics was about efective gists of Asian afairs”. policy of rebalancing to the Asia Paciic. to his decades of remarkable public Government not old-fashioned ideol- “A visionary who led his country Mr Obama’s predecessor, Mr George service.” ogy. Whether in the economy, social from Singapore’s independence in 1965 W Bush, called Mr Lee the “father of He noted that the late Margaret cohesion or law and order, he applied to build one of the most prosperous today’s Singapore” who transformed Thatcher, a former British PM, once methods of rigorous analysis and de- countries in the world today, he was a his country and helped usher South said that there was no Prime Minister tailed implementation,” said Mr Blair. devoted public servant and a remark- East Asia into the modern era. “The whom she admired more than Mr Lee “He built Singapore into the success able leader,” Mr Obama said. “(Mr Singapore he leaves behind is an inlu- for “the strength of his convictions, the story it is today by intelligence, wisdom and determination in equal measure. As a result Singapore has a respect and admiration far above its size.” Australian Prime Minister Tony Singaporeans laud ‘one of the Abbott said his country mourned the passing of “a giant of our region”. “Fifty years ago, Lee Kuan Yew led a vulner- greatest leaders of the 20th century’ able, ledgling nation to independence,” he said. “Today, thanks to his vision ven before day broke, Singapo- On the People’s Action Party’s Fa- Swee Say and NTUC president Diana and determination, Singapore is one of E reans began expressing their cebook page, over 1,000 people had Chia in the statement. the world’s most successful countries. gratitude and respect for the commented by 8.15am. Wrote Ms Chan The Singapore Chinese Chamber of In Lee Kuan Yew’s own words, Singa- late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, following the Ying Ying: “Thank you for building up Commerce and Industry hailed Mr Lee pore’s remarkable journey has been news of his passing early this morning. Singapore and letting us live in a soci- as “a statesman extraordinaire”, and from ‘third world to irst’. Thanks to Minutes after a statement appeared ety based on meritocracy. Without it, I expressed appreciation for his concern his leadership, Singapore is now one on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s won’t be where I am today. May peace for the development of the Chinese com- of the world’s most prosperous nations, Facebook page at 4.07am announcing be with Mr Lee (Hsien Loong) and all munity, as well as his encouragement a inancial powerhouse, and one of the the elder Mr Lee’s death, comments his family.” of local enterprises to invest in China world’s easiest places to do business.” began appearing on the page. On the PAP’s tribute website — and neighbouring countries. Mr Abbott said the region owes The labour movement and various http://www.tributetolky.org — one The Islamic Religious Council of much to Mr Lee. “Here in Australia organisations also issued statements message read: “Though never granted Singapore (MUIS) said the late Mr Lee and beyond, leaders sought and learned expressing their condolences, while the the privilege and honour of being a Sin- helped the Malay-Muslim community from his wise counsel,” he added. People’s Association announced that 18 gapore citizen, I grew up in the city in grow by, for example, facilitating the New Zealand Prime Minister John community sites would be set up for the days just after independence and formation of MUIS as a statutory body. Key said Mr Lee’s courage, determina- members of the public to pay tribute to witnessed the birth of a nation whose in- “He will also always be remembered tion, commitment, character and abil- Singapore’s founding Prime Minister. ternational status now knows no equal, He had for his strong support for the intro- ity made him a “formidable leader who By March 24, six of the planned sites thanks to the vision, determination and spent his en- duction of the Mosque Building Fund held the respect of Singaporeans and will be ready. The six sites are in Ang integrity of Lee Kuan Yew.” tire lifetime Scheme in 1975, which helped the com- the international community alike”. Mo Kio GRC, Tanjong Pagar GRC, East Mr Lee proved that honesty and hon- making sure munity to rally together and strengthen He added: “I had the honour of meet- Coast GRC, Chua Chu Kang GRC, Ju- our could achieve far more than the cor- that all of us this key community institution during ing Mr Lee in 2007 during his last rong GRC and Tampines GRC. ruption and greed that characterised so would not Singapore’s period of rapid urbanisa- oicial visit to New Zealand. He was Wrote Mr Sebastian CK Lim on many governments and world leaders sufer the tion and industrialisation,” MUIS said. well known for his insights and fore- Mr Lee Hsien Loong’s Facebook page: at the time, the commentator wrote. impover- Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of sight but what struck me most was “The man who gave us all a better life in The National Trades Union Con- ished condi- Public Policy (NUS), Professor Kishore his unwavering determination to see Singapore has inally gone to his well- gress (NTUC) called Mr Lee a “true tions that Mahbubani, who spent 33 years with Singapore succeed.” deserved resting place ... but I shall not ighter for our workers”. our forefa- the Singapore Foreign Service, said: United Nations Secretary-General mourn his loss but instead celebrate “From the time he fought alongside thers who “(Mr Lee) was a tough taskmaster. Yet, Ban Ki Moo said Mr Lee was “a legend- his life. He had spent his entire lifetime the Postal and Telecommunications came here I never failed to learn valuable lessons ary igure in Asia, widely respected making sure that all of us would not Uniformed Staf Union for better pay did ... May from each encounter. Having watched for his strong leadership and states- sufer the impoverished conditions that and terms, he has always had the wel- your spirit him interact with several global lead- manship”. our forefathers who came here did ... fare and interests of workers at heart be always ers, including Reagan, Thatcher, Mit- “During his three decades in oice, May your spirit be always around this and in mind. As the co-founder of the around terrand and Kohl, I saw irst-hand how he helped Singapore to transition from nation, especially in our hour of need.” People’s Action Party (PAP), he forged this nation, they were blown away by his breadth of a developing country to one of the most Ms Cheryl Tay wrote: “Let’s honour a strong symbiotic relationship with especially in vision, acute geopolitical analyses and developed in the world, transforming the passing of a great man by treasuring the NTUC. As the irst Prime Minister our hour of wise policy solutions.” it into a thriving international busi- our country and leaving it a better place of Singapore, he championed a strong need. He added: “When the dust of his- ness hub,” said Mr Ban. “As Singapore for the next generation as Mr (Lee Kuan spirit of tripartism, bringing labour, Mr Sebastian tory settles and the deinitive books marks its 50th anniversary of inde- Yew) has.” By 8am, more than 8,500 management and government togeth- CK Lim are written on twentieth century his- pendence this year, its founding father WRITING ON MR people had commented on the post, and er,” said NTUC secretary-general and LEE HSIEN LOONG’S tory, Mr Lee will emerge as one of the will be remembered as one of the most it was shared more than 28,000 times. Minister in Prime Minister’s Oice Lim FACEBOOK PAGE greatest leaders of the century.” inspiring Asian leaders.” SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 ‘All I can say is, I did my best’

True to his word, Singapore He also wrote in his memoirs: “It struck me as manifestly fair that eve- remained Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s rybody in this world should be given an concern till the end of his life equal chance in life, that in a just and well-ordered society there should not hen he breathed his last be a great disparity of wealth between W early this morning, the Re- persons because of their position or public’s irst Prime Min- status, or that of their parents.” ister had also been Tanjong Pagar’s That governance of a vulnerable Member of Parliament for six decades state sitting in a volatile region had to — the longest-serving, and more re- be neutral in terms of race, language markably, outlasting the last of his Old and religion was buttressed by the deep Guard leadership comrades by more misgivings the Republic’s irst-gener- than 25 years. ation leaders had with the Malaysian Mr Lee died at 3.18am today at government’s politics of communalism Singapore General Hospital, where during the brief, unhappy merger be- he had been warded since Feb 5 after tween the two from 1963 to 1965. coming down with severe pneumonia. On independent Singapore’s found- He was 91. ing on 9 August 1965, multiracialism When Lee Kuan Yew entered the was written into the Constitution — the Then Secretary- for competition. That’s what will stand to ensure that individuals themselves, scene as a raw opposition politician irst post-colonial state to do so. General of the out against all our neighbours.” and not the state, provide for most of in 1955, Singapore was but a colonial It was the only way to forge a sense People’s Action The clearest testament to his mul- their own needs. outpost populated by a polyglot of mi- of nationhood for a people of mostly set- Party, Mr Lee Kuan tiracial, and meritocratic principles to- Mr Lee realised that, as a country grants, common only in their desires tlers, Mr Lee knew, and this together- Yew (centre), with wards governance was in the choice of with no natural resources, the only to eke out a livelihood here. ness was critical for a tiny island with party members on “race-neutral” English as Singapore’s way Singapore could survive, let alone He departs having guided Singa- a Chinese-majority population sitting Polling Day, 1955. lingua franca, although Malay, as the thrive, was to have capable people lead- pore through the trying irst years of amid far larger Malay neighbours. Photo: Ministry of language of the indigenous people, was ing it. His view was informed by how Independence into a thriving economic “We took some drastic decisions at inforMation and the retained as the national language. so many newly-independent former miracle that is marvelled the world the beginning and shuled the people arts ColleCtion, “What motivated me? Internal sta- colonies had plunged into riots, coups over for overcoming improbable odds. together. Had we not done this, it would Courtesy of national bility and peace. We treat everybody and revolutions under inept leaders Mr Lee has also elevated this ledg- have led to a diferent Singapore,” he arChives of singaPore equally. We judge you on your merits. who had inherited sound constitutions ling nation’s place on the world stage recalled in the book Hard Truths To This is a level playing ield. We do not from the British and French. far beyond that of ordinary city-states, Keep Singapore Going, referring to discriminate our people on race, lan- Indeed, Singapore’s vulnerabilities partly because of its extraordinary his Government’s dispersal of racial guage, religion. If you can perform, you — “an 80-storey building standing on achievements, but also because many enclaves among various kampungs get the job,” he explained. marshy land” — made it imperative that global leaders have been loored by its through balloting into public housing To his mind, getting the best results the political leadership was made up of leader’s astute analysis of geopolitical estates. Inter-racial mingling was key if from a meritocratic society also meant the cream of society’s talent. trends and developments — he con- the people were to identify themselves the government must not supplant indi- He said once: “Can you have a tinued this role even after handing not only by their race, but also by their vidual efort and responsibility; people good government without good men over the reins after 31 years as Prime nationality, he decided. must not lose the drive to provide for in charge of government? American Minister by travelling the globe as a “There must be a sense of self, a themselves. That, and seeing in Brit- liberals believe you can, that you can world-class pundit. sense of identity, that you are prepared ain and Sweden how debilitating it was have a good system of government with But Mr Lee’s enduring legacy is to die for your country, that you’re pre- to subsidise a man for the rest of his proper separation of powers between also the distinct brand of governance pared to die for one another,” he added. life, was why he eschewed welfarism, the Executive, the Legislature and the he had wrought, while the fundamen- But diminishing the tendencies of despite being a loyal supporter of the Judiciary, plus checks and balances be- tal principles he adhered to in his 31 communities to revert to communal- Fabian school of thought in his youth. tween them ... and there will be good years as Prime Minister remains the ly-inluenced behaviours was always As he wrote in his memoirs: “We government, even if weak or not so good bedrock on which Singapore’s steady going to be an arduous task: Racial noted by the 1970s that when govern- men win elections and take charge. ascension continues. enclaves again congregated in the vari- ments undertook primary responsibil- “My experience in Asia has led me Opinions about him vary, from re- ous housing estate subsequently and ity for the basic duties of the head of a to a diferent conclusion. To get good spect and worship, to fear and disdain, a trend of voting along racial lines family, the drive in people weakened. government, you must have good men but few can quarrel with this: Singapore emerged in the 1980s. Welfare undermined self-reliance. Peo- in charge of government. I have ob- and Lee Kuan Yew were, are, and will Relecting his resolve to entrench ple did not have to work for their fami- served in the last 40 years that even continue to be indissociable. Such is Mr multiracialism in Singapore, Mr Lee lies’ wellbeing. The handout became a with a poor system of government, Lee’s imprint on Singapore. introduced ethnic quotas for Housing way of life. The downward spiral was but with good strong men in charge, If one had to distil the core principle and Development Board (HDB) blocks relentless as motivation and productiv- people get passable government with of governance in Singapore, it would in 1989 and pushed through the Group ity went down. People lost the drive to decent progress.” be meritocracy — Mr Lee determined Representation Constituency in 1988 achieve because they paid too much in It was a challenge that Mr Lee had early on that the government should to enshrine minority representation taxes. They became dependent on the started thinking about barely one year equalise opportunities and not out- in Parliament, despite vociferous criti- state for their basic needs.” into Singapore’s independence. comes, and rewards must be allocated cisms of these moves. Among other What To this day, the People’s Action Par- And over decades, Mr Lee single- on the basis of one’s merits and abilities. things, opponents said the quota con- motivated ty (PAP) Government continues to tie handedly devised the ways to spot and His irm belief stemmed from the straints warped property transactions me? Internal individual efort and responsibility to draft into government the capable, “injustice” he saw in the 1950s when and the GRC system was counter-intu- stability and many of its help programmes for the honest and dedicated, from schemes “the whites were on top” by default. itive to meritocratic ideals. peace. We treat lower-income, such as the Workfare such as the Singapore Armed Forces “You might be a good doctor, but if Mr Lee was unmoved. “In Singapore, everybody Income Supplement Scheme. overseas scholarships in 1971 to recruit you are an Asian, you would be under what will identify a Singaporean with equally. We The creation of the Central Provi- the top brains — the PAP government a white doctor who’s not as good,” he the changing circumstances? An ac- judge you on dent Fund (CPF) and the 3M health- has, over the years, had many of these once recounted to a group of authors. ceptance of multiracialism, a tolerance your merits. care financing system (Medisave, scholars eventually become Cabinet “The injustice of it all, the discrimina- of people of diferent races, languages, This is a level MediShield, and Medifund) are other ministers, including Prime Minister tion, struck me and everybody else.” cultures, religions, and an equal basis playing ield. examples of the Government’s drive Continued on Page 52 52 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51 ied to his determination to shape the Lee Hsien Loong — to getting psy- make-up of Singapore society. chiatrists and psychologists to review While Western commentators and potential candidates amid lengthy and media were often quick to highlight thorough meetings with leaders that blemishes in Singapore and its system have become known as “tea sessions”. that Mr Lee built, world leaders, such He also spent years studying the hir- as Mr Richard Nixon, Mrs Margaret ing processes of multinational Thatcher, and Mr Deng Xiaoping, fre- companies — eventually adopting in quently expressed their admiration and 1983 Shell’s system, which judged indi- respect rather more readily. viduals for the “helicopter quality” of Many leaders — of developed and his or her powers of analysis, imagina- developing countries alike — came tion and sense of reality — and was the with or sent their delegations here, and chief advocate of pegging ministerial continue to do so, to study Singapore’s salaries to the six highest-paid individu- systems, including of housing, social als in the private sector so that the best security and industry, in a bid to rep- would be willing to step into politics licate these back home. and be less susceptible to corruption. For instance, Mr Tony Blair’s New “Because of our relentless and un- Labour came to look at the CPF sys- ceasing search for talent both at home tem — where once British MPs had and abroad to make up for the small slammed Mr Lee’s remarks that Mrs families of the well-educated, Singa- Thatcher’s government needed to trim pore has been able to keep up its per- the excesses of the welfare state — formance,” said Mr Lee. while the Vietnamese asked him in Not one to be beholden to ideologies 1991 to become their economic adviser and theories, Mr Lee cared only about despite openly attacking his stance whether a solution worked. He said during its occupation of Cambodia just once: “My job as a leader is to make years prior. sure that before the next elections, to their hotel and to my oice were neat Mr Lee leading ership was vital for our new society, But more than his policies and pro- enough had developed and disclosed it- and spruce, lined with shrubs and trees. his Tanjong Pagar which had no deep roots in a common grammes, Mr Lee’s insightful views of self to the people to swing them around. “Without a word being said, they GRC team-mates historical experience.” global developments and their impact That’s the business of a leader. Not to would know that Singaporeans were in thanking the Mr Lee was nothing if not a keen on the world, delivered in his inimitable go follow the crowd. That’s a washout, competent, disciplined and reliable, a residents for their attendant to every factor that would straight-shooting style, were always the country will go down the drain.” people who would learn the skills they support in the 2006 translate to Singapore’s continual suc- keenly sought. And where possible, Mr Lee “pre- required soon enough.” General Election, cess — even extending his hand into No less than former US Secretary ferred to climb on the shoulders of oth- Giving all Singaporeans clean and when he was Singaporeans’ daily habits. of State Henry Kissinger paid Mr Lee ers who had gone before us” in looking green environs also created a sense of Minister Mentor. He proclaimed, to the shock of many, this tribute: “There is no second Lee for solutions, an example of which was equal-ness. “If we did not create a socie- PHOTO: TODAY FILE PHOTO that as much as 80 per cent of a people’s, Kuan Yew in the world. Normally one how he learnt, from his various trips ty which is clean throughout the island, and hence the country’s, predisposition would say that the leader of a country overseas, ways to tackle the environ- I believed then and I believe now, we to success was down to nature. But Mr of the size and population of Singa- mental problem by siting factories away have two classes of people: The upper Lee also felt that culture was a key de- pore would not have a global inluence from residential areas and implement- class, the upper middle and even middle terminant in the equation. … But precisely because Singapore ing anti-pollution controls for traic. class with gracious surroundings; and He set about in earnest launch- can survive only by competition with His pragmatic and empirical ap- the lower middle and the working class, ing a series of campaigns to radically much more powerful neighbours, and proach allowed him to be farsighted and in poor conditions. No society like that change Singaporeans’ habits and ethos, precisely because its well-being de- visionary in his policies, which enabled will thrive,” he said in Hard Truths To ranging from anti-spitting drives in pends on stability and progress in the Singapore to so swiftly transform itself Keep Singapore Going. the 1960s and eradicating the use of area, his views were always in a much from a mudlat to a metropolis. More than overhauling the look of dialects, to extolling the “admirable larger context then the technical prob- At a time when Singapore was wres- Singapore from squatter settlements qualities” of Japanese and, notoriously, lems of the Singaporean economy and tling with the reality of being dismem- to orderly housing blocks through the banning chewing gum. so he always had a tremendous inlu- bered from its economic hinterland af- impressive Five-Year Building Pro- He did not care about the hectoring ence on us.” ter Separation, for instance, Mr Lee and gramme from 1960 to 1965 — the HDB from critics about Singapore becoming The doors of many world leaders, then-Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng built almost 55,000 housing units for a “nanny state”: “First we educated both past and present, were always Swee deied the then accepted wisdom the lower-income in that period, and exhorted our people. After we had open to Mr Lee — a mark of his stat- that multinational companies were ex- raising the proportion of the popula- persuaded and won over a majority, we ure and standing, given how few would ploiters of cheap land, labour and raw tion in public housing from a tad over 9 legislated to punish the wilful minority. dispense such treatment to the former materials in Third World countries, per cent to close to one-quarter; the ig- It has made Singapore a more pleasant prime minister of a small state, which instead welcoming them to create a ure hovers at around 85 per cent today place to live in. If this is a ‘nanny state’, less than half a century ago few had livelihood for Singaporeans and teach- — Mr Lee’s housing policies over the I am proud to have fostered one.” held out hope of survival. ing them skills and knowledge. years changed every Singaporean’s life. He also said: “We had one simple Perhaps the most well-known testi- The result? Singapore’s gross domes- His CPF Home Ownership Scheme guiding principle for survival, that Sin- mony of Mr Lee as the seminal states- tic product of US$970 million in 1965 in 1968 gave Singaporeans the chance gapore had to be more rugged, better man came from Mrs Thatcher. was on par with Jamaica’s, but by the to own a valuable asset — the Repub- organised and more eicient than oth- “In oice, I read and analysed eve- time Mr Lee stepped down in 1990, the lic has among the highest home-own- ers in the region. If we were only as ry speech of Harry’s. He had a way of igure had surged to US$34.5 billion, ership rates in the world today at over good as our neighbours there was no penetrating the fog of propaganda and similar to that of the Czech Republic. 90 per cent. His direction to HDB in reason for businesses to be based here. expressing with unique clarity the is- Mr Lee’s early emphasis on chang- 1974 to improve the quality and vari- We had to make it possible for investors sues of our times and the way to tackle ing the physical landscape here quick- ety in HDB new towns, as well as the My job as a to operate successfully and proitably them. He was never wrong.” ly, to make Singapore, in his words, a introduction of upgrading programmes leader is to in Singapore despite our lack of a do- That Mr Lee, throughout the years, “First World oasis in a Third World re- for older estates in 1989, enhanced the make sure mestic market and natural resources.” had impressed, and forged close per- gion” — clearing the city of street ven- value of these assets. that before the Mr Lee contentiously waded into sonal relationships with leaders around dors, farmers and kampung dwellers, The result was that many Singapo- next elections, the even more intimate aspects of Sin- the world also beneited the Republic and his greening eforts — also played reans, in a couple of decades, accumu- enough had gaporeans’ lives; the “Great Marriage on many fronts, ranging from security a signiicant role in the country’s rapid lated considerable assets. developed and Debate” in his 1983 National Day Rally stability to economic opportunities. economic development. Writing about the signiicance of disclosed itself about the dangers of having “less bright His friendship with members of Har- As he explained in his memoirs: creating a “home-owning society” to the people people to support more dumb people in old Wilson’s government helped delay “Visiting CEOs used to call on me before in his memoirs, Mr Lee said: “I was to swing them the next generation” because women the British troops’ withdrawal to late making investment decisions. I thought convinced that if every family owned around. That’s graduates were not having enough 1971, thereby buying Singapore time to the best way to convince them was to its home, the country would be more the business of children, and the “Stop at Two” and build up its own defence forces. ensure that the roads from the airport stable. I believed this sense of own- a leader. “Graduate Mothers” schemes testi- The strong personal bonds regional SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

