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.

Is that MM Lee speaking?

Repost from Temasek Review 26 April 2011 http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/04/26/is-that-mm-lee-speaking/
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Finally MM Lee has spoken .He has spoken on 3 points. However, are all his points relevant and correct? It is for the readers to decide:

1) That we should not rock the foundation
This is a wrong perception and assumption. Voting for alternative parties is not rocking the foundation. In fact we are just changing the builders, while maintaining the foundations. Kudos to the old guards. They have laid a good foundation. However, most of the old guards have passed on. The younger team is definitely not as good compared to the old guys(Is there another Goh Keng Swee? How about Hon Sui Sen?or Lim Kim San?) Having a lousier younger team, it is only natural for Singaporeans to seek alternative builders. Therefore, no one is rocking the foundation. In fact, it is precisely with such firm foundation that we notice that the current builders are given us shoddy work at high prices. As such, is it still worthwhile to engage the same builders for another 5-6yrs? It is a simple choice, better and more compassionate builders are around. They will also cost Singapore less. As such, to continue the nation building on the foundation, it is only timely for Singaporeans to vote in alternative parties.Parties that will work towards a Singaporean Singapore.

2) Our selection criteria has the proven track records
With regards to this, reference is made to the article: http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/04/12/do-not-be-hoodwink-by-upcoming-coments-from-mr-lee/

It has predicted that he will mentioned that PAP has the best proven track records for their candidates, out of 5 which are minster potential. It is also predicted that he will speak up.He did. Well, here is the rebuttal:

There will be no reference to the poorly-demeanour candidate TPL and the loose- morale candidate FMH(nothing to do with both gender and age). Once again, he mentioned that the selection process has been proven in history of Singapore to be robust. This may sound like a good possible defense. There is , however, some plausible flaws. The selection process has not been flawless, there are cases of one term and corrupted MPs like the late Teh Ching Wan (Minster. Likewise, there are cases where Minster potential end up as MOS(eg the late MOS Balaji)If history or track record is anything to go by, then the history of the 2 candidates(TPL and FMH) is to be much desired. This argument cuts both ways.

3) CPF and Housing Assets
These are topics, which has been rebuttal many times over the internet. However, an accelerated appreciating housing assets where most citizen have only 1 flat is useless. Where will they stay after selling the flat. If the appreciating asset is just slightly above inflation, most Singaporeans would accept it, but the prices are now beyond the reach of many. CPF, while it has it uses, seemed to be getting further and further away fom withdrawal. The age group is being raised each time. Likewise the basic limit is increasing and the withdrawal amount is limited. The only attractive term for CPF is to be able to will it to someone, As time goes, would it just be a paper value? Were is be a piece of paper that says it is transferred from one generation to the other, but the amount can never be withdrawn fully. Is this a future of CPF?

It is true that Singaporeans have to vote wisely in the heat of the elections. PAP is also guilty of playing up this GE(look at the accusations from MBT, LHL and even GCT who says that he will be gentleman and comment on his GRConly.) If not, our children and randchildren will suffer, starting from the next 5-6 years. As such, it is time to allow alternative parties to represent us in parliament.

Vote for a Singaporean’s Singapore.

Reject PAP’s Singapore.

Anson Be