A tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away today after being critically ill since 5 Feb. When his condition took a turn for the worse, many Singaporeans wrote well wishes to Mr Lee, hoping that he would recover soon. Many of us wished that at least he could live to see Singapore celebrate our 50 years of nation building. This is not an ordinary year. It is our Jubilee year, supposedly a year of celebrations. 

But I guess he was really tired and after all, he fought the good fight and finished his race. He completed his life's work which was Singapore. This nation was his baby. God knows how much he has sacrificed for this country. And how supportive his wife and children had been. 

Ever since his wife, his soul mate passed on in 2010, his health has been deteriorating. I think he missed her so much. Yes he did say he would be strong and stay alive for as long as Singapore needs him. But I guess it has become much lonelier for him as the years passed. Just thinking about how he made it through those four years and how he could still hold out for so long is already so amazing. 

But I believe he came to a point when he realised that his part for Singapore was over. He has put in place a new generation of leaders, culture, systems and policies. He has passed on the baton to the next generation. He has truly left behind a legacy. There has never been a man like him and there will be no other man like him. If there was no Mr Lee Kuan Yew, there could be no Singapore. 

Though I do not belong to the pioneer generation, I am aware of his contribution to our country. I knew of the perils our nation went through in the early years of independence and how easy it was to give up.  We literally started from scratch and opposition was everywhere. There was a time when people said we couldn't make it but we survived.

After that we thrived and we prospered. We made significant progress in our nation. The majority of the credit should go to Mr Lee for transforming us into a first world, economically stable and prosperous country. As a result Singapore will forever be indebted to Mr Lee and his family. Mr Lee was such an inspiration to our country. He was someone who not only began well but finished well. He must have no regrets about his life as he looked back. 

Mr Lee, you will always live in our loving memories and we will never forget you! May your future generations be always blessed! May peace and comfort be upon your family and Singapore as our nation mourns your passing!