leaders such as Malaysian Prime Min- ping in during the acrimonious wage ister Tun Abdul Razak and Indonesia’s dispute between Singapore Airlines President Suharto shared with Mr Lee and its pilots in 2003, robustly advo- facilitated the founding of the Associa- cating in Parliament the new formula tion of South-east Asian Nations in 1967, for ministerial pay the following year, which helped foster a stable environ- and his caution to Aljunied residents ment in which the Republic could grow. in the 2011 General Election about the And if not for Mr Lee’s place in the consequences of their vote. eyes of the Australian, Indonesian, He has also consistently engaged and Taiwanese leaders, the Singapore younger generations of Singaporeans, Armed Forces might not have acquired attending dialogue sessions regularly the permission for much-needed train- with the tertiary institutions. ing space. Outside of Singapore, Mr Lee as- The close ties he maintained with the sumed the role of consultant — he sat United States laid the ground for the on several boards and committees — bilateral Free-Trade Agreement signed guest speaker (frequently, on China) by his successor, Mr Goh Chok Tong, in and advocate of Singaporean business 1993. And the mutual respect between in his retirement. Mr Lee and China’s Deng Xiaoping For someone who never kept a diary played a central role in Singapore’s being because he said it would have “inhib- able to tap into China’s economy ahead ited his work”, Mr Lee also made use of of many others, such as the setting up his time after stepping down to write of the Suzhou Industrial Project in 1994 his two-volume memoirs to remind and the Tianjin Eco-city subsequently. younger Singaporeans that “we can- Mr Goh noted: “Mr Lee’s good rela- not aford to forget that public order, tions with them enable Singapore, and personal security, economic and social the leaders who came after Mr Lee, to progress and prosperity are not the ride on those good relationships.” natural order of things, that they de- One reason for Mr Lee’s prominence of megalomania which could so easily Mr Lee Kuan argument, against the assertion that pend on ceaseless efort and attention as a statesman was the Western world’s come with long years in oice.” Yew speaking at there was only one path of governance. from an honest and efective govern- regard of him as China’s interlocutor. But he largely set the tone and form the launch of his In other words, peculiar local cir- ment that the people must elect”, as Said former British Prime Minister of the Republic’s political system, the book My Lifelong cumstances had to dictate the form and he wrote in one preface. Tony Blair: “One of (the) things that framework of which has endured to Challenge in 2011. workings of democracy, as he said in an Through these, as well as other Harry did incredibly efectively was he date. One of these unique features PHOTO: ERNEST CHUA interview with Foreign Afairs maga- books by journalists he granted inter- became the interlocutor of the emerg- was an efective civil service machin- zine in 1994: “It is my business to tell views to, Singaporeans were, for the ing East with the Western countries, ery — Mr Lee had exacting demands people not to foist their system indis- irst time, allowed a glimpse into the because if you’re an American leader or of the bureaucracy, and indeed, never criminately on societies in which it will personal life of Mr Lee. European leader, you talk in the same hesitated to dish out a dressing down not work ... What are we all seeking? A More than any other facet of his language. But he understands the West, when there was sloppiness — which form of government that will be com- private life, it was Mr Lee’s falling in he understands how we think, he un- was also “sensitive and responsive to fortable, because it meets our needs, love, courtship, romantic secret mar- derstands how we work and he also has the needs and moods of the people”. is not oppressive, and maximises our riage in the United Kingdom and deep got these huge insights into China, the The future of Singapore, Mr Lee once opportunities. And whether you have love for Madam Kwa Geok Choo that other major countries in your region, said, was in the hands of “you, the ad- one-man-one-vote, or some-men-one- most captivated many Singaporeans. and so, he’s able to say to the Western min machinery; (and) my colleagues vote or other-men-two-votes, those are They learnt how Mrs Lee packed leadership, ‘Look, this is how you want and I, the political leadership”. forms which should be worked out.” his luggage when he needed to travel, to think about this’.” Thus, not only has the PAP govern- Although he could have held on to kept an eagle eye on his diet, and was Mr Lee’s intimate knowledge of ment kept up Mr Lee’s unceasing ob- power beyond 1990 — he was the world’s the one on whom he depended to im- China stemmed from his early reali- session with succession planning, its longest-serving prime minister then — prove his speeches and writing. They sation of her emerging importance, leadership has also, like Mr Lee, con- Mr Lee decided not to do so, again with read about how he made it a point to and his eforts in pursuing closer ties, tinued to take a close personal inter- Singapore’s interests in mind. read Mrs Lee her favourite poems particularly with Mr Deng — whom est in appointments in a wide range of “The sooner I give up, the younger every night after she became bed- he described as “the most impressive institutions, such as statutory boards I will be and the more active I can be ridden after she sufered two strokes leader I had met”. and trade unions. to make sure that the team succeeds. in 2008, how she most recognised his The admiration was mutual; Mr The PAP government’s “knuckle- I’ll be around to make sure that the voice, and they saw and heard, at her Deng looked to emulate Singapore’s duster” approach to its opponents, be team can succeed. The later I give up, funeral in 2010, how severely Mr Lee growth model in attempting China’s they opposition politicians or press the older and slower I will be, the more was devastated by the departure of opening-up. After one of his visits to critics, was a source of much criti- risky its success,” he explained. his closest conidante. Singapore, Mr Lee related in his mem- cism, however. And although he had his choice of For someone who had no religious oirs, Mr Deng said China “should draw He has invited relentless scrutiny successor — current President Tony faith, Mr Lee even turned to medita- from their experience, and do even bet- and labels such as “autocratic” and Tan — Mr Lee let the incoming crop tion to help himself cope. ter than them”. “draconian” with his libel suits — of ministers “contend amongst them- Asked by a group of journalists “After Deng’s endorsement, several against politicians such as the late J B selves and decide who will be the leader”. about his greatest personal achieve- hundred delegations, most of them un- Jeyaretnam and Mr Chee Soon Juan, as Although he continued as Senior ment, the man of whom most only saw oicial, came from China armed with well as publications including the Asian Minister and Minister Mentor, Mr Lee the stern, strong public face for decades tape recorders, video cameras and Wall Street Journal — but Mr Lee’s accorded Mr Goh and Mr Lee Hsien said: “I’m very happy that I’ve got a notebooks to learn from our experi- bottom line was that “wrong ideas have Loong, the Deputy Prime Minister and good, happy family. I’ve got a happy ence. Singapore had been given the to be challenged before they inluence his son, the protocol demanded of their marriage. I’ve got three children I’m imprimatur of their supreme leader.” public opinion and make for problems”. oice, addressing them as “my Prime very proud of, I can’t ask for more.” The awe-inspiring story of Singa- Domestically, the press was free to Minister” and seeing them in their of- Despite his contributions to Singa- pore’s development was not achieved operate, as long as it kept to the nation- I’m very happy ices, for instance. pore, Mr Lee’s muted personal appraisal by Mr Lee alone, and he acknowledged building role he said was necessary for that I’ve got a For Mr Lee, all he was interested in of his life’s work could not have summed the importance of Old Guard comrades a young nation, counter to the West’s good, happy was “to make sure that an error which up better how he had gone about a duty such as Goh Keng Swee, S Rajaratnam, deinition of it as a “fourth estate”. family. I’ve is avoidable because of my experience he saw as his concern “till the end of my Hon Sui Sen, and Toh Chin Chye in his Though Western advocates of de- got a happy should not be committed, if I can help it”. life”: “All I can say is, I did my best. This book: “I was fortunate to have had a mocracy and human rights have at- marriage. He added: “I can’t tell them what to was the job I undertook, I did my best strong team of ministers who shared tempted since the 1970s to press their I’ve got three do as their great achievements, their and I could not have done more in the a common vision. They were able men standards on Singapore and other children great breakthroughs. That’s for them to circumstances. What people think of it, determined to pursue our strong goals Asian societies, Mr Lee would not be I’m very proud work out with younger Singaporeans.” I have to leave to them. It is of no great ... They helped me stay objective and moved — he emerged as the spokes- of, I can’t Nevertheless, Mr Lee still spoke up consequence. What is of consequence balanced, and saved me from any risk man of sorts, with his “Asian values” ask for more. whenever he deemed it necessary; step- is, I did my best.” TEO XUANWEI 54 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Mr Lee waving from a unit at The River Vista @ Kallang during his visit to the new HDB property and the Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront in 2010, when he was Minister Mentor. TODAY FILE PHOTO

knew when a country and its admin- would be suitable. “Apart from this istrators were demoralised from the awe-inspiring familiarity with all these way the buildings had been neglected botanical details, it struck me then how From mudflat — washbasins cracked, taps leaking, serious he was about the greening of water-closets not functioning properly, Singapore,” said Mr Ho. a general dilapidation and inevitably, An iconic tribute to his legacy today unkempt gardens.” is the S$1 billion Gardens by the Bay to metropolis In 1973, a Garden City Action Com- project aimed, naturally, at boosting mittee was set up to report regularly Singapore’s economic and tourism ap- ‘Our strategy was to make He planted a mempat tree in Farrer to Mr Lee on national greening eforts. peal, and for which its CEO Tan Wee Circus on June 16, 1963, to symbolise Ex-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong Kiat has credited Mr Lee’s support. Singapore a First World the birth of his annual Plant-A-Tree once remarked that Singapore was oasis in a Third World region’ campaign — and marked its half-cen- possibly the only country where gar- HOUSING tury in 2013 by planting a rain tree in dening reports were read in Cabinet. he singular motif in Mr Lee Holland Village Park. But Mr Lee pursued greening for With a housing crisis on its hands in T Kuan Yew’s blueprint for this He sought to eradicate the “rough more than the economic or aesthetic 1959, the People’s Action Party (PAP) unlikely city-state’s success and ready ways” of people through beneits. Ensuring the island was clean had to set about tackling the challenge was an unrelenting drive to be out- anti-spitting and anti-littering cam- and green, and not only within privi- of re-housing Sing aporeans from slum standing — and the visionary knew the paigns and legislation — placing the leged neighbourhoods, served the pur- settlements into public housing blocks. most dramatic display of this, follow- Anti-Pollution Unit, set up in 1970, pose of creating “a sense of equal-ness The Housing and Development Board ing independence, would be by swiftly under the Prime Minister’s Oice in this society” — critical for a ledgling (HDB) estimated the Government had metamorphosing Singapore’s look and to signal his personal interest in the nation made up of immigrants without to build an average of 14,000 housing feel to his exacting standards. cause. He also resettled street hawk- a common historical experience. units per year from 1959 to 1969, but the This strategy of viscerally distin- ers into properly-designed food cen- “Greening raised the morale of the private sector then had the capability guishing the Republic to potential in- tres and markets. people and gave them pride in their to provide only 2,500 a year. vestors derived from Mr Lee’s astute This objective of creating a “First surroundings ... We did not diferenti- It was also a politically sensitive conclusion that sound, far-sighted plan- World oasis” to leapfrog the rest of ate between middle-class and working- venture, having to break up the ra- ning of its landscape was central to its South-east Asia, as the Israelis had class areas,” he said. “No society like cial enclaves that were a colonial leg- lasting success, be it in fostering social done in their own region, was so that that will thrive. We were going to have acy and assuage Muslim fears that cohesion, spurring economic viability businessmen and tourists would pick National Service. No family will want the demolition of many dilapidated or overcoming its vulnerabilities. Singapore as a base. its young men to die for all the people small mosques was not “anti-Islam” (a This is why he personally had a hand Describing the impact of showing of with the big homes and those owning programme to build new and bigger in many of its physical developments. a neat and spruced-up city lined with the tall towers.” mosques with the community’s help His ideas and thinking continue to in- shrubs and trees to visiting chief ex- Over 100 years Over the decades, Mr Lee contin- was pioneered). luence new projects, such as Punggol ecutives who were considering invest- ago, this was ued to act as Singapore’s chief gar- Redevelopment required phasing Eco-Town and Marina Barrage. ing millions here, Mr Lee wrote in his a mudlat, dener. Numerous tales are told of how out 8,000 farms rearing 900,000 pigs memoirs: “Without a word being said, swamp. he would send back notes of trees and and many food-ish ponds. These farm- GREENING A COUNTRY they would know that Singaporeans Today, this plants he came across overseas that ers knew no other livelihood and, used were competent, disciplined and reli- is a modern he thought would do well in Singapore. to living in “shanty huts with a hole in Mr Lee’s irst project of this strategy, able, a people who would learn the skills city. Ten years Former civil service mandarin Pe- the ground or a bucket in an outhouse”, creating a “clean and green” Singapore, they required soon enough.” from now, ter Ho recalls how Mr Lee once sent they sufered “culture shock” and could was the most “cost-efective” and yet This belief sprung from his own re- this will be a the Ministry of Defence a memo — he not break their habits when moved into most far-reaching — a single-handed actions in his travels: “What impressed metropolis. had driven past Khatib Camp and no- high-rise lats. crafting of the Republic’s reputation as me was not the size of the buildings, but Never fear! ticed that it was sparsely planted. He Many refused to use the lifts and a fastidious Garden City. the standard of their maintenance. I Mr Lee in 1965 suggested trees and plants he thought some even brought their pigs, ducks SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 The defence of Singapore ‘National Service would bring “National Service would bring politi- cal and social beneits … I wanted the political and social benefits’ defence plan to aim at mobilising as large a part of the population as pos- ith the impending British sible, in order to galvanise the people W withdrawal, Singapore in their own defence while they had this needed to build a Singapore strong feeling of patriotism as a result Armed Forces (SAF) from scratch to of their recent experiences,” Mr Lee avoid being cowed and intimidated by wrote in his memoirs. its larger neighbours. Mr Lee Kuan Yew Dr Goh’s revised plan put up in No- assigned this responsibility to Dr Goh vember 1966 would mobilise a large sec- Keng Swee, who was a corporal in the tion of the population while the regular British-led Singapore Volunteer Corps component of the armed forces would until it surrendered in February 1942. consist of 12 battalions. After the prime minister’s letters for To attract and retain talent in the assistance to the Indian premier Lal Ba- highest echelons of the SAF, Mr Lee hadur Shastri and Egyptian president later tabled a legislation to amend the Gamal Abdel Nasser did not receive National Service Ordinance in Febru- positive replies, Mr Lee instructed Dr ary 1967 so that those who enlisted in Goh to proceed with assistance from the SAF as a full-time career would be the Israelis, but kept this under wraps guaranteed jobs in the government, in order not to provoke grassroots an- statutory boards or private sector when tipathy from Malay Muslims in Malay- they left full-time service and go into sia and Singapore. the reserves. The bill was passed a While Dr Goh felt that Singapore month later. should build up a regular army of 12 In 1971, Mr Lee proposed the SAF battalions between 1966 and 1969, Mr Overseas Scholarship scheme, which Mr Lee talking with national servicemen during a National Day celebration at Tanjong Pagar Community Lee proposed a small standing army Dr Goh reined. Through the scheme, Centre in 1970, when he was Prime Minister. The celebration was held in honour of NS youth. with the capacity to mobilise a reserve some of the best students were recruit- PHOTO: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND THE ARTS COLLECTION, COURTESY OF NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF SINGAPORE force population. ed into the SAF over the years. Mr Lee preferred that the money “Without a yearly intake of about Mr Lee had spoken of the impor- I knew that we needed a strong SAF be spent on infrastructure needed to 10 of our best students, the SAF would tance of having a strong SAF on several and I believe that still remains today. raise and train National Service bat- have the military hardware but with- occasions, including at the Temasek Without a strong SAF, there is no talions than on the recurrent costs of out the brain power to use them to best Society’s 30th anniversary dinner dia- economic future, there is no security,” a large army. advantage,” Mr Lee said. logue in 2012. “From the day we started, he said.

WATER squatters and 600 pig farmers, as well as relocating 5,000 street hawkers Mr Lee realised water resource man- who were accustomed to doing busi- agement had to be central to a state’s ness rent-free into proper buildings development plans decades before the where they had to pay rent and utilities world became aware of the importance charges. Disgruntled, many of them of doing so — and made this a national voted against the PAP for years after. priority he took a direct hand in. But this “massive engineering job” Small wonder, since Singapore de- of laying underground sewers for the pended on its neighbour Malaysia for whole island, so streams and rivers were the bulk of its water supply. In 1971, Mr free of sewage and aquatic life would Lee set up the Water Planning Unit in return, was undertaken with the de- the Prime Minister’s Oice and assert- termination to inch Singapore towards ed that “every other policy has to bend water self-suiciency, addressing one (at) the knees (for) our water survival”. of its greatest security vulnerabilities. Mr Lee visiting the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay in 2011. TODAY FILE PHOTO “There has never been a Prime Min- The project paved the way for water- ister anywhere else who has had so much ways to become essential water catch- and chickens to live with them. to buy a home. Ater interest in the environment in general, ment areas. The 15th of these was the “We had a resettlement unit to Said Mr Lee: “If you ask people to de- Independence, and water in particular,” said Professor Marina Barrage, which sprang from Mr deal with the haggling and bargain- fend all the big houses where the bosses I searched Asit Biswas and Dr Cecilia Tortajada, Lee’s idea in the 1980s to dam the mouth ing involved in every resettlement, live … I don’t think that’s tenable. So, for some authors of The Singapore Water Story, of the Marina Channel to create a fresh- whether of hawkers, farmers or cot- we decided from the very beginning, dramatic way who were instrumental to PUB winning water reservoir in the heart of the city. tage industrialists. They were never everybody must have a home, every to distinguish the Stockholm Water Industry Award And though the 10-year river happy to be moved or to change their family will have something to defend ... Singapore in 2007. clean-up cost a hefty US$240 mil- business,” Mr Lee recounted. “This and that home we developed over the from other There are few episodes more tell- lion (S$325 million) and had a political was a hazardous political task which, years into their most valuable asset.” Third World ing of Mr Lee’s foresight and political price, Mr Lee’s vision was vindicated unless carefully and sympathetically For example, Mr Lee mooted upgrad- countries courage to make tough decisions for the when land values along the riverbanks handled, would lose us votes in the ing programmes in 1989 to “prevent and settled long-term good than his plan to dam up soared, as did tourism and business. next election.” older estates from looking like slums”, for a clean all streams and rivers. The “most ambi- If not for Mr Lee’s political will But the result of this massive exer- substantially raising their worth. and green tious” part of this was the clean-up of and extraordinary insight, this mud- cise was a home-owning society — more He also asked the HDB in 1974 to Singapore the ilthy Singapore River and Kallang lat would never have physically trans- than 90 per cent of the 85 per cent of improve the quality and vary the lat … Greening Basin — a daunting exercise that, be- formed into the metropolis it is today. Singaporeans living in HDB lats to- designs and landscaping of new towns is the most cause the river drew hordes of squat- Without this futurist, hosting pin- day own their homes. This, Mr Lee to add distinctiveness and character by cost-efective ters, hawkers and backyard industries, nacle events on urban solutions and and then Minister for Finance Goh “exploiting unique site features such project I have reluctant bureaucrats sidestepped until sustainable development such as the Keng Swee facilitated by expanding as undulating terrain and ponds”, a launched. Mr Lee delivered an ultimatum in 1977. World Cities Summit and Singapore the Central Provident Fund (CPF) in visionary idea encapsulated in the new Mr Lee in It was an unpopular move that en- International Water Week would have 1968 so workers could tap their savings Punggol Eco-Town’s concept. his memoirs tailed moving out more than 40,000 been beyond the city-state’s reach.

