
Our great leader, the first prime minister of Singapore passed away this 23rd March 2015 (Monday) at 0318 hrs.
He has contributed a lot to the nation and the people.
And I would say Singapore wouldnt be such as advanced country if it werent for him.
From the time before SG's independence, he has constantly fought for the country's progress and prosperity.
After independence, he has spent most of his life trying to improve the lives of the people and the nation.
Green and clean,
equality of the sexes,
no discrimination of any minorities, race or religions,
Education for all, heavy subsidies for SG citizens in education,
Tolerance of any religions,
Safe streets at any time, day or night,
the water is so clean we can drink directly from the tap without boiling,
taps are found everywhere as long as there is a building,
electricity is never cut off or rationed due to shortage,
the telecoms system is so widespread calls can be made almost everywhere, among others.
Yes, maybe there are other countries like that. But SG started with the barest, close to nothing, at a time of great turbulance and many riots, no resources except its people. Even its water is a pipeline from its neighbour, the soil and sand for building its houses come from the neighbours too. Rice, vegetables and meat are imported, there is no farm in modern day SG.
Today, 80% of its citizens are home owners.
SG has come a long way in 50 years. This little red dot that is not visible on the world map, smaller than the dot on top of the letter "i", has transformed into a shining star.
Thanks to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He has not rested all these years. All his youth was spent in making others more comfortable. Finding ways to improve the nation. Glorifying the country when he was overseas. Making friends everywhere he went.
He has succeeded, every breath we take, every step we take is the fruit of this great leader.
After he passed away, about 450,000 citizens and even foreigners came and queued up to 10 hours through the blazing hot days and through the cold nights to pay their last respects in person. About one million people paid their respects at 18 locations of tribute centres in SG alone.
India and New Zealand flew their flags at half mast on 29th March to pay their respect.
Today, 29th March 2015 (Sunday), is the sending off of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and it is raining heavily island wide. Singaporeans and those whose lives he touched will surely feel the sadness that today is the last day he will be with us.
Even in death, he is considerate. The cortege passing through is a humble affair. True to his words that SG has a lack of space, he was cremated today at about 1700 hrs.
Edited by RoneMok, 30 March 2015 - 12:24 PM.