Passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore, passed away on 23 March 2015.

He had been an outstanding leader, well-recognized and respected within Singapore and beyond.

I think words alone are immeasurable to describe the hard work and effort he put into building Singapore.

He made us proud to be Singaporeans, proud to call Singapore our home.

He was not only a great leader in politics, but also a devoted father and husband.

While most people were paying tributes and recognizing his efforts in building Singapore, I was drawn to his love story with his wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo. I read about their life together, from friends (competitors in fact) to lovers to lifelong partners who were deeply in love. It was really admirable to learn about their devotion and how they overcame major crises together and stuck through it. And how the frail and old Mr Lee Kuan Yew showered his affection on her after her stroke. And how her passing left a void in his life that was irreplaceable. There are so many learning points about them for all couples out there, married or not.

I watched the state funeral procession  on TV. I am really proud and happy that Singaporeans together, rain or shine, came together to pay their final respects to him. When I watched the TV, I heard his name being chanted repeatedly, and I had goosebumps. It really showed how much Singaporeans respected him. And all the sobbing scenes at the various community tribute sites also shook me a little. Despite the 10-hour long queue, Singaporeans still came forward to offer their tributes even just for a few mere seconds of walking through the Parliament House to catch his Lying In State. People of all ages, all abilities, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Volunteers, who were merely the average Singaporeans, gave out food, drinks, umbrellas for those in the queue. Even companies sent their employees to pay their last respects. It was heartwrenching.

And it was also awful to watch PM Lee walking down the queues, thanking the never-ending crowd for paying their last respects, and then managing interviews from the media. As well as his delivery of the eulogy from the position of a Prime Minister instead. Singapore lost a leader, he lost a father. I can't imagine the blow, the immense amount of courage and determination it took for him to move on and handle all the crowds and interviews and speeches so well.

Anyway, I think in that week, we really saw for ourselves what the Singapore Spirit was. We always spoke about it but no one really saw what it meant. 50 years ago, Mr Lee Kuan Yew brought us together. And 50 years later, he did it again. Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. May you rest in peace and reunite with your beloved wife once again.