56 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

And so, despite the fact the 1973 Mr Lee being led again his ability to put on the lenses of oil crisis had just struck and growth on a tour of Changi a pure empiricist who could rise above in South-east Asia was uncertain fol- Airport’s Terminal 3 prejudices and preconceptions. The economic lowing South Vietnam’s fall to the com- by CAAS director- Early on, he ditched the Fabian munists, Mr Lee took the “S$1 billion general and school of socialism — a style of govern- gamble” in 1975 to build the new Changi CEO Lim Kim ance he had been so enamoured with Airport — demolishing buildings, ex- Choon in 2007, during his university days in Britain pragmatist huming thousands of graves, clearing when Mr Lee was that he had subscribed to the society’s swamps, reclaiming land from the sea Minister Mentor. magazines for years after his return. ‘Live with the world as it is, and the least resettlements. and completed the building in six years PHOTO: WEE TECK HIAN He saw that its ideals would not work in Although the Cabinet accepted the instead of 10. reality. “We have to live with the world not as we wish it should be’ recommendation, Mr Lee asked for a re- To say the least, that “gamble” has as it is, not as we wish it should be,” he assessment by American consultants, paid of handsomely, entrenching Sin- once famously said. e was a man unafraid to chal- and then a further study by a commit- gapore as a vital tourism, aviation and In the early years, in deiance of H lenge the popular ideologies tee of senior oicials on the viability economic node. the prevailing theory then that multi- of the day; he had no truck of transforming the RAF airield in national corporations were neo-coloni- with dogma. Right up to the end of Changi into a commercial airport. Both THE ACID TEST: alist exploiters who sucked developing his life, Mr Lee Kuan Yew believed in said to stay with the Paya Lebar plan. ‘WOULD IT WORK FOR US?’ nations dry of their cheap land, labour constantly adapting to the hard reali- But Mr Lee was unsure whether and raw materials, Mr Lee — acting on ties of a changing world, and to refresh that would be wise or sustainable for How Mr Lee turned around the “im- the advice of the Republic’s Dutch eco- his “mental map”, he ceaselessly sought Singapore in the long run, recalling les- probable story” of Singapore abounds nomic guru Albert Winsemius — ac- out the views of experts, academics, sons he had picked up on his travels: “I with examples like this, where he stuck tively courted foreign investors with a industry, political leaders, journalists had lown over Boston’s Logan Airport to a hard-nosed, pragmatic approach liberal economic policy which included and the man in the street. and been impressed that the noise foot- coupled with a visionary outlook in attractive tax and iscal incentives. But having listened to and processed print of planes landing and taking of implementing solutions he believed Dr Winsemius’ “practical lessons their arguments, he did not let himself was over water. A second runway at would make Singapore survive and on how European and American com- be swayed if he absolutely believed Paya Lebar would take aircraft right last, even if it went against so-called panies operated” showed Mr Lee how something was in the best long-term over the heart of Singapore city ... we conventional wisdom. “Singapore could plug into the global interest of Singapore. Changi Airport would be saddled with the noise pollu- “In a developing country situation, economic system of trade and invest- — and a large part of the Singapore tion for many years.” you need a leader ... who not only under- ments by using their desire for proits”. economic miracle — stands today as Reluctant to give up on his prefer- stands the ordinary arguments for or He explained the bold decision thus: a symbol of this. ence for the Changi site, he appointed against, but at the end of it says, ‘Look, “The question was, how to make a liv- When Singapore wanted to expand the chairman of the Port of Singapore will this work, given our circumstanc- I always ing? How to survive? This was not a its airport operations in the early 1970s, Authority, Mr Howe Yoon Chong — es? Never mind what the British, what tried to be theoretical problem in the economics a British aviation consultant proposed who had a “reputation as a bulldozer” the Australians, what the New Zealand- correct, not of development. It was a matter of life building a second runway at the exist- — to chair a top-level committee for a ers do. This is Singapore. Will it work politically and death for two million people.” ing airport in Paya Lebar as that would inal reappraisal. They reported that in this situation?’” he said. correct. Looking back, Mr Lee believed that entail the lowest land acquisition costs Changi was do-able. Mr Lee demonstrated time and Mr Lee staying pragmatic ensured Singapore’s SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

survival and success. “If there was one ders of others who had gone before persuaded that our regulatory stance on homosexuals — “we say, okay, leave formula for our success, it was that we us,” he said. had to change.” them alone, but let’s leave the law as it were constantly studying how to make And if the help of experts was needed Mr Lee, who was then Senior Min- is for the time being”. While places like things work, or how to make them work in order for problems to be solved, Mr ister, came up with a calibrated broad China and Taiwan already had more better ... What guided me were reason Lee would get them — no matter where plan that he discussed with and sought liberal policies, he said: “But we have a and reality. The acid test I applied to they came from. For instance, when PM Goh Chok Tong’s approval for. This part Muslim population, another part every theory or scheme was, would Singapore urgently needed to build up led to a major review of policies and the conservative older Chinese and Indi- it work? This was the golden thread defence forces as a deterrence against transformation of MAS. ans. So, let’s go slowly. It’s a pragmatic that ran through my years in oice. potential blowback from Malay Ultras In a 1999 interview, Mr Lee pointed approach to maintain social cohesion.” If it did not work, or the results were after Independence in 1965, and India to the game-changer of e-banking and Mr Lee also reversed his earlier and poor, I did not waste more time and and Egypt did not respond to requests the Internet. “If this government car- long-held objections to holding Formula resources on it.” for help to build up battalions and coast- ries on the way I did over the last 30 One races and allowing casinos in Sin- al forces, Mr Lee turned to the Israelis years, protecting local banks to make gapore. He recognised that the F1 had LEAP OF FAITH — in spite of possibly agitating Malay them grow, then it’s in for trouble. We a jet-set following and could generate Muslims in Singapore and in Malaysia. are a venue for 200 of the world’s biggest economic spin-ofs for Singaporeans. Living with reality did not mean resign- Nonetheless, when the irst groups and most competitive banks. Unless we The larger goal of advancing Singa- ing to fate or operating in ‘safe’ mode of Israelis, led by Colonel Jak Ellazari, get ourselves up to a comparable level, pore’s position on the world stage also — on the contrary, Mr Lee was restless came in November that year, they we’ll be like New Zealand, where all swayed Mr Lee, as he emphasised how about innovating and turning adversity were called “Mexicans” to disguise their own banks have been taken over the race allowed us to “telecast our into opportunity. Many things could their presence. and are foreign-owned.” unique skyline to billions around the go wrong, he’d said, but: “The crucial thing is: Do not be afraid to innovate.” Former civil service head Peter Ho WINNING said many of the big leaps forward in INVESTOR CONFIDENCE the early years of ledgling Singapore were “nothing more than acts of faith”. Said Mr Lee: “If I have to choose one word to “It is a myth that everything in explain why Singapore succeeded, it is ‘con- Singapore is planned down to the nth fidence’. This was what made foreign inves- degree, that nothing is expected to go tors site their factories and refineries here.” wrong, and that the government oper- It was not just the infrastructural devel- ates in a fail-safe mode,” said Mr Ho. opments and development policies pursued “The irst container port at Tanjong by Mr Lee and his team, but also the personal Pagar was a big risk, as the container confidence that they evoked in investors. was by no means a proven mode of For instance, within days of the October transportation. But Lee Kuan Yew 1973 oil crisis, Mr Lee sent a clear signal to gave Mr Howe Yoon Chong, who was oil companies that the Government did not then Chairman of PSA, enough leeway claim any special privilege over their stocks to make the move to Tanjong Pagar.” of oil in the refineries here. Indeed, Mr Ho added, “that will- Had the Government blocked these ingness to try things out spawned a stocks from export, there would have been generation of state entrepreneurs who enough oil for Singapore’s own consumption created, almost out of nothing, national for two years — but it would have under- icons like Singapore Airlines, DBS, ST mined the country’s reputation for reliability, Engineering, Changi Airport, Singtel, Mr Lee said. and so on. The national computerisa- He personally met the CEOs and tion programme is another example, managing directors of Shell, Mobil, Esso, started in the Ministry of Defence, Singapore Petroleum and British Petro- which transformed Singapore.” leum in November, to reassure them that Early on, Mr Lee and his team rec- Singapore would share in any cuts they im- ognised the importance of science and posed on the rest of their customers. technology to the economy (English International confidence in the was chosen as a medium for school Singapore Government grew and the oil education in part because it best con- industry expanded into petrochemicals in veyed such subjects). the 1970s. By the 1990s, Singapore had become the CLIMBING ON world’s third-largest oil-refining and trad- OTHERS’ SHOULDERS Mr Lee touring the casino at Resorts World Sentosa with Resorts World Sentosa CEO Tan Hee Teck ing centre, and the largest fuel oil bunker (left) and Genting International chairman Lim Kok Thay in 2010, when Mr Lee was Minister Mentor. in volume. Mr Lee was also always looking for solu- tions for Singapore by drawing lessons from other countries’ experiences or FINANCIAL SYSTEM REFORM Said Mr Heng: “If Mr Lee had not world”. (The inaugural night race was seeking out experts. No need to rein- initiated the changes in the late 1990s, held in 2008.) vent the wheel, as he repeatedly said. While Mr Lee stood by unpopular deci- and sought to turn adversity into op- On casinos — which he once said On his travels, he watched “how sions that were for the long-term good, portunities, we would not have become would be allowed only “over my dead a society, an administration, is func- he also knew when to change course a stronger inancial centre today. To body” — he explained in a New York tioning. Why are they good?”. He took to maintain Singapore’s relevance or prepare ourselves to open up our i- Times interview in 2007: “I don’t like notes on matters as diverse as tree capture future opportunities. nancial system in the midst of one of casinos, but the world has changed and species or industries that might work For years, Mr Lee had believed in the worst inancial crisis is, to me, an if we don’t have an integrated resort for Singapore. strict regulation of the inancial sys- act of great foresight and boldness. It like the ones in Las Vegas, we’ll lose. It was through this form of inquiry tem and in protecting the local banks. has the stamp of Mr Lee.” So, let’s go. Let’s try and still keep it that, for instance, Mr Lee instituted But then the 1997-98 Asian Financial safe and maia-free and prostitution- various anti-pollution measures here. Crisis broke. CASINOS, F1 AND GAYS free and money-laundering free. Can He started vehicle inspections after Recalled Mr Heng Swee Keat, who we do it? I’m not sure, but we’re going seeing cars lining up at garages to be was then Mr Lee’s Principal Private To be part of the 21st-century world — to give it a good try.” certiied up to mark when he was in Secretary and who later served as and the ruthless competition for talent, He added: “We have to go in what- Boston in 1970; and he sited factories Managing Director of the Monetary tourism dollars and investors — meant ever directions world conditions dictate away from residential areas because he Authority of Singapore (MAS): “Our delicately recalibrating some issues of if we are to survive and to be part of this saw Japan’s troubles with Minamata stringent rules, while appropriate in the huge social sensitivity to Singaporeans. modern world. If we are not connected to disease and pollution in the early 1970s. past, were now stiling growth and our In a 2007 interview, Mr Lee said Sin- this modern world, we are dead. We’ll go “I preferred to climb on the shoul- banks were falling behind. Mr Lee was gapore took “an ambiguous position” back to the ishing village we once were.” 58 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Mr Lee sharing a light moment with Ms Lim Sau Hoong, an award-winning Singaporean designer and businesswoman, at the launch of the 30th anniversary of the Speak Mandarin Campaign at NTUC Auditorium in 2009. Ms Lim was cited by Mr Lee as someone whose efective bilingualism allowed her to make a contribution to director Zhang Yi-mou’s opening ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. TODAY FILE PHOTO

bilingualism in 2004 as the “most dif- icult” policy he had had to implement. Mr Lee set up Special Assistance The language of survival Plan schools in 1978 for students who were more proicient in both English ‘Everyone should learn English African countries, Malaysia and India, BILINGUALISM and Mandarin to pursue both the sub- for example, were throwing out the jects as irst languages. Critics said the and their native language English language along with the Brit- For the sake of building “a community scheme caused ethnic segregation be- is to become the second one.’ ish yoke in a it of nationalism. that feels together”, Mr Lee pushed cause these schools did not ofer other In Singapore too, language was a through the bilingualism policy in 1966. mother tongues. ew might have realised the sig- political issue — except that in its case, All students had to learn their “mother The following year, he also launched F niicance at that time, but in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil tongue”, Mandarin, Malay or Tamil, de- the Speak Mandarin Campaign to erad- making English Singapore’s were recognised as the four oicial pending on their race, as a second lan- icate the use of dialects. lingua franca, a decision he made languages, with Malay the national lan- We are the guage, and this became a compulsory While not an insigniicant number within only a few weeks of separation guage and English the main language only country and critical examination subject in 1969. beneited from the bilingualism poli- from Malaysia in 1965, Mr Lee Kuan of commerce and administration. in the region “We insisted on the mother tongue cy, particularly after Deng Xiaoping Yew gave the Republic a ighting chance that uses because I saw the diference between opened up China, many struggled with of overcoming the formidable crises NANTAH OPPOSITION English as the Chinese-educated and the English- learning Mandarin. It was partly be- post-Independence. our working educated. The English-educated were cause many Chinese families retained Adopting the international language But the force with which Mr Lee pursued language, the rootless,” he explained to a team of au- strong loyalties to the diferent dialects of business, diplomacy, and science and English language proiciency met with main medium thors, citing Rales College students’ spoken by their forefathers, but more technology was about the only way this opposition, most robustly from Nan- of instruction indiference although a massive riot importantly, it was caused by the way resource-less tiny island could guaran- yang University (Nantah) graduates. in our schools. was boiling at Chinese High School in schools were teaching the language. tee its survival after losing its economic They raised the issue of Chinese This has given 1956, in response to an anti-communist Mr Lee acknowledged as much dur- hinterland in Malaysia. Unemployment language and culture in the 1972 and our young crackdown by the then David Marshall ing a parliamentary debate in 2004 on was at 14 per cent and rising. 1976 general elections, after Mr Lee a strong Government. changes to Chinese language learning. Mr Lee captured the move’s criti- did away with vernacular schools and advantage of “If Singapore students all turned The imperfect implementation of what cality in his memoirs: “Without it, we made Nantah, a source of pride among growing up in out like those in the university hostel, he maintains was a sound policy, he would not have many of the world’s mul- the Chinese community as it was the a multicultural, Singapore would fail,” he said. said, caused interest in the Chinese tinationals and over 200 of the world’s only Chinese-language tertiary insti- multilingual The nexus between language and language to be killed by the drudgery of top banks in Singapore. Nor would our tution outside China then, switch to society, all culture was crucial to creating a rug- rote memorising. He regretted not im- people have taken so readily to comput- teaching in English. The latter move speaking the ged, tightly-knit society with “cultural plementing the modular system earlier. ers and the Internet.” was despite the reservations of many international ballast” because with the language go Relecting on his belated realisation Just as importantly, picking this of his colleagues and when it failed, he language of “the literature, proverbs, folklore, be- that language ability was, at best, only race-neutral language demonstrated forced Nantah to merge with Singapore commerce liefs, value patterns”, he believed. loosely linked to intelligence, Mr Lee his government’s anti-communalistic University in 1978. and trade, He later said: “I have no doubts that admitted in 2009 that “successive gen- stance, helping to keep the peace in a His most powerful riposte to these English, and if we lose ... our sense of being ourselves, erations of students paid a heavy price newborn nation made up of a polyglot- opponents: All three of his children their mother not Westerners, we lose our vitality. So because of my ignorance”. settler populace who had struggled for were sent to Chinese-medium schools. tongues, that was our irst driving force.” In November 2011, he started the years with racial and religious strife. (From age six, they also had Malay- Chinese, Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism to “We treat everybody equally. We language tuition at home.) Malay, Tamil IMPERFECT IMPLEMENTATION support ideas that would promote the judge you on your merits. This is a level Mr Lee himself, born to English- and others, as learning of English and mother tongue. playing ield. We do not discriminate our speaking parents, had started to pick their second But the various initiatives Mr Lee rolled Even towards the end, at his last ap- people on race, language, religion. If you up Mandarin again only at age 32 and languages. out in subsequent years to put proi- pearance at the National Day Dinner in can perform, you get the job,” he said. “spent years sweating blood” to mas- Mr Lee at the ciency in mother tongue on par with his Tanjong Pagar ward shortly before This decision was not so intuitive ter it, a story he recounted in detail in launch of the that in English were to divide opinions, his 90th birthday, he was exhorting English Language in that post-colonial era as it seems in his 2011 book, My Lifelong Challenge: Institute of especially among the Chinese, even up parents to give their children an early hindsight. Other newly-independent Singapore’s Bilingual Journey. Singapore in 2011 to the present. Indeed, he described start in bilingualism. TEO XUANWEI

SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 A place for all ‘This is not a country that what will stand out against all our neighbours,” he pointed out. belongs to any single community: There would be equal basis for com- It belongs to all of us.’ petition, with a meritocratic Civil Ser- vice leading the way, where ability, and e was the man who wove multi- not race, mattered. H culturalism into the very DNA Just as vital was the need to break of Singapore, in the conviction up the racially-segregated housing en- that a small nation could not be divided claves that were a legacy from the Brit- against itself and continue to exist. ish. “As part of our long-term plan to “This is not a Malay nation, this is not rebuild Singapore and re-house eve- a Chinese nation, this is not an Indian rybody, we decided to scatter and mix nation,” Mr Lee Kuan Yew declared in Malays, Chinese, Indians and all oth- 1965, upon Singapore’s split from Ma- ers alike and thus prevent them from laysia due to irreconcilable diferences congregating ... On resettlement, they over how society should be organised. would have to ballot for their new high- While Malaysia chose bumiputra rise homes,” said Mr Lee, who grew up dominance and communal politics, playing with the kids of Malay and Chi- Singapore would be the model multi- nese ishermen from a nearby kampung. cultural nation, unique in the region. But the Government soon found “Everybody will have his place equal: that when owners sold their lats and Language, culture, religion,” he vowed. could buy resale lats of their choice, the Ever wearing the lenses of harsh re- enclaves re-formed. So, ethnic group ality, however, Mr Lee believed work en- ceilings were introduced in 1989. While suring racial harmony was never done. this depressed prices for certain resale Forty-ive years later, Mr Lee made lats, Mr Lee wrote: “This is a small a rare intervention in Parliament in cost for achieving our larger objective 2010 — having interrupted his physi- of getting the races to intermingle.” otherapy session — to bring what he felt was a needed reality check to those ar- MOSQUE BUILDING guing for equal treatment for all races. This premise was “false and lawed”, When it came to Singaporean Malays’ said the Minister Mentor, pointing to beliefs, nonetheless, special sensitivity Article 152 of the Constitution, which was shown. A 1994 interview revealed makes it the Government’s responsibil- the pragmatism of Mr Lee’s thinking. ity to “constantly care for the interests “You cannot have too many distinct Representation Constituency scheme, (Clockwise from top lay underachievement”, leading to the of the racial and religious minorities” components and be one nation,” he said, which Mr Lee pushed through in 1988. left) Mr Lee visiting irst self-help group, Mendaki, in 1982. — in particular recognising the special “but there are circumstances where it He noted that where people in the the family of But Deputy Prime Minister S Ra- position of the Malays as “the indig- is wise to leave things be … we put the 1950s and 1960s voted for the party re- Mr Balbir Singh jaratnam, who crafted the National enous people of Singapore”. It would Muslims in a slightly diferent category gardless of candidates, once the PAP’s at Block 81 Pledge, was opposed, fearing the move “take decades, if not centuries”, he because they are extremely sensitive dominance was established and people Strathmore Avenue towards community-based self-help added, for Singapore to reach a point about their customs, especially diet. expected it to be returned to power, they in 2007, when he was groups would strengthen communal where all races could be treated equally. “In such matters one has to ind a began voting for the MP. “They pre- Minister Mentor; pulls. Mr Lee wrote: “While I shared What some did not understand was middle path between uniformity and ferred one who empathised with them, MM Lee visiting Raja’s ideal of a completely colour-blind that, for Mr Lee, multiculturalism was a certain freedom to be somewhat dif- spoke the same dialect or language, and Mr Sinnappu policy, I had to face reality and produce the only way to ensure Singapore’s sur- ferent. I think it is wise to leave alone was of the same race,” said Mr Lee. Kanapathipillai results. From experience, we knew Chi- vival — but it would ever be a work in questions of fundamental beliefs and “It was going to be diicult if not im- (right, seated). who nese or Indian oicials could not reach progress, an aspiration not to be con- give time to sort matters out.” possible for a Malay or Indian candidate was wheelchair out to Malay parents and students in the fused with an ideology of race-blind- When dilapidated small mosques to win against a Chinese candidate. bound and way their own community leaders did.” ness, because the facts of reality pulled (surau) built on state land had to be To end up with a Parliament without benefited from Over the years, Malay students’ in the opposite direction. That was the removed for redevelopment, Mr Lee Malay, Indian and other minority MPs the Lift Upgrading achievements improved. Mendaki’s paradox Singapore had to grapple with. proposed a plan to replace each surau would be damaging. We had to change Project, at his progress spurred the formation of the with bigger, better mosques in every the rules.” In addition, this would sty- Spottiswoode Park Singapore Indian Development Asso- FOUNDATIONS FOR HARMONY housing estate through contributions mie Chinese chauvinist tendencies by home in 2006; ciation in 1991 and the Chinese Devel- from the Malay-Muslim community. any political party, he added. A student from opment Assistance Council in 1992. In the initial years of Independence, Ex-Cabinet minister Othman Wok Elias Park Primary In another instance, Mr Lee’s refusal many people advocated catering to recalled: “He said he would instruct the SELF-HELP GROUPS School dressed in to spell out anything less than the “hard the racial majority in Singapore. But Civil Service to prepare a circular for all a traditional Malay truth”, as he saw it, continued to draw Mr Lee and his team refused, having Malay-Muslims working in the govern- Another initiative that drew criticism outfit during the lak in the last years of his life. made clear from the start: “One thing ment service to donate voluntarily to the was the formation of self-help groups. school’s racial His remarks that Islamic piety stood we should not do is to try and stile the mosque building fund, and the deduc- Having found that, since the days of harmony day in the way of Muslims integrating with other man’s culture, his language, his tion will be through CPF. That was a the British, a larger percentage of Ma- celebration. other communities — made in his book religion, because that is the surest way good idea. Readily, they gave 50 cents.” lay students were consistently poorer TODAY FILE PHOTOS Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going, to bring him to abandon reason and This freed Singapore from the pres- in mathematics and sciences, Mr Lee published in 2011 — upset many. Soon rationality and stand by his heritage.” sure that could be brought to bear if the decided the Government could not keep after, he issued a statement explaining The May 1969 racial riots, which mosques were bankrolled by the oil-rich the diferences in exam results secret. that the comment was made two or spilled over to Singapore from Malaysia, Saudis, said Mr Lee in retrospect; it “To have people believe all children three years earlier and that “ministers leaving four dead, drove home the ex- also “gave our Malays pride in building were equal, whatever their race, and and MPs, both Malay and non-Malay, plosive nature of race relations. Mr Lee their mosques with their own funds”. that equal opportunities would allow all have since told me that Singapore Ma- vowed that “whoever starts trouble we to qualify for a place in a university, must lays have indeed made special eforts smack him down” — a zero-tolerance GROUP REPRESENTATION lead to discontent. The less successful to integrate with the other communi- approach enforced over the decades. CONSTITUENCIES would believe the Government was not ties … and that my call is out of date. Beyond this security dimension, treating them equally,” he wrote. “I stand corrected, but only just this multiculturalism would also distin- One controversial measure to ensure In 1980, he roped in Malay communi- instance! I hope that this trend will guish Singapore to the world. “That’s minority representation was the Group ty leaders “to tackle the problem of Ma- continue in the future.” 60 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Members of Parliament sitting at the opening of the second session of the third parliamentary session in 1975 (left) and during the opening of the 11th parliamentary session in 2006. PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND THE ARTS COLLECTION, COURTESY OF NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF SINGAPORE, TODAY FILE PHOTO

