While others were going to the world, Mr Lee Kuan Yew brought the world to us and created a nation, a society that is unlike any others. Today, Singapore is a vibrant, multi-cultured, safe and efficient country which many envy and world leaders sought to model it’s success. All these attributes would not be possible without Mr Lee’s strong determination, foresight, courage, perseverance and administration in accelerating the country’s transformation to a world-class business-hub while developing it’s people; enabling Singaporeans to take on the world. I cannot express my gratitude in words to Mr Lee whenever I look at the modern successful Singapore. He could have chose a different life considering his outstanding academic performance and a well family brought up at that time. Yet he chose to return to Singapore; back to this backward society and determined to make a change in his life and the lifes of many here. Today’s Singapore is a reflection of his selfless contributions, a mark of his successful leadership using his entire lifetime that sometimes, I feel his life essence, his relentless spirit is the source of powering the entire nation, continuously thriving for the better. The thought makes me lament on his passing… Though some have criticized his autocratic approach, the life that Singaporeans are leading today proves that his approach is right and necessary for a small nation without any natural resources to survive and be successful.

Today on his State Funeral Service, it rained and felt like heaven was weeping for the passing of this great man. I felt honoured and grateful that his funeral cortege would pass through my residence along Jalan Bukit Merah. I saluted as he moved pass.

I followed the live telecast of the State Funeral Service at UCC with my family members. At the close of the event, we observed a moment of silence, recited the National Pledge and sung Majulah Singapura in front of the television with all family members standing in attention. This is the saddest Majulah Singapura I have ever sang in my life as tear rolled from my eyes. I am forever indebted…

In honour of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, I sincerely hope Singaporeans will carry on this relentless spirit of his in furthering his work, to stay relevant and create a better life – a life Mr Lee Kuan Yew had lived building that we have inherited. It is for generations to come to make it better and take Singapore to a much greater height. Majulah Singapura!

Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our beloved founding father and may you rest in peace!