Farewell to Father Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew

The hype should have stopped now.  When I first heard of the news, I wasn't in Singapore to feel the impact.  It only hit me when I touch Singapore land. I may not be a PAP supporter and I may not agree with a lot of policies they introduced but I cannot deny the fact that it was Mr Lee Kuan Yew who brought us to where we are today.  Without him, we would probably still be a small unknown 3rd world country that many had mistaken to be part of China. 

The late Mr Lee who passed away on 23 March 2015 at the age of 91 was someone who breathed and lived Singapore.  He was one who believed that this tiny island can survive big storms.  He strengthened ties with foreign countries because he knew we cannot survive on our own...we have nothing. 

His wise leadership of this nation is acknowledged by leaders from all over and can be proven by the many who came to bid him farewell.  I am glad to have grown up in his era...Yes, the LKY era and get to experienced his leadership personally.  There are those in the cyber-community who have wished him dead and had cursed him.  Well, I look down on all these keyboard warriors.  It is with much comfort that Mr Chiam See Tong, a long time opposition of PAP has turned up to pay his respect to this old friend even though he is frail.  Frankly speaking, I feared the post-LKY era because I am not sure if his legacy will be carried on by our new leaders.  Only time will tell. 

The late Mr Lee's body was moved from a private funeral at Sri Temasek to the Parliament House for the public to pay their respects.  Almost 500,000 queued for up to 10 hours over the past 4 days in the hot sun to bid farewell to the great man to which we owe a lifetime of gratitude to.

To ease the crowd, 18 tributes centres were set up for all to write their tributes.  I went to the one at Marina Barrage.

The day came when the cortege leaves Parliament House for the funeral service at National University cultural centre saw many Singaporean's and friends queuing.  The heavens could not hold back it's tears.  Or should I say, the heavenlies washed the roads so our legend can have a good journey.  The heavy downpour did not stop the people from sending Mr Lee for the last time. 

Pic from Straits Times

It is also during this time where the whole nation unite.  Sweet gestures were seen by corporations and random strangers.  Small actions like providing water and shade and chairs for those queuing in Padang.  Free car decals.  And even random strangers who offered a shade from the heavy downpour to a civil servant on duty. This is perhaps what the late Mr Lee would have wanted.

Many thanks to foreign dignitaries, past and present leaders for their presence.  This list is not in any particular order:

• Li Yuanchao (China's Vice President)
• Tony Abott (Australia's Prime Minister)
• Narendra Modi (India's Prime Minister)
• Shinzo Abe (Japan's Prime Minister)
• Bill Clinton (Former US President)
• Henry Kissinger (Former Secretary of State, US)
• Steven Green (Former US Ambassador to Singapore)
• Jigme Khesar Namyel Wangchuk & Jetsun Pema Wangchuk (King & Queen of Bhutan)
• Hun Sen (Cambodia's Prime Minister)
• Joko Widodo (Indonesia's President, present with his wife)
• Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei's Sultan)
• Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (Malaysia's King)
• U Thein Sein (Myanmar's President)
• Nguyen Tan Dung (Vietnam's Prime Minister)
• Prayut Chan-o-cha (Thailand's Prime Minister)
• Wiliam Hague (UK's First Secretary of State & Leader of the House of Commons)
• Thongsing Thammavong (Lao's Prime Minister)

Apologies if I have missed out any.  But heartfelt thanks for your presence.

This could be my longest post ever...and trust me, I have already summarized a lot of what I wanted to say.  It could get a lot longer if I didn't  :)

Farewell Father Singapore.  I'm sure you are reunited with the late Mrs Lee already.