decision: Euromoney magazine named Howe Yoon Choong, who declined when Hon the Economic Minister of the Year Mr Lee asked him to enter politics in Team S’pore — strong in 1982, a year before he died in oice. 1953 — he believed Singapore needed civil servants. As CEO of the HDB in BUREAUCRACY’S BEST BRAINS the 1960s, he fast-tracked the public housing programme, and as chairman ministers, shared goals It was not just political leaders that of the Port of Singapore Authority, went Singapore needed, but also able man- against the advice of professionals and darins to drive the bureaucratic ma- built Singapore’s irst container port. ‘The single decisive who “made the greatest diference to chinery and, more crucially, build the He was inally drafted into politics and, the outcome for Singapore”. The archi- economy — having set up several new as a Cabinet minister, championed the factor that made for tect of Singapore’s modern economy industries, senior civil servants were building of the Mass Rapid Transit sys- Singapore’s development’ and armed forces, Dr Goh was a “hope- nominated to top appointments when tem and Changi Airport. less” campaign orator and that was Mr Lee’s government found it hard to Many of these best minds have de- he Singapore Story clearly did where their partnership was perfect ind people to run them. scribed Mr Lee as having a zeal that T not come down to Mr Lee Kuan — “I settled the political conditions so Mr Lee, said Permanent Secretary could convert others — he was “a ‘con- Yew alone. As he acknowl- his tough policies we together formu- to the Public Service Division Yong viction politician’, a superb persuader edged: “I was fortunate to have had a lated could be executed,” Mr Lee said. Ying-I, was a “superb judge of talent, and mobiliser who persuaded the Civil strong team of ministers who shared a In his eulogy for Dr Goh in 2010, Mr with the magnetic leadership to draw Service to also begin to believe that common vision. They were able men de- Lee described how he would “challenge outstanding people to work with him”. what Lee was ighting for was their termined to pursue our shared goals.” my decisions and make me re-examine They included former heads of Civil ight as well”, said Ms Yong. But in this regard, perhaps Mr Lee’s the premises on which they were made. Service Lim Siong Guan and Sim Kee most critical accomplishment for a As a result, we reached better decisions Boon (who later, as chairman of the INSTILLING AN young Singapore was his exceptional for Singapore … His robust approach Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, EFFICIENCY ETHOS leadership acumen in putting together to problems encouraged me to press turned Changi Airport into an icon), as the right team — unearthing political on against seemingly impossible odds.” well as others who were “not only tech- Beyond the people at the top, Mr Lee gems and administrative mandarins By contrast, Rajaratnam, Singa- nically able, but also entrepreneurial, knew the importance of being backed speciically suited for the challenges of pore’s irst foreign minister, was the innovative and yet realistic”. up by an eicient administrative ma- the day, and whipping into shape a civil voice of the nation, the man who embod- (Below) The first One was JY Pillay, whom Mr Lee de- chinery as well to carry out his govern- service machinery to implement policy. ied the multiracial vision of Singapore Central Executive scribed as “equal to the best brains in ment’s programmes. His imprint is in As those who worked with him have in the National Pledge that he penned Committee America”. He built Singapore Airlines the very ethos, processes and frame- said, he had the uncanny ability to at- in 1966. A man of “great moral courage” (Protem) of the into a world-class carrier and helped de- work of today’s Public Service. tract the best in the country. and “enormous charm”, said Mr Lee in People’s Action velop the inancial sector, among other Right after separation, he personally his 2006 eulogy, “his contribution was Party (PAP) at the contributions. There was also George drove the overhauling of a bureaucracy THE CORE TEAM not in bricks and mortar … but in ideas, PAP’s inauguration Bogaars, who headed the Civil Service that had become ridden with lackadai- sentiments and spirit”. held at Victoria and was chairman of Keppel Shipyard. sical and complacent mandarins — one From winning the high-stakes battle Dr Toh in turn was the “redoubtable Memorial One of Mr Lee’s schoolmates at Raf- famous example was how he tore into against the communists to surmount- ighter” and “bulldog”; without him Hall in 1954. les Institution was the tough-talking oicers after inding light switches that ing the myriad post-independence chal- “holding the fort in the PAP, we might did not work in a government bunga- lenges of unemployment, a housing never have held the party together”. low. Sloppiness would not be tolerated. shortage, securing international rec- In 1965, pressed to scramble togeth- He set out in unequivocal terms the ognition and building an army from er an army to cope with the impending ethos he expected: “I want those who scratch — to name just a few — pivotal withdrawal of British troops, Mr Lee believe that joining the government roles were played by stalwarts such as freed Dr Goh from the Finance Minis- service means automatically you are Goh Keng Swee and S Rajaratnam. try and replaced him with Mr Lim Kim going up the ladder to forget it.” One of those roles over the decades San — brought in two years earlier He also drove the pace of change was to keep Mr Lee in check. “They as Minister for National Development by keeping close tabs on key assign- helped me stay objective and balanced, after his sterling work in resolving the ments and projects, with an exacting and saved me from any risk of megalo- housing shortage as head of the Hous- eye for detail. For instance, he asked mania, which could so easily come with ing and Development Board (HDB). for a monthly report on the progress long years in oice,” he said of his core In 1970, to successfully convert and of the NEWater project even after he collaborators with whom, in 1954, he commercialise former British army stepped down in 1990. founded the People’s Action Party (PAP) lands and facilities, Mr Lee promoted The story is also told of how Mr Lee along with others such as Toh Chin the “most capable Permanent Secre- wanted a weekly report of the state of Chye, who chaired the party until 1981. tary”, Hon Sui Sen — the irst chair- cleanliness of the toilets at Paya Lebar Of all his Cabinet colleagues, Mr Lee man of the ledgling Economic Develop- Airport. The then airport manager said later, it was Dr Goh — his former ment Board — to take over the Finance Mr Wong Woon Liong decided he had economics tutor at Rales College — portfolio. A measure of Mr Lee’s savvy better ask for a daily report in that SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Mr Lee, the People’s Action Party’s co-founder and its first Secretary-General, honoured with a standing ovation at the PAP60 commemorative event at the Victoria Concert Hall in November 2014. TODAY FILE PHOTO case; and his operations director in turn Mr Lee demanded incorruptibility ENGAGING AND MOBILISING only those privy to your thoughts can requested an hourly report. Hence, — this was central to investors’ coni- understand,” he told them. Singapore’s clean airport toilets. dence, distinguished Singapore from For all his toughness and demanding Clarity of thought was a lesson he Ms Yong recalled accompanying the rest of the developing world and was standards, Mr Lee also continually drilled home again and again. As Mr Mr Lee to visit the new Khoo Teck the cornerstone of its survival. In 1959, engaged civil servants to explain his Heng recalled, Mr Lee’s favourite ques- Puat hospital a few years ago; he asked he moved the Corrupt Practices Investi- thinking and ensure that the Public tion was “So?”. “If you update him on about problems with the building de- gation Bureau directly under the Prime Service was working towards the same something, he will invariably reply with sign causing the corridors to get wet Minister’s Oice, signalling that graft shared objectives — for instance, in the ‘So?’. You reply and think you have an- when it rains. “This attention to detail would not be tolerated under his watch, early days, he would take them along swered him, but again he asks, ‘So?’ … by the boss matters. If the boss cares, no matter the position of the culprit. For on community visits so that they could His instinct is to cut through the clut- everyone down the line cares,” she said. instance, investigations were opened better grasp problems on the ground. ter, drill to the core of the issue, and in 1986 against then National Develop- He would also hold meetings at identify the vital points.” MERIT AND INCORRUPTIBILITY ment Minister Teh Cheang Wan, who which he would gather Members of Mr Ho added: “As civil servants, we later committed suicide. Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, were constantly amazed by Lee Kuan Central to the foundation of an efec- tive Public Service were merit-based recruitment and anti-corruption meas- From the time he came into our Contrary to popular perception, Lee Kuan Yew is the ures. Mr Lee ensured no individual poli- lives, he has engaged our dreams, PM Lee was not a dictatorial political messiah, tician, Civil Service leader or inluential mobilised our energies, and led us Prime Minister who railroaded his pro- Goh Keng Swee is the architect, person was allowed to appoint their as if promising us to lead us to the posals through a meek, spineless Cabinet Hon Sui Sen is the builder and friends and family. He strongly believed ‘promised land’. He had the will to move … Ultimately, while he responded fully to Lim Kim San provides business the Public Service should be stafed by us, believing he could rouse the people criticisms of his proposals from Cabinet insights. In a way, Singapore each generation’s inest talent. So, Pub- to take up the challenge. He seemed so colleagues, PM Lee was prepared to be and Lee Kuan Yew were lucky lic Service Commission scholarships to sure he knew how to do it with certainty. persuaded to modify his position and ac- to have such a team then. famous universities were ofered to top Former President S R Nathan, who worked with the cept the views of the younger ministers. Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, former head students, and those who performed well labour movement before transferring to the Ministry Prof S Jayakumar, former Cabinet minister of the Civil Service who served as of Foreign Afairs and later Defence in the early years Permanent Secretary under Mr Lee in service were fast-tracked. Mr Lee argued that for Singapore to succeed, the system should enable the best, most suitable man for the job: “You He said: “The moment key leaders and senior and younger Administrative Yew’s breadth and depth … we had to be must have an open recruitment system, are less than incorruptible, less than Oicers to discuss how Singapore was as sharp as he. To present our views, we proper appraisal systems, not just go stern in demanding high standards, to progress further; they were invited had to be thorough in our research, and by word of mouth of some individuals.” from that moment the structure of to speak up and contribute ideas. compelling in our arguments, to win the At the same time, he took a keen in- administrative integrity will weaken, “He makes it a point to hear from case. It created, in my view, a culture of terest in promotions and appointments and eventually crumble. Singapore can those with expertise and experience. excellence in the Civil Service. Never in statutory boards, quasi-government survive only if ministers and senior of- He is persuasive, but he can be per- take short cuts, or the intellectually- institutions and trade unions to ensure icers are incorruptible and eicient.” suaded,” Mr Lee’s former principal lazy argument, or short-change other elites who were also attuned to the gov- He set a personal example of thrift private secretary Heng Swee Keat, points of view. Otherwise, Lee Kuan ernment’s thinking formed the ruling and frugality: A simply-furnished of- now Education Minister, once noted. Yew would snif out these weaknesses.” class in every level of society. ice and home, and entertaining for- If something mattered to Mr Lee, At the end of the day, for Mr Lee, it To attract the best talent, he be- eign dignitaries “comfortably, but not said former head of Civil Service Pe- was about stoking people to “work for lieved in ensuring competitive pay for lavishly”, said Ms Yong. “Ministers and ter Ho, “he was prepared to roll up his you and work with you”. “You’ve got to all schemes of service. But at the same civil servants not only ly on normal sleeves and show the way … leadership enthuse them with the same ire and the time this would be a “clean wage” poli- commercial airlines, but Singapore from the front”. In one oft-cited episode same eagerness that pushes you along cy — he guided the service away from Airlines has been instructed never to in 1967, he spent a few hours instructing ... That is a very big factor in leadership providing staf quarters and cars very hold a plane for any minister who is late ministers and civil servants on the im- … at the end of the day, you must also early on. “Today, there are virtually no … SIA also does not give upgrades to portance of writing in clear and simple have the idealism to succeed, to make hidden beneits,” said Ms Yong. civil servants,” she added. English. “Do not write in code so that people come with you.” TEO XUANWEI 62 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW A leader shaped by the post-war crucible

‘This lesson will own businesses (such as manufactur- ing glue) to survive. never be forgotten’ The Japanese Military Administra- tion governed by fear. Punishment was ver his lifetime, Mr Lee Kuan so severe that crime was very rare, at O Yew had to sing four national a time when people were half-starved anthems: British, Japanese, with deprivation. “As a result I have Malaysian and inally Singaporean. never believed those who advocate a This relected the progression and mo- soft approach to crime and punish- mentous events of his life that shaped ment, claiming that punishment does him into the leader he became. The not reduce crime,” Mr Lee said. Japanese Occupation and life as a stu- The Occupation was his irst les- dent in Britain profoundly shaped his son on power, government and human view of the world and human nature, reaction, he said. “I learnt more from while the political struggle for power the three-and-a-half years of Japanese and self-government honed his leader- Occupation than any university could ship style and tactics. have taught me. I had not yet heard But it was in the pre-war years that Mao’s dictum that ‘power grows out Mr Lee’s initiation into the politics of of the barrel of a gun’, but I knew that race and religion took place. Japanese brutality, Japanese guns, With World War II raging in Europe Japanese bayonets and swords, and in 1940, Mr Lee, who had planned to Japanese terror and torture settled the read law in London, took up a schol- argument as to who was in charge, and arship to study at Rales College in- could make people change behaviour, stead (after having come in irst in even their loyalties.” Singapore and Malaya in the Senior Cambridge examinations). STUDENT LIFE IN ENGLAND It was at Rales College that he encountered Malayism, “a deep and After the war, Mr Lee pursued his law intense pro-Malay, anti-immigrant sen- studies in England. It was there, in the timent” among indigenous Malays who late 1940s, that he came to seriously had been given special political and question the continued right of the economic rights, and who feared being British to rule Singapore. overwhelmed by hard-working Chinese He was treated roughly as a colonial and Indian immigrants. by some landladies and shopkeepers, Coming from the Malayan states, treatment he resented from social in- their attitude contrasted with that of feriors. “And I saw no reason why they the Singapore Malays, who were accus- should be governing me; they’re not tomed to equal treatment in a British superior. I decided, when I got back, I colony that made no distinction among was going to put an end to this.” the races. He took part in a discussion group It was also at Rales College that called the Malayan Forum, which Mr Lee formed lasting friendships with pressed for an independent Malaya some who would later be close political and a non-violent end to British rule. colleagues, including the late Toh Chin Its members included Dr Toh and Chye and Goh Keng Swee, then a tutor Dr Goh, as well as Tun Abdul Razak, in economics. who would later become Prime Minis- ter of Malaysia. THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION Mr Lee’s time in Britain also helped form his initial political philosophy. The Japanese invasion in December In his irst term at the London School 1941 disrupted studies at Rales Col- of Economics — before he transferred lege and heralded the most important to Cambridge, where he graduated with foundational years of Mr Lee’s life. double irst-class honours — Mr Lee The Japanese had shattered the co- was introduced to the general theory lonial system and the myth of British of socialism in political scientist Harold superiority — the idea that, as many Laski’s lectures. He was immediately had believed, the British empire would attracted to it. last a thousand years. “We literally saw “It struck me as manifestly fair that a whole society disintegrate — it col- everybody in this world should be given lapsed overnight. And we were serfs, an equal chance in life, that in a just to be trampled on, to do the Japanese’s and well-ordered society there should bidding. And that did something to a not be a great disparity of wealth be- whole generation; we said, ‘No! Why? tween persons because of their posi- This is my life, my country! I have some- tion or status, or that of their parents,” thing to say!’” he said. The Japanese were cruel, unjust and But he would later alter his views vicious. In his irst encounter with a on Fabian socialism. “They were go- Japanese soldier, Mr Lee was slapped, ing to create a just society for the made to kneel and sent sprawling with British workers — the beginning of a a boot. He worked as a clerk, as a tran- welfare state, cheap council housing, Mr Lee speaking at a rally of more than 100,000 people in August 1963, when he was Prime Minister, scriber for the Japanese, and ran his free medicine and dental treatment, to press for compensation for civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation. PHOTO: AP

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free spectacles, generous unemploy- with left-wing Chinese-educated union- ter of Singapore at the age of 35, when INTO THE FIRE OF ment beneits. Of course, for students ists such as Lim Chin Siong and Fong the PAP captured 43 of the 51 seats in MALAY COMMUNALISM from the colonies, like Singapore and Swee Suan in 1954. And the People’s the Legislative Assembly elections of Malaya, it was a great attraction as the Action Party was launched on Nov 21 May 1959. The merger would prove to be short- alternative to communism. that year — born out of a marriage of But still, the pro-communists were lived — a costly experience that brought “We did not see until the 1970s that convenience with the pro-communist growing in strength among the unions, into violent conlict the two major races that was the beginning of big problems trade unionists. and Mr Lee could not simply move in Singapore, as well as the PAP and the contributing to the inevitable decline of The next year, the PAP won three against them without losing the sup- Federal government. As Mr Lee put it, the British economy.” of the four electoral seats it contested; port of the Chinese-speaking workers. the party “had jumped out of the frying Mr Lee won the Tanjong Pagar seat Union with Malaya thus provided pan of the communists into the ire of PAP AND THE FIGHT FOR with the largest number of ballots the “perfect issue” on which to force the Malay communalists”. SELF-GOVERNMENT cast for any candidate, and by the a break with the party’s left-wing el- The United Malays National Or- widest margin. ements, which were opposed to the ganisation (UMNO) leaders were de- Returning home to Singapore in 1950, But as the party’s mass base contin- merger. After a vote of conidence was termined to maintain total Malay su- Mr Lee continued to witness the “injus- ued to expand considerably, the Malay- called in 1961 — a vote Mr Lee’s govern- premacy. They were worried by the tice” of a whites-on-top society. an Communist Party set out to capture ment barely won with 26 votes out of inclusion in the Federation of Singa- “You might be a good doctor, but if the People’s Action Party (PAP) itself. 51 — several assemblymen broke away pore’s Chinese majority and that the you are an Asian, you would be under In August 1957, during the party’s to form the Barisan Sosialis. PAP might make inroads in Malaysia a white doctor who’s not as good … The third annual conference, pro-commu- The months that followed were the — for Mr Lee openly and strongly op- injustice of it all, the discrimination, nist elements managed to win half toughest, most exhausting ight for po- posed the bumiputra policy, calling for struck me and everybody else,” he said. the central executive committee seats. litical survival yet for Mr Lee, against a “Malaysian Malaysia” where Malays This was a lesson that stayed with him However, ive were detained during adversaries he later described as “formi- and non-Malays were equal. when, later, he set up a merit-based, a government security sweep — and dable opponents, men of great resolve”. UMNO leader Syed Ja’afar Albar’s race-neutral Civil Service in independ- Mr Lee and his colleagues took the Bringing the battle with the pro- stoking of racial lames reached a wa- ent Singapore. opportunity to create a cadre system, communists fully out into the open, he tershed during the race riots of July Mr Lee started work at a law irm where only cadres could vote for the campaigned at the grassroots, speak- 1964. The Singapore Government’s and became legal adviser to several CEC and only the CEC could approve ing daily in Malay, English and Chinese; memorandum that later set out the trade unions. cadre membership. and did a series of 12 radio broadcasts events leading to the riots concluded In 1952, when negotiations between In later years, Mr Lee would say of on the battle for merger, arguing why that those in authority in Kuala Lum- the Postal and Telecommunications learning to be a streetwise ighter in Singapore needed the hinterland for pur did not restrain those indulging in Uniformed Staf Union and the gov- the political arena: “I would not have its economic survival. inlammatory racist propaganda. ernment failed, the union carried out been so robust or tough had I not had When the merger referendum was In September, a second wave of ra- the irst strike since Emergency Regu- communists to contend with. I have held in September 1962, the PAP car- cial riots erupted in Singapore. And lations were introduced in 1948, upon met people who are utterly ruthless.” ried the day — 71 per cent of votes went by December 1964, both sides were Mr Lee’s reassurance that this was to the form of merger that Mr Lee had groping towards a looser arrangement not illegal. The publicity enhanced MERGER AND DEFEATING campaigned for. within the Federation. While Mr Lee his reputation. THE PRO-COMMUNISTS On Aug 31, 1963, Mr Lee declared tried to ind a compromise with Ma- Mr Lee and his coterie, which includ- Singapore’s independence from Brit- laysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul ed S Rajaratnam and Dr Toh, became The British inally agreed to self-gov- ish rule and, on his 40th birthday Rahman, the latter became more and convinced that the unions could serve ernment for Singapore (except in mat- on Sept 16, Singapore merged with more sold on total separation. as the mass base and political muscle ters of defence and foreign relations) the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Goh Keng Swee eventually con- they had been seeking. He linked up — and Mr Lee became Prime Minis- Sarawak to form Malaysia. vinced Mr Lee that secession was in- evitable — which was a heavy blow to Mr Lee, who believed Singapore’s very survival lay within Malaysia.

A MOMENT OF ANGUISH Every On Aug 9, 1965, in a televised press conference, Mr Lee fought back tears time we as he formally announced the sepa- look back ration and the full independence of Singapore, saying: “Every time we on this moment look back on this moment when we signed this agreement which severed when we signed this Singapore from Malaysia, it will be a agreement which moment of anguish. For me, it is a mo- ment of anguish because all my life ... severed Singapore you see, the whole of my adult life ... I from Malaysia, it have believed in merger and the unity of these two territories.” will be a moment of But he and his team were deter- mined to make Singapore succeed, anguish. For me, it is despite the odds — and that in building a moment of anguish the foundations for a new country, they would never forget what came before. “I because all my life ... would like to believe that the two years you see, the whole of we spent in Malaysia are years which will not be easily forgotten, years in my adult life ... I have which the people of migrant stock here who are a majority learnt of the terrors believed in merger and the follies and the bitterness which and the unity of is generated when one group tries to assert its dominance over the other on these two territories. the basis of one race, one language, one Mr Lee fought back tears as religion,” Mr Lee said in 1965. he formally announced the “It is because of this that my col- separation and the full independence of Singapore on Aug 9, 1965, leagues and I were determined, as from in a televised press conference the moment of separation, that this les- son will never be forgotten.” 64 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Mr Chiam See Tong being congratulated by his supporters after winning the seat of Potong Pasir for the sixth time at the 2006 General Election. TODAY FILE PHOTO

the international linkages the economy needed, and Mr Lee had personally secured the pact for SIA’s first and When the gloves came off most lucrative route then, to London. So when its pilots association took il- ‘In my bag I have a hatchet, which he took on his later adversaries, A landmark confrontation took place legal industrial action in 1980, Mr Lee or potential adversaries — be they un- two years after Independence. confronted them, threatening: “I do and a very sharp one’ ionists, the media or political opponents. The president of the Public Daily not want to do you in, but I will not let “Anyone who takes me on needs to Rated Employees’ Union, K Suppiah, anyone do Singapore in.” hen journalist Dennis put on knuckle-dusters,” he once said. refused to negotiate over grievances Fifteen ex-co members were W Bloodworth in 1989 de- Indeed, in many instances, he saw and launched an illegal strike – involv- charged and convicted, and the asso- scribed Mr Lee Kuan Yew his own foes as foes also of the long-term ing 2,400 workers and threatening to ciation was deregistered and re-formed as “bloody-minded and ruthless with good of Singapore – and he was deter- embroil another 14,000. The strike’s as the Air Line Pilots’ Association Sin- his adversaries. He stomps them into mined that nothing should undermine leaders were arrested and labour laws gapore (ALPA-S). the ground”, he was using metaphors no all that had been achieved. were changed to ban all strikes in cer- In 2003, following a leadership oust- less graphic and remorseless than ones As he thundered at a 1980 General tain essential services. er at ALPA-S and a dispute with man- Mr Lee was wont to use about himself. Election rally: “You unscramble this – This was a turning point in the na- agement that threatened to cost the As he famously said in a book in- the confidence, the organisation upon tion’s industrial history – from the “hap- airline hundreds of millions of dollars in terview: “Everybody knows that in my which Singapore thrives – and you’ve py, riotous 1950s” when union power losses, the Senior Minister summoned bag I have a hatchet, and a very sharp had it. And let there be no mistakes was on the rise, to a “highly vulnerable” 14 of the union leaders to the Istana for one. You take me on, I take my hatchet, about this – whoever governs Singapore state where “the government could not a two-hour meeting. we meet in the cul-de-sac. That’s the must have that iron in him or give it up! allow any union to jeopardise Singa- As he later told a global forum: “In way I had to survive in the past. That’s “This is not a game of cards – this is pore’s survival”, according to Mr Lee. Singapore, when we decide that they the way the communists tackled me.” your life and mine! I’ve spent a whole He persuaded union leaders that to win are breaking the rules of the game, the It was in the rough-and-dirty poli- lifetime building this and as long as investors’ confidence and create jobs, unspoken rules as to how we survive, ticking of pre-Independence Singapore I am in charge — nobody is going to industrial peace was necessary. how we have prospered, then either that this Cambridge-trained lawyer knock it down!” And to enforce this peace – particu- their head is broken or our bones are learnt to be a tough street-fighter, tak- larly in a key entity such as in the na- broken … So we are telling them, both ing on the British, the communalists THE LABOUR UNIONS tional airline, Singapore Airlines – he management and unions, ‘you play this in Malaysia and the pro-communists, was ready to “break heads”. game, there are going to be broken people who were “utterly ruthless”, in One of the earliest challenges for Singapore Airlines at its birth in 1972 heads’. Let’s stop it.” his words. And that was the style with Mr Lee’s team was the labour unions. was a key project aimed at boosting But the iron fist was not the only

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thing Mr Lee was about. Permanent Mr Lee had tried to cover up former Above left: Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan — Club in 1972, Mr Lee warned: “When Secretary Yong Ying-I highlighted the National Development Minister Teh Mr J B Jeyaretnam, irst after the 2001 GE and again in 2008 any newspaper pours a daily dose of lan- care with which he had designed the La- Cheang Wan’s corruption. He lost the Mr Lee’s fiercest for an article in the SDP’s newsletter. In guage, cultural or religious poison, I put bour Court — not involving lawyers in defamation suit and was ordered to and most bitter the latter case, Mr Lee took the stand my knuckle-dusters on. Do not believe hearings, so as to encourage settlement pay S$260,000 in damages to Mr Lee. antagonist. along with fellow plaintif Prime Min- you can beat the state.” Indeed, former of disputes rather than an adversarial Other actions followed in 1995 and Above right: ister Lee Hsien Loong. Singapore Press Holdings English and approach; and there being no fees to act 1997, brought by other PAP MPs, and Mr Low Thia The point Mr Lee was making in all Malay Newspapers Division Editor-in- as an obstacle. The top priority was “to in 2001 Mr Jeyaretnam was declared Khiang speaking this, said former Cabinet Minister S Chief Cheong Yip Seng described the give companies and workers no excuse bankrupt. Mr Lee said bluntly in 1997: at a Workers’ Party Jayakumar, was: “He is prepared for a 1970s as “the bare-knuckles phase in not to settle”. “As long as Jeyaretnam stands for what rally. TODAY FILE PHOTOS robust criticism of his policies. He can the turbulent history of government- he stands for — a thoroughly destruc- be criticised for foolishness, maybe even media relations”. POLITICAL OPPONENTS tive force for me — we will knock him. for incompetence, for arrogance, but his In 1973, for example, Mr Lee de- “There are two ways of playing this. red line was: Not on reputation and in- manded that a Sunday Nation writer For all his ruthless legal actions against One, you attack the policies; two, you tegrity … he would want to demonstrate be sacked for decrying the relentless key political opponents since the Peo- attack the system. Jeyaretnam was that that is a red line, you justify it. He’s pursuit of good grades – what Mr Lee ple’s Action Party’s (PAP) dominance attacking the system, he brought the prepared to justify his record.” saw as a critique of education policy. of Parliament was broken in the 1980s, Chief Justice into it. If I want to ix you, The Newspaper and Printing Press- Mr Lee was not against the idea of hav- do I need the Chief Justice to ix you? THE MEDIA es Act of 1974 set the framework for ing a good parliamentary opposition … He brought the Chief Justice into the greater government control of the me- — something that would provide min- political arena. He brought my only To Mr Lee, the idea of a free press as dia; later amendments restricted the isters with sparring partners to keep friend in university into our quarrel. the “fourth estate” was anathema. circulation of foreign publications that them on their toes. How dare he!” “Freedom of the press, freedom of engaged in Singapore politics or refused “I have said if we have a credible Another Opposition leader who be- the news media, must be subordinated to grant the Government a right of reply. First World opposition, we’ll treat them came the target of two libel suits by to the overriding needs of the integrity This was because Mr Lee believed the with First World civility,” he wrote. “If Mr Lee was Singapore Democratic of Singapore, and to the primary pur- foreign press should be observers and you are polite to me, I’m polite to you, poses of an elected government,” he not participants in domestic politics. but I’ll demolish your policy. It is the declared in 1971 to a General Assembly “If we do not stand up to answer job of every government to do that if Supposing Catherine Lim was writing Of The International Press Institute. our critics from the foreign media, you want to stay in power.” about me and not the Prime Minister ... And that was what he set out to drill Singaporeans, especially journalists On Mr Chiam See Tong, he noted: she would not dare, right? Because into the Singapore media — to act “as and academics, will believe that their “I’ve never been rough with Chiam. my posture, my response has been such that a positive agent in nation-building”. He leaders are afraid of or unequal to the He’s gentle, I’m gentle. He’s a decent nobody doubts that if you take me on, I will put would brook nothing less. argument, and will lose respect for us,” man and I respect him for that.” on knuckle-dusters and catch you in a cul de sac In a speech to the Singapore Press Mr Lee wrote in his memoirs. But woe betide those who accused ... Anybody who decides to take me on needs Over the years, restrictions were im- him of corruption or misusing his powers to put on knuckle-dusters. If you think you can posed on the local circulation of various of oice; or who set out to be destructive hurt me more than I can hurt you, try. There is no international publications that refused “trouble-makers”. Mr Lee unleashed the other way you can govern a Chinese society. to print in full the Government’s reply full force of not only his oratory, but also Mr Lee in The Man And His Ideas, 1997 to articles: Time Magazine, the Asian his legal weaponry on them. Wall Street Journal, Asiaweek maga- And he made no bones about using Political reform need not go hand zine, the Economist. libel suits to remove his political rivals. in hand with economic liberalisation. The Far Eastern Economic Review, “If we had considered them serious I do not believe that if you are libertarian, in addition to having its circulation cut political igures,” he said of Mr Chiam full of diverse opinions, full of competing from 9,500 copies to 500 in 1987, also and Workers’ Party’s Low Thia Khiang ideas in the market place, full of sound was hit with a libel suit, which Mr Lee in 2003, “we would not have kept them and fury, therefore you will succeed. won, in 1989. The International Herald politically alive for so long. We could Tribune came in for a couple of libel have bankrupted them earlier.” Mr Lee in 2004 suits in 1994. His iercest and most bitter an- To criticisms that he came down tagonist was Mr Joshua Benjamin (Mr Lee was) a tough man — he had to be. If too hard on the media and political Jeyaretnam. After winning the 1981 he wanted to deal with the colonial power opponents, Mr Lee countered: “Wrong Anson by-election, Mr Jeyaretnam and at the same time get rid of the enormously ideas have to be challenged before they became a thorn in the PAP’s side. Al- popular let-wing front in Singapore, he had to be inluence public opinion and make for though barred from contesting the not only astute, but also streetwise — a ighter. problems. Those who try to be clever at 1988 General Election upon conviction The late journalist Dennis Bloodworth, the expense of the government should of misappropriating funds, he spoke at who lived in Singapore from 1956 until his death in 2005 not complain if my replies are as sharp the campaign rallies and alleged that Dr Chee Soon Juan. as their criticisms.” 66 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Mr Lee standing on the running board of a government vehicle as he addresses the crowd in a slum area to seek a halt in the racial violence that rocked Singapore in July 1964, when he was PM. PHOTO: AP

erence to his success at defending his For the 1961 Hong Lim by-election, position against political opponents Mr Lee “sweated blood to master Hok- and the media. kien” — devoting an hour to learning it The great persuader Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh, three to ive times a week, so he could who heard Mr Lee speak to a crowd of get his views across to the uneducated. ‘Dominance of the public crowd thinks of me from time to time, I hostile port workers at Tanjong Pagar To learn a new language in his late consider totally irrelevant … The whole in 1963, recounted: “Through his sheer 30s amid day-to-day work required “su- platform was my strength’ ground can be against me, but if I know charisma, eloquence and persuasive- perhuman concentration and efort”, he this is right, I set out to do it, and I am ness, and using a mixture of Malay recalled. “The irst time I made a Hok- e did not crave to be popu- quite sure, given time, as events unfold, and English, he was able to turn the kien speech in Hong Lim, the children H lar; rather, Mr Lee Kuan Yew I will win over the ground.” meeting around.” in the crowd laughed at my mistakes sought to persuade people to His former Cabinet colleague, the Gifts or not, communication and — wrong sound, wrong tones, wrong see his point of view. late Goh Keng Swee, said of his persua- persuasion were something Mr Lee sentence structure, wrong almost eve- A forceful orator in part due to his sive powers: “He gets his way not, as worked at relentlessly. rything. But I could not aford to be shy legal training, his ability to sway his lis- some opposition people say, by dictat- Working with the labour unions or embarrassed. It was a matter of life teners contributed greatly to Mr Lee’s ing to other people, but by persuading to build a political support base after and death.” efectiveness over the years. The man them. He spends an awful lot of time his return from Britain, he learnt to shaped in the turbulent power strug- persuading people.” speak the common people’s languag- MASTER STORYTELLER gles of pre-independence Singapore es — Malay, Chinese and simpliied AND ‘POP STAR’ grasped full well the importance of be- ‘A LOCAL RONALD REAGAN’ English instead of the BBC-standard ing able to win over the crowd, though natural to him. Over the months of September and Oc- he refused to be led by it. Mr Lee did not mince words nor try He took up Mandarin classes again tober 1961, Mr Lee gave a series of 12 ra- A leader concerned with being popu- to be politically correct. He once de- with renewed determination in 1955 at dio talks campaigning for merger with lar was a weak leader, he believed, and he scribed himself as “a local Ronald the age of 32, and by the 1959 elections, Malaysia, explaining why it was crucial preferred to be feared than to be loved. Reagan” (referring to the charismat- had mastered it well enough to speak for Singapore’s survival. The broad- In an interview in 1975, Mr Lee said: “My ic former-actor-turned-United States without a script. “I won the respect of casts were made in Malay, Mandarin job is to persuade my lock, my people, President), able to “speak to the people the Chinese-speaking for working hard and English, three times a week each. and that’s the right way ... What the over the blather of the media”, in ref- at their language,” he recollected. “It was a gruelling experience. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

On one occasion, Radio Singapore Speaking in English, Malay and Chi- staf were alarmed when they looked nese in the year’s most important politi- through the studio’s glass panel and did cal speech, he would give an overview not see me at the microphone. One of of the Government’s performance, spell them spotted me lying on my back, lat out the key challenges and talk about on the loor in a state of collapse, as she policy changes — and, more often than thought,” Mr Lee recounted. He had, not, remind his audience colourfully of in fact, lain down “to recover from my Singapore’s vulnerabilities. exhaustion and recharge my batteries “With only notes, I would speak for in between recording the three difer- one to two hours on the important is- ent versions of my broadcast”. sues of the day ... I had to learn how to Those broadcasts showed Mr Lee hold the audience, both at the National to be a master storyteller, said former Theatre and over television, and get Singapore Press Holdings Editor-in- them to follow my thought processes,” Chief (English and Malay Newspapers Mr Lee said. Division) Cheong Yip Seng, who was He felt at his best as an orator with- then a Senior Cambridge-year school- out a script. “I had better rapport with boy. “Every broadcast ended with the my audience when I expressed my listener in suspense and anxious for thoughts as they formed and lowed the next instalment, the way ordinary in my mind, whereas if I had a script, folk at that time lapped up the kung fu I could not get my message across with serials broadcast over Redifusion by the same conviction and passion.” Lei Tai Sor in Cantonese.” He was in his element in the election He could “explain complex issues hustings, delivering iery, no-holds- in simple terms, in a way the masses, barred oratory in the evenings at mass usually in the thousands and then not rallies in the constituencies. But par- well-educated, could understand. His ticularly memorable were his speeches deep, powerful voice rose and fell for at Fullerton Square in the midday heat emphasis and efect, and he spoke with to reach out to oice workers. great passion, determined to convince”. “Sometimes there would be a heavy While radio had a wide reach, shower and I would be drenched while Mr Lee believed in also taking his the crowds sheltered under umbrellas message directly to the ground. After or took cover on the ive-foot-way of of- the merger referendum in September ices around the square,” Mr Lee said. 1962, he visited constituencies to shore Former Cabinet minister George up support for elections the next year. Yeo recalled one such wet Fullerton Those 10 months between Decem- rally in 1980. ber 1962 and September 1963, Mr Lee “So the umbrellas sprouted open said, were the most hectic of his life: and the crowds started idgeting and He made as many as 10 speeches a you could sense that they would soon day, in Malay, English and Hokkien or disperse. But (Mr Lee) did not miss a Mr Lee felt at his best as an orator without a script. ‘I had better rapport with my audience when I expressed my Mandarin. “I became a kind of political beat. He continued. He looked them in thoughts as they formed and flowed in my mind.’ TODAY FILE PHOTO pop star,” he said. the eyes. He addressed them as if he was talking to each and every one of SPEECH THAT them personally.” CHANGED HISTORY Mr Lee said: “The people stayed and I carried on. Although wet, I never But possibly his most important speech felt the cold; my adrenaline was pour- yet came in May 1965, nearly two years ing out. The spoken word on television after Singapore had become part of Ma- made a far greater impact than the laysia, when he laid out his case against written script in newspapers. My domi- communal politics. His audience: The nance of the public platform was my Malaysian Parliament. strength throughout my political life.” He caused a sensation addressing His trademark combativeness and them in Bahasa. Former Minister for candour during the hustings, none- Social Afairs Othman Wok said: “I theless, did not always sit well with a noticed that while he was speaking, newer generation of Singaporeans. In the Alliance leaders sitting in front of the 2011 General Election, his remarks us, they sank lower and lower because to reporters that Aljunied voters would they were embarrassed this man could have “ive years to live and repent” if speak Malay better than them.” they voted in the Workers’ Party team Former Cabinet colleague, the late sparked a storm. Lim Kim San, noted: “That was the Asked about the potential backlash, turning point. They perceived him as he said: “I am 87. I am speaking the a dangerous man who could one day truth. I do not want to be hypocritical.” be the Prime Minister of Malaya. This was the speech that changed history.” On Aug 9, 1965, Singapore was I have never been over- Whatever he wanted his interlocutors You see he has kicked out of Malaysia and became an concerned or obsessed to hear, he engaged them such that remarkable persuasive independent state. with opinion polls or popularity they focused their entire attention on what powers … and he gets his polls. I think a leader who is, is he had to say … He also had a great ability to way not, as some opposition AT RALLIES a weak leader. Between being communicate his ideas to small and large people say, by dictating to loved and being feared, I have groups … Depending on the situation, his audience other people, but by persuading After independence, with the People’s always believed Machiavelli might be made up of many who may not be well- them. He spends an awful Action Party making a clean sweep of was right. If nobody is afraid versed in English. On such occasions, he would lot of time persuading people. Parliament seats for close to two dec- of me, I’m meaningless. comment or criticise using a Malay or Chinese Late Cabinet minister Goh Keng Swee ades, Mr Lee institutionalised the prac- Mr Lee in his memoirs (dialect) expression that resonated with the tice of addressing the nation in his Na- average man and even humoured the audience. tional Day Rally, which was broadcast on Former President S R Nathan television to reach as many as possible. 68 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

Mr Lee having a word with then Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, seated beside Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as then President S R Nathan makes the opening speech during the opening of the 11th parliamentary session in 2006, when Mr Lee was Minister Mentor. TODAY FILE PHOTO Political renewal, a life and death matter

‘My most important job resource-less island had nothing except These eforts ranged from system- through in 1985 of paying oice-holders “its strategic location and the people atically scouring the country’s top reasonable salaries — also aimed at was to get a team that who can maximise this location by or- executives, academics and civil serv- deterring corruption — saw him lock could carry on the work’ ganisation, management, skills and, ants; to starting the Singapore Armed horns with Opposition MPs for three most important of all, brains”. Forces Overseas Scholarship in 1971 hours in Parliament. The issue was hile the obsession of many “Five years of such a government, to groom the best brains at a young revisited several times over the years, W political leaders — espe- probably a coalition and Singapore My experience age (by 1995, four former SAF scholars especially following Mr Lee’s radical cially those of new nation- will be down on her knees ... Once in ... has led me had entered politics and later became proposal in 1995 to peg ministerial states —was with holding on to power disarray, it will not be possible to put to conclude Cabinet Ministers — Lee Hsien Loong, salaries, based on a formula, to the six for as long as possible, Mr Lee Kuan it together again.” that we need George Yeo, Lim Hng Kiang and Teo highest-paid individuals in the private Yew’s, from the very beginning, was good men to Chee Hean). sector — and it remains contentious the search for his successors. HEADHUNTING have good Mr Lee even studied the headhunt- today for many Singaporeans. In fact, it was barely over a year into government. ing processes of top multi-national cor- Nonetheless, his response to the de- his task of governing a newly-independ- When then-Finance Minister Hon Sui However good porations — he eventually adopted in bate over the latest review of ministers’ ent Singapore — when almost the entire Sen asked in 1976 to retire after one the system of 1983 Shell’s system of assessing a can- pay in 2011 left no doubts as to Mr Lee’s Old Guard leadership were relatively more election, what Mr Hon said had government, didate’s “helicopter qualities” — and continued conviction that this was how young — that he expressed his worries a “profound inluence” on Mr Lee’s bad leaders included evaluations by psychologists to get good people to step forward. in 1966 about the Republic’s “very thin conviction that “my most important will bring and psychiatrists in the People’s Action “To ind able and committed men crust of leadership”, for it was a “life- job was to get a team that could carry harm to their Party’s famous “tea sessions” with po- and women of integrity, willing to spend and-death” matter, in Mr Lee’s words, on the work, otherwise we would fail”. people. On tential political recruits. the prime of their lives, and going that developing countries such as Sin- “He said, ‘You know, when these the other The attempts to inject new blood through the risky process of elections, gapore had good political leadership. chairmen and CEOs come to see me, hand, I have into the leadership were “not without we cannot underpay our ministers and And by the 1968 elections, his eforts they are not just looking at me, they are seen several stress”. “Several old-guard ministers argue that their sole reward should be to assemble a group of successors had looking for who will be taking my place. societies well were concerned about the pace at which their contribution to the public good,” begun — bright PhD holders such as Because their investments are going to governed in they were being replaced,” he wrote in he said in January 2012. Chiang Hai Ding and Wong Lin Ken go on a long time — 10, 15, 20 years — spite of poor his memoirs. “We did not take Singapore from the were ielded, but he quickly learnt that and I won’t be here’,” Mr Lee recounted. systems of Third to the First World by headhunt- political leadership required “other Helped by his closest collaborators, government, PAYING COMPETITIVE SALARIES ing ministers willing to sacriice their qualities besides a disciplined mind Dr Goh Keng Swee and Mr S Rajarat- because good, children’s future when undertaking a able to marshal facts and igures”. nam, Mr Lee endeavoured tirelessly to strong leaders Although the means of identifying able public service duty. We took a prag- “There is a heavy price to pay if me- work out a system that would uncover, were in charge. men and women were eventually set- matic course that did not require people diocrities and opportunists ever take from a tiny catchment area, potential Mr Lee in his tled, Mr Lee faced the challenge of of calibre to give up too much for the control of the government of Singa- successors who could excel in an envi- book From Third convincing them to serve in politics. public good. We must not reduce Sin- pore,” he once said, because this tiny, ronment with a small margin for error. World To First The controversial solution he pushed gapore to another ordinary country in SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Mr Lee and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the PAP60 commemorative event at the Victoria Concert Hall in November 2014. TODAY FILE PHOTO the Third World by dodging the issue of the PAP government. Senior Minister pore’s next leader would be chosen. He General Election: “This time you are competitive ministerial remuneration.” laid this cornerstone. It will survive the gave a landmark speech in the rain for casting your vote not in judgment over This was a “clean” wage, however Senior Minister.” an hour, urging Singaporeans to help my performance because I did not make — there were none of the frills of oice, The decision to give this a full and him test out the second-generation the decisions … For four years, (Goh such as houses or a State plane, that public hearing raised eyebrows inter- leadership for the sake of Singapore’s Chok Tong and his younger colleagues) other countries’ ministers enjoyed. Per- nationally. “Almost anywhere in Asia, leadership “self-renewal”. have made all the major decisions. Yes, manent Secretary of the Public Service few would have cared. But this was Sin- Mr Lee let the younger ministers I presided over the Cabinet meetings, Division Yong Ying-I noted: “We are gapore, which takes pride in its image pick their own leader — after the 1984 but even when I disagreed with them, possibly the only country in the world of incorruptibility,” noted an Asiaweek election, they unanimously chose I have not over-ruled them.” where ministers are not driven around article. (The discounts, incidentally, Mr Goh — and it was years later that he This had included, for instance, mod- in chaufeured limousines, but drive were treated as unsolicited gifts and revealed that his irst choice had been ifying his position to take in the younger themselves in their own cars to work given to the Government.) Dr Tan as he found Mr Goh “wooden”. ministers’ views on the shape of the and to many public engagements.” To Mr Lee, there was no room in Weeks before he passed the baton to Elected President scheme, which was In 2006, when the saga involving government for self-aggrandisement Mr Goh, Mr Lee told foreign magazine enacted in 1991, and not objecting to the Hotel Properties came to light, Mr Lee or personality cults. Until his bronze They say, Worldlink: “I think my mission will not plans to have casinos here even though wanted the issue of unsolicited dis- bust was unveiled at the Singapore oh, let’s have be complete until the system has been he was once dead set against the idea.. counts for purchases of new condomin- University of Technology and Design multi-party handed over and works without me. Speaking to a team of journalists ium units made by him and then Dep- in August 2013, in all of six decades politics. Let’s Whether my colleagues and I have suc- interviewing him for a book in 2009, uty Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong there were no public statues or build- have diferent ceeded or failed depends upon whether Mr Lee said: “As long as I’m of value, explained in Parliament. ings, and only two schools of learning, parties change Singapore works without us.” my value is to try and consolidate what There had been market talk that named after him. and be in we’ve achieved in Singapore. I’m not the two leaders had been ofered units charge of the ETHOS OF STEWARDSHIP interested in consolidating any leader in all of HPL’s property projects. Fol- HANDING OVER THE REINS Government. or any system. Having seen this place lowing a parliamentary debate, no Is it that Mr Lee remained in the Cabinet until rise, I do not want to see it fall — it’s impropriety was found in the sales. What set Mr Lee apart from many lead- simple? You 2011, irst as Senior Minister, then as as simple as that.” Nevertheless, the saga led to new ers was the visible, planned manner in vote in a Minister Mentor. His staying on at- This ethos of “honest stewardship”, rules for ministers, such as having to which he orchestrated handing over the Division Three tracted criticisms periodically about observed Ms Yong, has permeated clear all property purchases with the reins in November 1990. He had origi- government, whether he had truly relinquished pow- beyond the political sphere with key Prime Minister, whether for occupa- nally aimed to step down in 1988, “be- not a er, particularly after it emerged that his ramiications. Singapore’s bureau- tion or investment. lieving the sooner I give up, the younger Division One son would be the third Prime Minister. cracy, unlike others, having delivered At the conclusion of the debate, then I will be and the more active I can be government, But Mr Lee himself, as well as Prime professionally-run companies such as Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said he to make sure that the team succeeds … and the whole Ministers Goh and Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore Technologies, Keppel and had not taken the decision to investigate The later I give up, the older and slower economy will asserted that his role had evolved to be- Singapore Airlines, devolved power the matter lightly, noting that much was I will be, the more risky its success”. just subside come a resource person, or a guardian and deliberately withdrew from con- at stake in terms of the reputation of As far back as 1980, he had an- within three, to the younger team. Indeed, Mr Lee trol. “To use power for the right pur- the Government and the political cost, nounced a nucleus of seven names — four years. had begun the process of ceding the pose, and to be able to give it up and among other things. including Mr Goh Chok Tong, Dr Tony Finished. reins well before he oicially handed withdraw at the right time, is a critically But, referring to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Tan, Mr S Dhanabalan and Mr Ong Lee Kuan Yew over in 1990. important ethos we have imbibed from he said: “Integrity is the cornerstone of Teng Cheong — from whom Singa- on Aug 15 2008 As he told a rally crowd in the 1988 him,” she said. TEO XUANWEI 70 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW Policies for the bedroom and beyond ‘We would not have made economic progress if we had not intervened on very personal matters’

r Lee Kuan Yew did not seek M to remake only Singapore; he wanted to remake Singapo- reans too. His government’s social en- gineering eforts ranged from chang- ing social habits that were a legacy of coolie ancestors to even, controver- sially, who should have babies so as to breed talent. “I am often accused of interfer- ing in the private lives of citizens,” he said in 1987. “Had I not done that, we wouldn’t be here today. And I say with- out the slightest remorse ... we would not have made economic progress if we had not intervened on very per- sonal matters.” To make Singapore “a First World oasis in a Third World region”, he told The New York Times, “we built the in- frastructure … The diicult part was getting the people to change their habits so they behaved more like First World citizens, not like Third World citizens spitting and littering all over the place.” The carrot was used and, more often than not, a big stick. There were campaigns — more than 200 in the ’70s and ’80s — and the BIRTH RATES The Family blame. Couples’ reluctance was caused scheme was dropped soon after. Keep Singapore Clean Campaign in Planning and by changed lifestyles and mindsets, he But Mr Lee continued to hold on to 1968 was one of the irst. There were The Government’s reach extended to Population Board wrote, which no amount of inancial his view that humans were gifted un- ines for littering, jaywalking, spitting, the bedroom. A population boom in the float on Maxwell perks could alter. “I cannot solve the equally by nature. He had cited stud- urinating in lifts, failing to lush toilets early years threatened to overwhelm Road during the problem and I have given up,” he said, ies of identical twins brought up sepa- and smoking in certain areas. (Mr Lee the ledgling nation’s housing, educa- 1975 National leaving the task to the new generation rately, which found evidence that about was himself a smoker who quit in his tion and medical infrastructure, as well Day Parade. of leaders. 80 per cent of a person’s make-up was 30s when it caused him to lose his voice as strain the economy as well. So, the PHOTO: MINISTRY OF from nature and the rest from nurture. in election hustings) Stop at Two policy was born. INFORMATION AND THE GRADUATE MOTHERS SCHEME While government policies could With typically blunt imagery, The Family Planning and Population ARTS COLLECTION, help equalise opportunities at the start- Mr Lee said: “Mine is a very matter- Board was set up in 1966 to achieve zero COURTESY OF NATIONAL Even more controversial was what ing point, he wrote in Hard Truths To of-fact approach to the problem. If you population growth. Abortion was legal- ARCHIVES OF SINGAPORE arose from that 1980 census about Keep Singapore Going: “I tell people can select a population and they’re edu- ised and voluntary sterilisation encour- better-educated women having fewer frankly God has made you that way ... I cated and they’re properly brought up, aged among lower-educated women. children. Mr Lee articulated his con- can give you extra tuition, better envi- then you don’t have to use too much of Disincentives were imposed on those troversial eugenicist idea of breeding ronment, but the incremental beneits the stick because they would already who had more than two — including talent in his 1983 National Day Rally, are not that much. And their peers with have been trained. It’s like with dogs. reduced beneits in housing allocation, televised live to the nation. bigger engines will also make progress. You train it in a proper way from small. maternity leave and tax deductions, I started of He told Singaporeans with trade- So the gap will never be closed. It will know that it’s got to leave, go out- and lower priority for school places. believing all mark bluntness: “If you don’t include “Still ... we are always trying: Give side to pee and to defecate. But by 1980, population growth had men your women graduates in your breed- them extra tuition, give them extra “No, we are not that kind of society. fallen below replacement level — to 1.5 were equal. ing pool and leave them on the shelf, attention, encourage them. So when I We had to train adult dogs who even per cent, from 2.8 in 1970 — which the I now know you would end up a more stupid society receive an honorarium for my speak- today deliberately urinate in the lifts.” Government realised only upon analy- that’s the ... So what happens? There will be less ing engagements, I donate the money To improve the image Singaporeans sis in 1983. most unlikely bright people to support dumb people in to give out scholarships and prizes to presented to tourists, a concerted ef- Referring to criticism that it had thing ever to the next generation. That’s a problem.” the lower end to encourage them to fort was made with the launch, in June been wrong, Mr Lee wrote: “Yes and have been ... He wrote later in recollection: “The do well and upgrade from ITE to poly- 1979, of the annual National Courtesy no.” Without lower population growth, I didn’t start press named it the Great Marriage technics and so on. Occasionally, some Campaign. Being polite, Mr Lee said unemployment and schooling problems of with that Debate. As I had expected, the speech do make it.” in his speech, was a desirable attribute would not have been solved, he argued. knowledge. stirred a hornet’s nest.” One measure of this era that did which was found in cultivated societies. “But we should have foreseen that the But by The next year, Mr Lee and then Edu- survive, however: The Social Develop- Still, it was another measure that better-educated would have two or few- observation, cation Minister Goh Keng Swee decided ment Unit (now called the Social De- the Republic became famous for around er children, and the less-educated four reading, to grant graduate mothers priority in velopment Network), set up in 1984 to the world. or more.” In hindsight, “we would have watching, the best schools for their third child. facilitate socialising between men and For many years, Mr Lee had been reined and targeted our campaign dif- arguing, asking The controversial Graduate Mothers women graduates. While the Govern- concerned about used gum stuck to ferently” right from the 1960s, he said. and then Scheme proved divisive among the ment’s matchmaking eforts drew some pavements, buses and lifts, which made In recent years, the Government bullying my public and the Cabinet, with egalitar- ridicule over the years, Mr Lee averred: for costly maintenance, but had re- poured money and efort into trying to way to the ians such as Deputy Prime Minister S “Traditional methods of choosing mar- sisted a ban. But when the MRT began get Singaporeans to have more babies, top, that is the Rajaratnam outraged. The backlash riage partners had been ruptured by running in 1987 and vandals’ gum pre- but the low birth rate has persisted. Mr conclusion I’ve contributed to the People’s Action Par- universal education. The Government vented doors from closing, the Govern- Lee dismissed as “absurd” the accusa- come to. ty’s 12-percentage-point drop in votes had to provide alternatives to the fam- ment banned chewing gum in 1992. tion that the Stop at Two policy was to Mr Lee in 1997 in that year’s General Election, and the ily matchmakers of old.” SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Mr Lee meeting US President Barack Obama in the Oval Oice in Washington in 2009, when he was Minister Mentor. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in Asia and the world. Photo: ReuteRs

engage the reforming China, politi- cally and economically. Yet as he developed this relation- All the world was his stage ship with China, Mr Lee was not one to indulge in the idea that China and Mr Lee built close ties with both ence from the Western powers in the early history of Singapore: Konfrontasi Asia’s future could be separated from 1950s and 1960s, such as Gamal Abdel with Sukarno’s Indonesia, the exit from the American role. Instead, with his Asian and Western leaders, Nasser of Egypt and Jawaharlal Nehru and tensions with Malaysia, and the knowledge and access to the reforming who valued his unique insights of India. These charismatic leaders cap- withdrawal of the British bases in 1971. China, Mr Lee played a major role in tured the headlines of that tumultuous helping America and the West better n 1967, when Singapore was two era and live on in their national histo- NIMBLE AMONG THE GIANTS understand China. I years independent and he was a ries. Not all, however, have enjoyed the When the Tiananmen incident on young Premier of only 44, a report same longevity or continued to enjoy These experiences drove Mr Lee to be a June 4, 1989, triggered US threats of described Mr Lee Kuan Yew giving a standing and relevance. shrewd and nimble diplomat to ensure sanctions and boycotts, Mr Lee ar- talk at Harvard University. As he spoke Yet Mr Lee was never an idealist nor stability and security for Singapore in ticulated a view of human rights and about the escalating Vietnam War and a demagogue of Third World ideology a diicult world. A key part of Mr Lee’s “Asian values” that responded to West- the role of the United States, the Crim- and utopian theories. One might even foreign policy can in this context be ern criticism. While not the only Asian son university newspaper suggested: say that he does not leave behind a co- understood as eforts to engage with spokesman with such views, then and “Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of the herent, theoretical framework or popu- the powerful and especially with the now still controversial, his testimony city-state of Singapore, is a Mayor who list slogan. He was famously pragmatic US. During the Cold War, Mr Lee and held weight among world leaders not talks as though he may one day be a to focus on what works. But this did not Singapore made every efort to befriend only because of his innate understand- world statesman ... His concern for the mean he had no regard for principle. America as the dominant superpower ing of China, but because he had built fate of South-east Asia, fortiied by his Rather, he blended the two. in Asia in the post-WWII world and up long-standing ties and trust. spectacular economic successes and In a recent assessment, Ambassa- bulwark against communism. Conversely, Mr Lee also shared oth- his ambitious style, makes Lee a poten- dor-at-Large and former Permanent Survival was moreover not only er somewhat less welcome insights tial international strongman.” Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign accepting American protection and, into China. This was never easy. He Five decades on, this description Afairs Bilahari Kausikan remarked: while Singapore did not become a US believed that China and the rest of seems prophetic. Mr Lee is to be credit- “He understood that international or- ally, Mr Lee emphasised a broader Asia would beneit from the continued ed with leading Singapore’s early trans- der is the prerequisite for international engagement. As Ms Chan Heng Chee, presence of the US. formation from Third World to First, as law and organisation. So while you may former long-serving Ambassador to In his keynote address after receiv- relected in the title of the irst volume work towards an ideal and must stand the US, recounted: “For Lee Kuan ing a lifetime achievement award from of his memoirs. More than any other irm on basic principles, you settle for Yew, the US role in Asia was not just a the US-ASEAN Business Council in member of the founding generation of what is practical at any point of time, military one. The US ofered markets, Washington, DC, in 2009, Mr Lee said: local politicians, he shaped politics and rather than embark on quixotic quests.” technology and investments to the re- “The size of China makes it impossible ensured continuity. Singapore’s sur- A major factor that shaped Mr Lee’s gion that no other power could match. for the rest of Asia, including Japan vival and success are his touchstones. world view was his experience of the This was essential for the emergence of and India, to match it in weight and Yet, more than this, Mr Lee is re- Japanese occupation, as he himself has the four Asian tigers and the ASEAN capacity in about 20 to 30 years. So membered not only as the irst Prime alluded to on several occasions. The il- (Association of South-east Asian Na- we need America to strike a balance.” Minister of Singapore; his inluence has lusion of colonial superiority and of Sin- tions) countries.” His comments were misconstrued transcended our city-state. gapore as the “impregnable fortress” Another important dimension in by some netizens and commentators in was so suddenly and savagely torn Mr Lee’s foreign engagements arose China. But throughout, Chinese leaders PRAGMATISM PLUS apart that the experience anchored as he developed a close relationship — from Deng Xiaoping and Mr Jiang Mr Lee to an unsentimental view of with China. Beginning from Deng Zemin to Mr Hu Jintao and Mr Xi Jin- Mr Lee came to power in a generation human nature and a focus on power. Xiaoping’s historic visit to Singapore ping — have understood that this and of nationalists who sought independ- This was reinforced by events in the in 1978, Mr Lee made every efort to Continued on Page 72 72 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

CONTINUED FROM PAgE 71 while maintaining the freedom to be words: He put things succinctly and others could. When Mr Lee requested Mr Lee’s other remarks were always itself as a sovereign and independent with the right nuance.” an audience, he got it — whether it was intended to be in their country’s inter- nation. Both parts of the equation — a Despite his personal friendships an interview with CNN and other in- est. This combination of insight, access maximum number of friends and free- with world leaders, he was not afraid ternational media, a personal audience and credibility with both Chinese and dom to be ourselves — are equally im- to stand up to a greater power where with Chinese leaders or tete a tete dis- Western leaders allowed Mr Lee to play portant and interrelated. needed. There were famous instanc- cussions in the capitals of the West. a signiicant role in one of the most im- “Friendship, in international rela- es, such as in 1968, when he turned Among testaments to his strategic portant issues in the world: The evolv- tions, is not a function of goodwill or down a direct appeal by Indonesian insights was being called The Grand ing US-China relationship. personal afection. We must make our- President Suharto to pardon two In- Master by eminent American strategic selves relevant so that other countries donesian marines for the MacDonald thinkers. Former US President George UNVARNISHED VIEWS have an interest in our continued sur- House bombing; and in 1994, when, as H W Bush once said: “In my long life FOR A LISTENING WORLD vival and prosperity as a sovereign and Senior Minister, he refused American in public service, I have encountered independent nation. Singapore cannot appeals against the caning of Michael many bright, able people. None is more Some might think a statesman should take its relevance for granted. Small Fay. In widely reported comments on impressive than Lee Kuan Yew.” be above politics and controversy, countries perform no vital or irreplace- local television, he had said of the US: Former US Secretary of State Henry something of a popular and secular able functions in the international sys- “The country dares not restrain or pun- Kissinger has also said: “There is no saint spouting about world peace. But tem. Singapore has to continually re- ish the individuals, forgiving them for second Lee Kuan Yew in the world. Nor- Mr Lee was never afraid of controver- construct itself and keep its relevance whatever they have done... That’s why mally one would say that the leader of sy. He did not court headlines deliber- to the world and to create political and the whole country is in chaos. Drugs, a country of the size and population of ately, but neither would he self-censor economic space. This is the economic violence, unemployment and homeless- Singapore would not have a global inlu- if it meant his views were less sharply imperative for Singapore.” ness, all sorts of problems in its society.” ence ... But precisely because Singapore focused and expressed. As a 32-year- Yet Mr Lee also forged close per- Former President S R Nathan also can survive only by competition with old, Mr Lee said: “I have been accused sonal friendships with world leaders, recalls how Mr Lee declined a gift from much more powerful neighbours, and of many things in my life, but not even amity that has helped Singapore in late Chinese Premier Hua Guofeng on precisely because its well-being depends my worst enemy has ever accused me many areas, from security to econom- his irst visit to China in 1976. The gift on stability and progress in the area, of being afraid to speak my mind.” ics. His personal ties with regional was a book by Australian academic Nev- his views were always in a much larger This was one of his key strengths, in leaders such as late Malaysian Prime ille Maxwell on the 1962 Sino-Indian war, context than the technical problems of Mr Kausikan’s view: “The disciplined Minister Tun Abdul Razak and Indo- and Hua told Mr Lee that it was “the the Singaporean economy and so he al- clarity of his thought and expression nesian President Suharto smoothed correct version of the India-China war”. ways had a tremendous inluence on us.” was one of the primary sources of the the way for the founding of ASEAN in Mr Nathan said: “When PM took the Mr Lee himself said at the age of inluence Mr Lee wielded, dispropor- 1967. His friendship with members of book, he looked at the front and back 89 in One Man’s View Of The World: tionate for the leader of a small country United Kingdom Prime Minister Har- cover and then handed it back to Pre- “I continue to make appointments to like Singapore. His views were valued old Wilson’s government helped delay mier Hua, saying, ‘Mr Prime Minister, meet people. You must meet people, because they were unvarnished and the British troops’ withdrawal to late this is your version of the war. There because you must have human contact gave a fresh and unique perspective. He 1971, buying Singapore time to build is another version, the Indian version. if you want to broaden your perspec- said things that leaders of much larger up its own defence forces. He also held And in any case I am from South-east tive. Besides people in Singapore, I and more powerful countries may well long-term friendships with world lead- Asia — it’s nothing to do with us.’ Hua meet those from Malaysia, Indonesia, have thought and may have liked to say, ers and senior oicials such as British showed no reaction, but a silence fell and, from time to time, China, Europe but for one reason or another, could not Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in the room. and the United States. I try not to meet only old friends or political leaders, but people from a variety of ields, such as TAKING ON academics, businessmen, journalists THE WESTERN MEDIA and ordinary people.” Asked how he wished to be remem- Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s candid views on democ- scathing article on Singapore and Lee in the bered, he said: “I do not want to be re- racy and development were often cited and United Kingdom press. After Levin declined, membered as a statesman ... I do not criticised by international media, particularly Mr Lee took out full-page paid advertisements classify myself as a statesman. I put those from the West. He was seen as the main in several British newspapers to lay bare the myself down as determined, consistent, proponent of the “Asian values” debate, as it facts and reveal that Levin had refused to take persistent. I set out to do something, was dubbed in the 1980s and 1990s. These spe- part in the televised debate. I keep on chasing it until it succeeds. cial Asian characteristics meant that Western Mr Lee put it best in a 1988 address to That is all ... Anybody who thinks he is a democracy, law and order — human rights, in the American Society of Newspaper Editors statesman ought to see a psychiatrist.” other words — could not be universally applied. in Washington, DC: “Singapore’s domestic His was a role and reputation built The divide between East and West sharpened debate is a matter for Singaporeans. We allow not on any single statement or thought. particularly after the bloody 1989 Tiananmen American journalists in Singapore in order to Mr Lee was valued on the world stage Square crackdown on student protesters. report Singapore to their fellow countrymen. because of his decades of engagement For Mr Lee, this meant taking on his detrac- We allow their papers to sell in Singapore so across the region and the world at the tors — and he had many — in a long-running that we can know what foreigners are reading highest level, and his ability and ef- battle with Western news organisations and about us. But we cannot allow them to as- fort to analyse and present what he academics. He took umbrage particularly at sume a role in Singapore that the American saw in the clearest, unvarnished way. cases where he perceived them as interfer- media play in America, that of invigilator, He spoke and acted in a way that was ing in Singapore politics. Among his notable adversary and inquisitor of the administra- unique to him, valued by so many and Top: Then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and critics were American journalist William Saire tion. If allowed to do so, they will radically of continuing relevance to world afairs. Mr Lee at the Istana in 2012; Then Indonesian President and British journalist Bernard Levin from the change the nature of Singapore society, and In doing this, Mr Lee lived up to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Mr Lee at the Istana be- Times, whom Mr Lee challenged to a face-to- I doubt if our social glue is strong enough to the imperative he set for Singapore’s fore the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2009, when face interview on the BBC after Levin wrote a withstand such treatment.” survival: Make Singapore relevant to Mr Lee was Minister Mentor. PHOTOS: REUTERS, TODAY FILE PHOTO others, so it is in their interest to have Singapore around. themselves prudently say. And so he German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt “Even to this day, I sometimes get His departure leaves the interna- made Singapore relevant.” and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. asked about this incident (by) people tional stage empty in a way that no one Speaking in 2009, Mr Lee had said Said Ms Chan Heng Chee: “He put who cannot bring themselves to believe in Singapore or indeed across Asia can of Singapore’s foreign policy funda- great store in developing personal rela- that the PM of a small country like Sin- readily ill. SIMON TAY AND DENYSE YEO mentals: “Independence was thrust tionships. These relationships bought gapore would have dared to incur Chi- upon Singapore. The fundamentals of Singapore space. It was not just a nese displeasure by such a response.” our foreign policy were forged during question of bonhomie and sociability, those vulnerable early years. They re- though I have seen Mr Lee charm COMMANDING Simon Tay is chairman of the Singapore main relevant because small countries his hosts in the US. They sought his THE WORLD STAGE Institute of International Afairs (SIIA) have little power to alter the region, let company for his strategic insights, his and associate professor at the National alone the world. A small country must understanding of the region and his Another, related strength was his abili- University of Singapore’s Faculty of Law. seek a maximum number of friends, take on the world. He had a way with ty to command the world stage — as few Denyse Yeo was an editor at the SIIA. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 The special relationship with China

Mr Lee played a vital part Food Zone. These projects provide av- enues for existing and aspiring lead- in Beijing’s transformations ers from both sides and at diferent and in building bilateral ties levels to meet each other regularly to strengthen personal ties. he relationship between China, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh T one of the largest countries in Chok Tong said: “Mr Lee’s good re- the world, and Singapore, a lit- lations with China’s leaders enabled tle red dot in South-east Asia, has been Singapore and the leaders who came widely regarded as special or unique. after Mr Lee to ride on those good re- Mr Lee Kuan Yew has been instru- lationships.” mental in building this relationship. Over the past few decades, China LEE AS CHINA’S INTERLOCUTOR has successfully made two simultane- TO THE WORLD ous transformations. Internally, it has lifted itself from Singapore’s relationship with China being one of the poorest economies to is special not only because Mr Lee becoming the world’s No 2. (and Singapore) have contributed to Externally, it has broken out of iso- China’s modernisation, but also be- lation to become part of the interna- cause he (and Singapore) have helped tional system. the world, particularly the West, and Why has Singapore under Mr Lee China to understand each other. succeeded in building a special rela- No leader appears to be as candid tionship with China? as Mr Lee; he often reminded China The answer is simple: Mr Lee, and how to integrate itself into the world. Singapore, have been an important At times, his comments ruled feath- part of China’s dual transformations. ers, particularly among the younger He once told journalist Tom Plate, generation of Chinese. But China’s in Giants Of Asia: Conversations With leaders understand that Mr Lee’s Lee Kuan Yew: “The ideas that Deng LEE AND DENG In celebration of the Mr Lee recounted in his book From comments were in its interest. Xiaoping formed, if he had not come 20th anniversary of Third World To First what he told In the same way, Mr Lee helped here (in the 1970s) and seen the West- Deng was the Chinese leader whom diplomatic relations Deng during his 1978 visit to Singa- the West to understand China. Since ern multinationals in Singapore pro- Mr Lee most respected. Although between Singapore pore: “ASEAN (Association of South- Deng, the West has frequently dis- ducing wealth for us, training our peo- Deng did not make any published com- and China, Mr Lee east Asian Nations) governments re- missed China’s growth and its sus- ple so as a result we were able to build ments on Mr Lee, he spoke about Sin- and then Chinese garded radio broadcasts from China tainability. Mr Lee would tell the a prosperous society, then he might gapore during his landmark Southern Vice-President Xi appealing directly to their ethnic Chi- Americans and Europeans that Chi- never have opened up ... opening up Tour to Chinese cities in 1992: “There Jinping, who was nese as dangerous subversion ... Deng na’s growth was indeed real. He often the coastal SEZs (Special Economic is good social order in Singapore. on an oicial visit to listened silently. He had never seen cautioned the US against underesti- Zones) that eventually led to the whole They govern the place with discipline. Singapore, unveiled it in this light … He knew that I had mating China and trying to contain of China opening up by joining the We should draw from their experience the Deng Xiaoping spoken the truth. Abruptly, he asked: this rising power. Because of his in- World Trade Organization ...” and do even better than them.” His marker at the ‘What do you want me to do?’” nate understanding of China, Mr Lee’s comments soon unleashed a wave of Asian Civilisations Not long after, China stopped views were sought and closely listened THE PRE-DENG ERA Chinese study visits to Singapore. Museum in broadcasting to South-east Asia. to by other world leaders. Yet, the Republic had influenced November 2010, Former US Secretary of State Since the late Deng, Chinese leaders Deng earlier on, starting from his re- when Mr Lee was AFTER DENG George Shultz once said: “He (Mr Lee) have appreciated Mr Lee’s contribu- form or “open door” initiatives in De- Minister Mentor. didn’t just go see leaders in Beijing. He tion to China’s modernisation, viewing cember 1978 to allow foreign business- The marker is part In 1992, the Chinese Communist Par- was able to travel in the country and him as its close friend. Even though es to set up in China. of the National ty held its 14th National Congress and see people in all sorts of occupations this relationship began under Deng, He had visited Singapore only a Heritage Board’s formally incorporated Deng’s theory and age levels, so he is a very penetrat- the initial efort was laid by Mr Lee in month earlier and showed great inter- eforts to enrich on a socialist market economy into ing observer ... I found that very valu- the pre-Deng years. est in its social and economic devel- the public’s the party’s charter. Deng had retired able to listen to what he had to say, as Up to 1970, China did not recognise opment experience. Mr Lee believed understanding of from politics and rarely appeared in we tried to formulate in the US how Singapore’s existence as an independ- that what Deng saw in Singapore had Singapore’s role public. But the solid foundation laid by we would approach China.” ent state and Mr Lee was often derid- shocked him and strengthened his in regional and him and Mr Lee helped drive the bi- Today, China is an important play- ed as a “running dog of United States resolve to open up his country to the world history, as lateral relationship forward. As China er on the world stage and its leaders and British imperialism”. world. Deng’s 1992 comment was a well as honour continued its steady growth, econom- can talk directly to other world lead- When the US began to normalise reairmation of the Singapore model the achievements ic and business ties between the two ers everywhere. But Chinese leaders ties with China under then President that he had seen 14 years earlier. of one of China’s countries deepened. continue to appreciate Singapore’s Richard Nixon, Mr Lee saw a chance Why did Deng trust Mr Lee and the outstanding The main reason is that Singapore view on the world. As then Vice-Presi- to improve Singapore’s relations with Singapore model? First, both leaders leaders. has constantly made itself relevant to dent Xi Jinping told Mr Lee during the China. He visited China in 1976, meet- had a strong mission to build up their China’s development by sharing its ex- 2008 Beijing Olympic Games: “We will ing Mao Zedong and his successor, respective countries. periences and best practices. In 1994, need you for a long time. I have been Hua Guofeng. Although Mao and Hua Second, both considered their when China initiated a new wave of in- to Singapore, I know what you have did not impress Mr Lee very much, countries’ long-term national inter- dustrialisation, the China-Singapore and our people want to learn. We get ties between the countries slowly est as a priority. Mr Lee’s engagement Suzhou Industrial Park was estab- more from you than from America.” improved. with China during the Cold War was lished. In 2007, when China’s environ- Singapore is constantly inding ways Mr Lee’s irst visit to Beijing helped in Singapore’s national interest. Simi- mental problems became a hot issue to stay relevant to China. Both coun- cement Singapore’s commercial ties larly, Deng believed that listening to before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the tries now cooperate in new areas such with China. At the same time, Chi- Mr Lee’s analysis of the world was in idea to jointly build an eco-city was as financial cooperation, food safety nese perception of Singapore began China’s national interest. Zheng Yongnian broached and later developed into the and social management. For China, it is to change. Third, the men shared a high lev- is professor and Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city. even more important to get its relation- However, real change in the Sin- el of mutual respect and trust, partly director of East Other key projects include the Si- ship right with a small, neighbouring gapore-China relationship took place due to their similar pursuit of nation- Asian Institute, no-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge country such as Singapore. This will be only after Deng returned to power in al interest and pragmatism in solving National University City, Singapore-Chengdu High-Tech the best litmus test of its peaceful rise. the late 1970s. problems they encountered. of Singapore. Park and the Sino-Singapore Jilin ZHENG YONGNIAN 74 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW Long-term vision helped cement US ties

Mr Lee was seen as a vital interpreter of events in Asia by successive American Presidents

r Lee Kuan Yew has been the M most instrumental factor in the development of Singa- pore’s relations with the United States. In fact, bilateral ties were initially very much centred on the friendship be- tween Mr Lee and successive American leaders who deeply respected his strong conviction, clear big-picture vision and extraordinary strategic leadership. The Vietnam War could be said to have strengthened Mr Lee’s cachet and standing with Washington. Mr Lee saw American participation in the war as buying time for non-Communist states in Southeast Asia, and played a role in stifening US resolve to resist Com- munism. Singapore’s independent and non-aligned foreign policy orientation gave him great credence within the American policy establishment, as a neutral party supporting their military campaign in Vietnam. Mr Lee remained a vital inter- preter of events in Asia long after the Vietnam War ended. His stand- ing in American policy circles has been explained by Foreign Minister K Shanmugam, who notes that Mr Lee recognised some fundamental truths about the US and the world well before other states and leaders. Mr Lee saw As American leaders valued Mr US Vice-President How to build a fundamental and organic mentation, but bilateral ties are now that strong US presence was vital to Lee’s views on geopolitics and the world Joe Biden (left) relationship with Asia, including China. locked into a pragmatic partnership maintain peace and balance in Asia as order, and admired his accomplish- during his meeting There is nobody who can teach us more going beyond individual personalities. the Asian economies developed, and ments, they did not take to heart his with Mr Lee at the about the nature and the scope of this The solid foundation established by supported it long before it was fash- criticism. In some cases, American Istana in July 2013. efort than Lee Kuan Yew … Lee is not Mr Lee has allowed both countries to ionable to say so. Singapore was often opinion makers also agreed with Mr PHOTO: REUTERS only one of the seminal leaders of our focus on the strategic issues and the in the minority of voices, sometimes Lee’s analyses of the problems trou- period, but also a thinker recognised big picture to substantiate the unique even alone, in speaking up for the US bling their country. They knew that Mr for his singular strategic acumen.” relationship. Ultimately, the ability in the developing world and forums Lee believed in the American can-do Mr Lee’s long-term vision and stra- of Singapore to articulate regional such as the Non-Aligned Movement. way and that the US is the only country tegic intellect singlehandedly contrib- concerns and views, particularly on with the strength and determination to uted to the cementing of the close ties geopolitical and strategic issues, and BELIEF IN AMERICA’S STRENGTH deal with the challenges faced by the that Singapore now enjoys with the to foster consensus in various interna- global community. Even as the US was US. Singapore and US oicials often tional forums on common challenges Later, again under Mr Lee’s leader- afected by the recent inancial crisis articulate that Mr Lee has established facing the world will ensure a continu- ship, Singapore stepped up to help the and some saying it was in decline, Mr the institutions and processes for both ous dialogue and cooperation between US maintain its presence in the region Lee repeatedly reminded others not countries to pursue strategic interests the two countries. even as the US drew down its assets to underestimate American creativity, that would normally be impossible be- Singapore leaders will continue to elsewhere. In November 1990, in one of resilience and innovative spirit. He was tween a small island state and the have access to the top policy-makers his last acts as Prime Minister, Mr Lee conident the US will ind its feet again. global superpower. American policy- in Washington. Yet, they would need signed a Memorandum of Understand- Former US Secretary of State Hen- makers would always recall how Mr to establish their own level of inluence ing with then US Vice President Dan ry Kissinger writes: “Lee has made Lee developed the basis of bilateral and strategic value to the US. Countries Quale in Tokyo, ofering enhanced use himself an indispensable friend of the defence cooperation, especially access in Asia have new leaders who can en- of facilities in Singapore to American United States, not primarily by the arrangements for American forces in gage the US directly and in their own military aircraft and naval vessels as a power he represents, but by the excel- Singapore. They also believed that it ways. This is diferent from the situa- contribution to sustaining US forward lence of his thinking. His analysis is of was Mr Lee’s persuasive inluence that tion when Mr Lee was in government. military position in Southeast Asia. such quality and depth that his coun- laid the ground for the US to enter into The quality of Singapore’s strategic But as he worked with American terparts consider meeting with him as negotiations with the Singapore Gov- assessment of developments in Asia statesmen at the strategic level and a way to educate themselves ... Every ernment on a bilateral free trade agree- and beyond will determine the level preserved the balance of power in Asia, American president who has dealt with ment. Through Mr Lee’s readiness to of conidence, trust and value which Mr Lee saw laws within American so- him has beneitted from the fact that, meet a large number of oicials from American policy-makers will accord ciety. Although he praised America’s on international issues, he has identi- the American policy establishment, to Singapore. ONG KENG YONG strengths, its enterprising spirit and ied the future of his country with the substantial linkages have been built up openness to talent, Mr Lee did not fate of democracies. Furthermore, Lee that are now permanent and regular shy away from speaking of America’s can tell us about the nature of the world exchanges between the Singapore and weaknesses such as the widespread that we face, especially penetrating in- US authorities. Ong Keng Yong is Executive Deputy availability of guns, and as he puts sights into the thinking of his region. Diferences in policy and govern- Chairman of the S Rajaratnam School it, the breakdown of civil society and Lee’s analyses shed light on the most ance have surfaced from time to time. of International Studies at Nanyang erosion of the moral underpinnings of important challenge that the United There will always be diferent pri- Technological University. This piece was American society. States confronts over the long term: orities and emphasis in policy imple- written in his personal capacity. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who was then Prime Minister, hosting a reception for late Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman at Sri Temasek, the oicial residence of the Prime Minister of Singapore, in 1969. Photo: Ministry of inforMation and the arts ColleCtion, Courtesy of national arChives of singaPore A close but diicult relationship Ties between Malaysia and military, economy and water — to force ers who were suspicious of Singapore. Singapore in 1978. Singapore to follow Malaysia’s lead. As Singapore grew, the Malaysian Expecting Dr Mahathir to succeed Singapore have been marked “We countered the military lever- attitude towards economic coopera- Mr Hussein, Mr Lee had wanted to by their share of ups and downs age by building up the SAF (Singapore tion was one of, in Mr Lee’s words, put their old antagonism behind them. Armed Forces). We overcame their “envy and disdain”. Malaysia subse- Back in May 1965, during a ses- he Republic’s often tumultuous economic hold by leapfrogging them quently took a series of measures to sion of the Malaysian Parliament in T relationship with its neighbour and the region to link up with the indus- reduce the import and export of goods Kuala Lumpur, Dr Mahathir had de- across the Causeway during trial countries,” Mr Lee said in 2000. through Singapore. For example, from nounced Singapore’s People’s Action Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s tenure as Prime But Singapore had no choice but 1973, all goods shipped from one part Party, led by Mr Lee, as “pro-Chinese, Minister was often attributed to his to continue to rely on Malaysia for of Malaysia to another had to be con- communist-oriented and positively personal relationship with Malay- water, which was to remain a major signed from their own ports, in order anti-Malay”. sia’s leaders. sticking point in bilateral relations for to qualify for import tax exemption. Dr Mahathir subsequently made But in Mr Lee’s view, the root cause four decades. Timber exports to Singapore were several visits to Singapore, during of the problems that arose when Singa- Relations across the Causeway be- also banned, badly afecting the is- which they had “long and frank ex- pore separated from Malaysia in 1965 came “relatively trouble-free” for a few land’s plywood factories and sawmills. changes of several hours each to clear lay in “our diametrically diferent ap- years after Mr Abdul Razak Hussein Johor leaders had also convinced the air surrounding our suspicions of proaches to the problems facing our became Malaysia’s Prime Minister in Mr Hussein that Singapore was out to each other”, Mr Lee said. two multiracial societies”. September 1970. harm the Malaysian state and prevent Mr Lee told Dr Mahathir about “A multiracial society of equal citi- To mark improving bilateral rela- its economic progress, noted Mr Lee. Singapore’s fears that Malaysia would zens was unacceptable to the UM- tions since Singapore’s independence, Malaysia continued to take a series cut of the water supply to the Repub- NO leaders of Malaysia in 1965 and Mr Lee made his irst oicial visit to of actions that would slow down the lic — something that Malaysia publicly remained unacceptable in 1999,” Malaysia in March 1972. Mr Razak A multiracial Singapore economy. threatened to do whenever their bilat- he said in his 2000 memoirs From Third returned the visit in 1973. During the society For example, the Johor state gov- eral diferences cropped up — though World to First, referring to the United Razak years, relations between the of equal ernment banned the export of sand the guarantee of water supply was part Malays National Organisation, the larg- two countries were “equable”, with few citizens was and turf, while the federal govern- of the 1965 Separation Agreement. est party in Malaysia’s ruling coalition. serious disagreements, said Mr Lee. unacceptable ment ruled that from 1977, all exports Dr Mahathir said he accepted an Malaysian politicians wanted in- Mr Lee had a good working rela- to the UMNO from Johor to East Malaysia had to independent Singapore and would not dependent Singapore “to be obliging tionship with Malaysia’s third Prime leaders of be shipped through the Pasir Gudang undermine it. and accommodating” in an abang-adik Minister, Hussein Onn, whom he de- Malaysia port, instead of Singapore. “I believed I had satisied him that (big brother-little brother) relation- scribed as “open and direct” in their in 1965 and Despite such developments on the I was not interested in out-manoeu- ship — “with little brother giving way dealings, “coming straight to the point, remained economic front, Mr Lee still had a good vring him, that I wanted a business- graciously” to Malaysian interests, unlike Razak”. unacceptable start with Malaysia’s fourth Prime like relationship,” Mr Lee said. Mr Lee said. Despite the amicable relations be- in 1999. Minister, reaching out to Dr Mahathir Despite the diferences between Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rah- tween Mr Lee and Mr Hussein, bilateral Mr Lee, in Mohamad while he was still Deputy the two that would emerge in later man tried to use three levers — the ties remained impeded by UMNO lead- his memoirs Prime Minister by inviting him to visit Continued on Page 76 76 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 75 sia. These included the relocation of years, Mr Lee said he had made more Singapore’s customs and immigration progress solving bilateral issues with facilities from Tanjong Pagar to Wood- Dr Mahathir from 1981 to 1990 than in lands, to stop drug traickers from the previous 12 years with the latter’s tossing drugs out of train windows. two predecessors. After several months of negoti- Dr Mahathir’s visit to Singapore in ations, a Points of Agreement was December 1981 — a few months after signed on Nov 27, 1990 — the day be- he took oice — saw the two countries fore Mr Lee stepped down. resolve many of their bilateral issues. The two countries agreed on joint Dr Mahathir ordered the lifting of development of three main parcels the ban on the export of construction of land at Tanjong Pagar, Kranji and materials to Singapore. Woodlands, with Malaysia having a Malaysia agreed to return its un- 60 per cent share and Singapore 40 per occupied military camp in Singapore, cent. Three years later, however, Ma- and for the Republic to acquire a por- laysia said the agreement was unfair as tion of Malayan Railway land at Tan- it did not include a piece of railway land Mr Lee and former Indonesian President Suharto in Jakarta in 2006. Mr Lee, then jong Pagar station for an expressway at Bukit Timah for joint development. Minister Mentor, was on a five-day visit to Indonesia. PHOTO: REUTERS extension. Both parties also agreed And despite Dr Mahathir conirm- to sort out Malaysia’s claim to Pedra ing that Malaysia would move its Cus- Branca island. toms, Immigration and Quarantine In 1982, Mr Lee visited Dr Ma- (CIQ) post to Woodlands in April 1992, hathir in Kuala Lumpur, where the two Malaysia decided in June 1997 to retain Building rapport leaders moved from solving bilateral its CIQ at Tanjong Pagar. problems to negotiating new areas of Even after stepping down as Prime cooperation under the Five-Power De- Minister, Mr Lee’s views continued with Indonesia fence Agreement, to counterbalance to draw strong reactions from across the Soviet Union’s bases in Vietnam. the Causeway. In September 1998, During the visit, Malaysia also af- for example, excerpts from Mr Lee’s Mr Lee had a good relationship tinued development.” irmed it would honour the 1962 Wa- memoirs of the events leading to sepa- with Suharto, but also sought In a display of personal diplomacy, ter Agreement, to provide 250 million ration from Malaysia in his memoirs Mr Lee made a trip to see Suharto gallons of water per day to Singapore. — carried by Singapore’s newspapers to better understand Jakarta shortly before the Indonesian leader But it was not long before relations before the book’s launch — angered in the post-strongman era died in 2008. soured. In January 1984, an RM100 Malaysian leaders. In contrast, Mr Lee’s views of Suhar- levy was imposed on all goods vehi- Despite such diplomatic hiccups, r Lee and Suharto had a to’s successors were mixed. His initial cles leaving Malaysia for Singapore, Mr Lee continued to follow up on un- good personal relationship reaction to the prospect that Mr B J while October that year saw Malaysia resolved bilateral issues. However, Mthroughout their political ca- Habibie, who served as Vice-President reduce its import duty on a variety of it was only in 2010 that Singapore’s reers, despite low points in bilateral ties. to Suharto, would take over from the foodstuf, mostly from China, provided Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mr Lee being One was the execution of two Indo- latter was less than positive. But later, that they were imported directly from his Malaysian counterpart, Mr Najib welcomed to his nesian marines in Singapore for the even after Mr Habibie remarked that the country of origin into Malaysia. Razak, inally managed to settle out- Putrajaya office 1965 bombing of MacDonald House in Singapore was a “little red dot in a sea When Malaysia was told that the standing issues relating to the 1990 by then Malaysian Orchard Road, despite a direct appeal of green”, Mr Lee reassessed him to be move violated rules of the General Points of Agreement (POA), including Prime Minister by Suharto. “highly intelligent, but mercurial and Agreement on Tarifs and Trade (the moving the Malaysian Railway station Dr Mahathir However, Mr Lee’s gesture to lay voluble”, as he wrote in From Third precursor of the World Trade Organi- from Tanjong Pagar to the Woodlands Mohamad in 2001. lowers on the marines’ graves in 1973 World To First. zation), the policy was amended to ex- Checkpoint in July 2011. Mr Lee, then Senior helped soothe the tension and showed Mr Lee also credited Mr Habibie empt duty on goods imported via sea Summing up Singapore’s ties with Minister, was Singapore’s commitment to improving for Indonesia’s decentralisation eforts and airport, but not via a land route Malaysia, Mr Lee Kuan Yew said in making his second relations with Indonesia. that empowered the districts and mu- such as the Causeway. his 2000 memoirs: “At the end of the visit to Malaysia The “empat mata” meetings be- nicipalities, which helped prevent sepa- Relations were also strained when day, however deep-seated diferences in 12 months to tween Suharto and Mr Lee during As- ratist tendencies from mushrooming. Israeli President Chaim Herzog made between the two, both sides know that resolve a string sociation of South-east Asian Nations Later, in Tom Plate’s 2010 Conver- a state visit to Singapore in Novem- if they lash out at each other without of long-running and other meetings further helped sations With Lee Kuan Yew, Mr Lee ber 1986. restraint, there is a risk of unscram- disputes between build rapport and conidence. would say of Indonesia: “Successor Before stepping down as Prime bling the interracial harmony that Singapore and Mr Lee wrote in his book From Habibie made a mess of it. Then Gus Minister in 1990, Mr Lee tried to re- holds each country’s multiracial so- Malaysia. Third World To First: “Our friendship Dur made a bigger mess. Megawati solve outstanding issues with Malay- ciety together.” PHOTO: REUTERS overcame the many prejudices between calmed it down. SBY (Susilo Bambang Singaporeans of Chinese descent and Yudhoyono) has improved it slightly, Indonesians. Throughout the 1970s and but there’s a long way to go.” ’80s, we met almost every year to keep Beyond personalities, Mr Lee also in touch, exchange views and discuss made a number of visits to the country matters that cropped up.” to meet a broad range of political actors During the 1997-98 inancial crisis in order to better understand post-Su- and as the International Monetary harto Indonesia. This habit of reaching Fund (IMF) put pressure on Indone- out to senior Indonesian leaders contin- sia to undertake structural reforms, ues today — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Mr Lee was against sudden regime Loong held retreats with his Indonesian change in Indonesia. He believed dis- counterpart in 2010, 2012 and 2013. continuity would worsen its already PUSHPANATHAN SUNDRAM AND SIMON TAY precarious situation. Despite Suharto’s fall from power in 1998 and against popular opinion in In- donesia, Mr Lee saw him as a “patriot”. Pushpanathan Sundram is former Writing in From Third World To deputy secretary-general of ASEAN for First, he viewed the change with con- ASEAN Economic Community, managing cern and some sorrow: “It was an im- director at EAS Strategic Advice, Asia and mense personal tragedy for a leader senior research fellow at the Singapore who had turned an impoverished In- Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). donesia of 1965 into an emerging tiger Simon Tay is chairman of SIIA and economy, educated his people and built author of Asia Alone: The Dangerous the infrastructure for Indonesia’s con- Post-Crisis Divide from America. SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015

Mr Lee speaking at the opening of the Fifth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting at Shangri-La Hotel in 1972, when he was Prime Minister. Photo: Ministry of inforMation and the arts ColleCtion, Courtesy of national arChives of singaPore Preserving S’pore’s security via ASEAN The regional grouping helped In From Third World To First, Mr dominantly ethnic Chinese population, members and encouraged their opening Lee wrote: “The unspoken objective of in a sea of Malays. He helped cement and entry into the regional group and buttress solidarity while ASEAN was to gain strength through the fact that Singapore is a South-east international community. For example, maintaining a balance of power solidarity ahead of the power vacuum Asian country by recognising China in ASEAN and Singapore had worked that would come with an impending Brit- 1990 only after Indonesia had done so. hard on the Cambodian question early our decades ago, Indonesia, ish and later a possible US withdrawal.” By using his friendship with Suharto on, with Mr Lee personally travelling F together with Malaysia, Philip- It was clear that the leaders — Mr and being sensitive to Indonesia’s feel- the world to highlight the issue. pines, Thailand and Singapore, Lee, former Indonesian President Su- ings on thorny issues, such as China, Mr Yet, Mr Lee also rapidly adjusted to established the Association of South- harto and former Malaysian Prime Lee was able to carve out a reasonable the realities and possibilities of the post- east Asian Nations, or ASEAN, at a Ministers Hussein Onn and, later, Ma- space for Singapore in ASEAN. Mr Lee Cold War world. In a 1999 Asiaweek time when the region was in turbulence. hathir Mohamad — shared an innate wrote in From Third World To First: interview, he said: “There’s no great It was August 1967: the Cold War understanding of the situation and dif- “Under Suharto, Indonesia did not act ideological divide between the ASEAN was at its peak, dividing the region ferent sensitivities of the region during like a hegemon. This made it possible countries. The communist system is into communist and non-communist ASEAN’s formative years. for the others to accept Indonesia as gone. We are just varying degrees of blocs, with a fault-line running right Mr Lee’s views of the grouping were irst among equals.” democracy or of authoritarianism. Eve- through the heart of South-east Asia. shaped by Konfrontasi with Indonesia ry country wants economic and social The United States’ war campaign in and the Vietnam War. To him, ASEAN FUTURE OF ASEAN progress. After the severe inancial and Vietnam was also intensifying. was a vehicle that would not only but- economic setbacks, nobody’s got time Compounding the situation were tress regional solidarity, but also main- Later, with the collapse of communism, for ideological or expansionist issues.” the disputes between South-east Asian tain a delicate power balance between the reality of a multi-polar world and Vietnam, in particular, came into fo- countries. Singapore had been forced Indonesia, the largest power in South- China’s growing heft in the region, cus for him. Mr Lee irst visited it in the out of Malaysia two years earlier. east Asia, and its neighbours. Pushpanathan ASEAN continued to maintain a stra- early ’90s and had been appointed an Indonesia had recently wound up Mr Lee ensured that the voices of sundram is former tegic balance of power in the region. adviser to its government. He then made “konfrontasi” with Malaysia and Sin- smaller states were not lost. In a 1999 deputy secretary- The grouping engaged the world’s visits to the Singapore-Vietnam indus- gapore. Malaysia and the Philippines Asiaweek interview, he said: “We don’t general of asean major powers through multilateral trial parks that were opened as part of were also locked in a dispute over Sa- pick quarrels. As ASEAN’s smallest for asean mechanisms such as the ASEAN Re- inter-governmental cooperation. bah, while Brunei had put down, with member, we have to stand our ground, economic gional Forum, the East Asia Summit and Vietnam’s successful integration the help of British forces, an internal or our rights will be rolled over.” Community, the ASEAN Plus Three Meeting, which into ASEAN’s fold is proof that eco- rebellion aided by Indonesia. When Vietnam invaded and occu- managing director includes China, Japan and South Korea. nomic integration is indeed the path For Mr Lee Kuan Yew, these fac- pied Cambodia in 1978, for example, at eas strategic At the same time, ASEAN needed forward. Already, the organisation has tors reinforced the fact that Singapore Mr Lee was the irst to write to then advice, asia and a new force for unity: Economics. This announced that it has achieved 80 per was situated in “a turbulent, volatile, Thai Prime Minister Kriangsak Cha- senior research economic imperative started in 1992, af- cent of its goals in the ASEAN Eco- unsettled region”. manan and Chair of ASEAN to urge fellow at the ter Mr Lee had stepped down, with the nomic Community Blueprint to be an the organisation to stand united and singapore institute launch of the ASEAN Free Trade Area integrated market by 2015. THE NEED FOR ASEAN steadfast in supporting the Cambo- of international and its goal of economic integration. As Mr Lee put it in 2011’s Hard dian coalition and pressure Vietnam afairs (siia). ASEAN enlarged from 1997 on- Truths to Keep Singapore Going: “The ASEAN’S formation was therefore to withdraw its troops. He later wrote: simon tay is wards to include new members. By the logic of joining markets is irrefutable based on an overarching rationale to “We had spent much time and resourc- chairman of siia 2003 ASEAN Summit, member states and it will happen.” counter communism and act as a uni- es to thwart the Vietnamese in Cam- and would call for closer economic integra- When, and not if, economic integra- fying force during the Cold War. It was bodia because it was in our interest author of asia tion and the creation of an ASEAN tion occurs, it would certainly validate hoped that member states would also that aggression be seen not to pay.” alone: the Community by 2020, a goal which has Mr Lee’s conidence in ASEAN’s ability build their own resilience by manag- Mr Lee saw ASEAN as a means to dangerous now been advanced to 2015. to serve as a viable force for unity and ing their diferences and preventing preserve the security of a small state Post-Crisis divide As one of the founders of ASEAN, Mr prosperity. PUSHPANATHAN SUNDRAM proxy wars in the region. like Singapore, especially with its pre- from america. Lee had from the start engaged with new AND SIMON TAY 78 REMEMBERING LEE KUAN YEW The love of his life

‘Without her, I would SHE WAS HIS be a diferent man, ‘INSURANCE POLICY’ with a diferent life.’ Back in Singapore in August 1950, the young couple got married on Sept 30 he was his closest friend, his for a second time. They started their S “tower of strength”, for more careers doing their pupillage at Lay- than three-quarters of his life cock & Ong and, in 1955 with Mr Lee’s — the woman who got his attention brother Dennis, they set up the law irm when she bested him in school, who Lee & Lee. ran their household and their law irm, When the People’s Action Party was and without whom he would have been formed, Mrs Lee helped draft its con- hard-pressed to enter politics. stitution. In the 1959 general election, Madam Kwa Geok Choo and Mr Lee she even gave a speech on radio urging Kuan Yew were often seen as insepara- women to vote for the party. ble. But the Singapore public found out One of Singapore’s best conveyanc- just how much she meant to him only ing lawyers, she also in 1965 helped when he published his memoirs in 1999 Law Minister Eddie Barker draft the — telling all for the irst time about the clauses in the Separation Agreement great love of his life and revealing an to guarantee the water agreements unexpected side to his unsentimental, with the state of Johor. And for most hard-nosed public face. of Mr Lee’s political career, she was his At Rales College, she had beaten unoicial speech proofreader — indeed, him to be the top student in English and since his irst speech to the Malayan economics at the end of the irst term, Forum in 1950. giving Mr Lee stif competition for the But for the most part, she devoted coveted Queen’s Scholarship. herself to the role behind the scenes When the Japanese Occupation in- of being her husband’s staunchest terrupted their studies, they recon- supporter, running both the house- nected under diferent circumstances: hold, especially after the birth of their Mr Lee and her brother-in-law ran a irst son Hsien Loong in 1952, and the business making stationery glue. law irm as Mr Lee immersed himself With their friendship blossoming by in politics. September 1944, Mr Lee knew Mrs Lee Not only did her income enable him well enough to invite her to his 21st to continue in oice over the years, she birthday dinner, “an event not without also put his mind at ease, Mr Lee said signiicance” in those days. once, for “in case anything untoward With the end of the war, Mr Lee should happen to me, she would be able decided to read law in England on his to bring up my three children well”. family’s savings. Mrs Lee, who was two- While she was often seen by Mr Lee’s and-a-half years older than Mr Lee, said side over the years at oicial functions she would wait for his return. and on oicial trips, Mr Lee said he In the months before he left in Sep- “made a point not to discuss the for- tember 1946, the couple spent a lot of mulation of policies with her, and she time together and took photographs. was scrupulous in not reading notes or Mr Lee wrote in his memoirs: “We faxes that were sensitive”. were young and in love, anxious to But he did pay attention to her un- record this moment of our lives ... We canny gut feel for people’s characters. both hoped she would go back to Raf- “She would tell me whether she would les College, win the Queen’s Scholar- trust that man or not. And often she is ship to read law and join me wherever right,” he said. I might be. When he penned his memoirs, she Mr and Mrs Lee at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall after the installation ceremony of Malaysia’s King, “She was totally committed. I sensed would stay up with him until 4am go- the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, in Kuala Lumpur in 1961, when Mr Lee was Prime Minister. it. I was equally determined to keep my ing over the drafts, correcting, criti- PHOTO: YUSOF ISHAK COLLECTION, COURTESY OF NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF SINGAPORE commitment to her.” quing and getting him to write “clear Indeed, Mrs Lee was awarded the and crisp”. Queen’s Scholarship the next year. ment of crisis. Quite the contrary, we trips, spoke of their very special close However, the Colonial Oice could not FACED CRISES TOGETHER have faced all major crises in our lives relationship. Education Minister Heng ind her a university place for that aca- together, sharing our fears and hopes, Swee Keat recalled their bantering over demic year and said she would have to In terms of their relationship as a cou- and our subsequent grief and exulta- Mr Lee’s sweet tooth and how Mrs Lee wait till 1948. ple, they did not dodge diicult per- tion. These moments of crisis have would “with good humour keep score Mr Lee, who was studying at Cam- sonal problems, but faced them and bonded us closer together.” of the week’s ‘ration’”. bridge’s Fitzwilliam College, man- sorted them out early on, Mr Lee said. I have been Mr Lee’s brother, Mr Lee Suan Yew, While she sat quietly and unobtru- aged to eventually arrange a meet- “We gradually inluenced each other’s proofreading described the couple as being insepa- sively, anyone who saw them would ing with the mistress of Girton ways and habits, we adjusted and ac- and some- rable — they had to be seated together know “how much strength her presence College and persuaded her to take in commodated each other. We knew that times at family dinners. gave her husband” at oicial events. Mrs Lee. we could not stay starry-eyed lovers all correcting his While her husband did not prefer She arrived in Britain in October. our lives, that life was an ever-ongoing speeches from the arts, Mrs Lee loved classical music. HER STROKE AND And two months later, during the challenge with new problems to resolve his earliest “And he, being very much in love with HIS TOUGHEST MOMENTS Christmas vacation, they decided to and manage.” 1950 speech his wife, would comply and follow her get married at Stratford-upon-Avon. When their younger son Hsien Yang to the Malayan to the Esplanade and listen to some In October 2003, Mrs Lee sufered a But they kept their marriage a secret married in 1981, Mr Lee wrote the new- Forum concerts,” Mr Lee’s brother said. stroke while she and Mr Lee were in as they felt her parents, her college lyweds a letter with advice on marriage: in London. Others, such as former minister London. She was lown back to Singa- and the scholarship authorities might “We have never allowed the other to Mrs Lee in a George Yeo, who had the opportuni- pore for an operation. As Mr Lee had not approve. feel abandoned and alone in any mo- press interview ty to observe the couple on overseas already planned to have a prostate

SUNDAY 5 APRIL 2015 The proud father

‘I’ve got three children “very Eastern, not Western in style”. Mr Lee was also a practical father. I’m very proud of.’ At a time when he himself, being raised English-speaking, was picking up Man- way from the public eye, darin to win political support among A Mr Lee Kuan Yew was an the Chinese-speaking masses, his three “Eastern” father who, while children spent the irst 12 years of their not ostentatious about showing love and education at Chinese-medium schools. afection, made it evident to his family. He said: “I spoke to my kids in Man- His family was his greatest personal darin until they got to secondary school achievement, he once said: “... I’ve got … Geok Choo, my wife, spoke to the kids a good, happy family. I’ve got a happy in English. From the age of six, they had marriage. I’ve got three children I’m Malay tuition at home.” very proud of. I can’t ask for more.” His elder son was even made to join Elder son Hsien Loong was born in the Scouts, where he could interact with 1952, daughter Wei Ling in 1955 and son Malay children. “Education in three Hsien Yang two years later. Mr Lee and languages was very important with his wife took pains to ensure they grew the merger with Malaysia a reality. It up living normal lives after he became was a chance for the children to expand Prime Minister in 1959 when they were their social circle,” Mr Lee explained. aged seven, ive and two, respectively. The education of his children was a For one thing, they decided not to very important responsibility to him as live at Sri Temasek, the Prime Min- a father and he was satisied when all ister’s oicial residence at the Istana, three earned scholarships. “Loong” fol- An old photograph not tell … he kept up the pretence until In October 2011, she wrote of how “because that would be a very bad thing lowed in his political footsteps and later of his family the matter came out after he left South she now travelled overseas with Mr Lee. for them. You’d get an inlated idea of became Prime Minister of Singapore; presented to Africa. Watching him ... and the anguish “Like my mother did when she was alive, who you are, what you are, with all the Mr Lee Hsien Yang took the business Mr Lee as a token that he must have had as a father — it I accompany him so that I can keep an servants around and the gardeners”. track, helming Singapore Telecommu- of appreciation at reminds me of this Chinese expression eye on him and also keep him company. But watching his children grow up nications and other irms, for example; the launch of the of the knife’s edge on your heart and After my mother became too ill to travel, also “constantly reminded” Mr Lee of while Ms Lee Wei Ling went the medi- Chinese edition maintaining appearances nonetheless.” he missed having a family member with “the need to build a safe and wholesome cal route and became director of the of Lee Kuan Yew: In the end, intensive chemotherapy whom he could speak frankly after a environment for our children to live in”. National Neuroscience Institute. Hard Truths To cleared up the cancer cells. The special- long, tiring day of meetings.” Mrs Lee did most of the nurturing Keep Singapore ists said that if the cancer did not recur Though more frail than he used to and would return from work to their Ox- HIS SON’S CANCER Going in 2011. in ive years, he would be considered be, he insisted on travelling and doing ley Road home daily to have lunch with TODAY FILE PHOTO cured. “We waited anxiously for the ive what had to be done to beneit Singa- the kids. She would use the cane when One of Mr Lee’s most anxious moments years to elapse. October 1997 came and pore. “For my part, I keep him company they were very naughty, but for Mr Lee, was when Mr Lee Hsien Loong, then passed without mishap,” said Mr Lee. when he is not preoccupied with work “a stern rebuke was efective enough”, Deputy Prime Minister, was diagnosed and I make sure he has enough rest,” he said. “Having a violent father turned with lymphoma in October 1992. The HIS DAUGHTER’S said the single Dr Lee, who lived in the me against using physical force.” elder Mr Lee, who was in Johannesburg COMPANIONSHIP family home with her father. Mr Lee made a point of spending time with his wife, got a call from his son. She has also written about what it with his children. At least once a year, “I immediately rang back, fearing bad In the last few years of his life, it was his was like growing up as the daughter sometimes twice, he would take the fam- news. It was devastating. A biopsy of a daughter who gave Singaporeans rare of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. “My every move, ily to Cameron Highlands or Fraser’s polyp found in his colon had been diag- glimpses of the man her father was, in every word, is scrutinised ... One friend Hill for two weeks. His brother Mr Lee nosed as cancer, a lymphoma.” her newspaper columns for The Sunday said I lived in a glass house. After my Suan Yew said: “He’s not a physical per- Former minister George Yeo said Times. She described, for instance, his father’s recent comment on my lack of son; he’s not a man who’ll hug you and Mr Lee was distressed and had to take devoted care of her mother when she culinary skills, another observed, ‘You so on, but his love for the children was Valium as he could not sleep. “But when was ill and how, after her death, his live in a house without any walls.’ For- also tremendous.” His kind of love was he met the South Africans, you could health and spirits deteriorated. tunately, I am not easily embarrassed.” operation, they were admitted to at the end of each day: She would from time to time in idle moments, She devoted herself to me and our Singapore General Hospital in adja- stay awake waiting for him to return my mind goes back to the happy days children. She was always there when cent rooms, with a sliding door be- from work and he would spend an hour when we were up and about together,” I needed her. tween them so they could keep each or more by her bedside, talking to her Mr Lee said. “She has lived a life full of warmth other company. and reading her the news and her fa- Mr Lee’s pain at his wife’s death in and meaning. I should ind solace in Mrs Lee recovered, but as the stroke vourite poems and books. October 2010 was evident in the words her 89 years of life well lived. But at left her with a tendency to neglect the His brother recalled how at fam- of his eulogy: “Without her, I would be this moment of the inal parting, my left side of her body, Mr Lee would ily dinners, “at 10pm … he’ll say, ‘I’m a diferent man, with a diferent life. heart is heavy with sorrow and grief.” sit on her left at the dining table and sorry I have to leave you now’ and go prompt her to eat the food on the left back home and read her favourite sto- side of her plate. He also took care of rybooks”. Even when abroad, he would They have never At the end of the day, her medication — a reversal of roles, for speak to her via webcam. made a show of what I cherish most it was Mrs Lee who used to ensure he To ill the “empty blank spaces” being a loving couple in public. are the human relationships. kept his cholesterol level under control. now that she was unable to accompany Even in private, they have rarely With the unfailing support They continued to travel together him for meals and walks, Mr Lee kept demonstrated their love for each of my wife and partner, and Mr Lee would always choose hotels himself occupied honing his Manda- other with hugs or kisses. It was I have lived life to the fullest. with swimming pools so she could get rin. To cope at night with hearing the only ater my mother’s second It is the friendships I made her exercise, which he helped her with. sounds of his wife’s discomfort in the stroke that I saw my father kiss and the close family ties I But in 2008, she sufered two strokes next room, he took up meditation. The my mother on her forehead to nurtured that have provided which left her unable to get out of bed, constant stress of her illness, he said, comfort her. They don’t seem me with that sense of satisfaction move or speak. was harder on him than the stresses to feel the need for a dramatic at a life well lived, and As her condition deteriorated, she re- of the political arena. physical show of love. have made me what I am. sponded almost exclusively to Mr Lee’s “I can’t break down. Life has got Dr Lee Wei Ling Mr Lee at his 80th birthday celebrations voice. His most diicult moments came to go on. 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