Loss of a Founding Father:

PM Lee Hsien Loong opens his speech by acknowledging the somber mood enveloping Singapore due to the loss of its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. He states that the light guiding Singapore for many years has been extinguished, emphasizing Lee Kuan Yew’s importance as the architect of modern Singapore.

Early Life and Influences:

Lee Hsien Loong goes on to discuss how his father, Lee Kuan Yew, did not initially set out to be a politician. He mentions that Lee Kuan Yew was initially a British subject in colonial Singapore and endured the hardships of the Japanese occupation. These life-altering experiences fueled his desire to fight for Singapore’s independence.

Struggle for Independence:

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew initially sought independence for Singapore through a merger with Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia. While this endeavor was initially successful, it was short-lived as Singapore was eventually expelled from the Federation. Lee Hsien Loong describes this separation as his father’s greatest moment of anguish but also a crucial turning point for Singapore.

Building a Nation:

After the separation from Malaysia, Lee Kuan Yew faced a choice. He could appeal solely to the Chinese majority or strive for a more inclusive, multi-racial society. He chose the latter, focusing on building a nation based on values like multiracialism, equality, and meritocracy rather than race, language, or religion.

Commitment to Diversity:

PM Lee stresses that his father was committed to ensuring that Singapore would be a home for all its people, regardless of their ethnicity or faith. Lee Kuan Yew encouraged the various communities to maintain their unique languages and cultures, while expanding the shared common space among them. These principles were later enshrined in the National Pledge, formulated with the help of Mr. S Rajaratnam.

In summary, PM Lee Hsien Loong’s speech serves as a poignant tribute to his father, detailing the principles and sacrifices that shaped Singapore’s founding and its commitment to diversity and shared values.

Security and Defense:

PM Lee Hsien Loong discusses how Lee Kuan Yew ensured Singapore’s safety in a volatile world. Together with Dr. Goh Keng Swee, he established the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as a well-equipped and well-trained entity. National service was introduced, and Lee Kuan Yew personally convinced parents to let their sons serve, enhancing public trust.

Leadership by Example:

Lee Kuan Yew’s own sons underwent national service, underscoring the importance he placed on leading by example. PM Lee highlights that because of Lee Kuan Yew’s unwavering stand, Singaporeans today feel secure.

Direct and Passionate Communication:

Lee Kuan Yew was known for his straightforward manner and unwillingness to compromise the truth for political expediency. He was an influential speaker in multiple languages, which PM Lee characterizes as the “original Singapore Roar.”

Crisis Management:

Lee Kuan Yew’s resilience in times of crisis is emphasized. He saw the country through challenges like the battle for merger, separation from Malaysia, and the withdrawal of British military forces. PM Lee states that Lee Kuan Yew’s steadfastness inspired Singaporeans to persevere.

Successful Nation-Building:

While many anti-colonial leaders failed at nation-building, Lee Kuan Yew succeeded. He transformed Singapore from a Third World country to a First World nation. Lee Kuan Yew prioritized economic growth while also focusing on social development, such as education and housing.

Tripartism and Economic Development:

Lee Kuan Yew fostered tripartism—cooperation among unions, employers, and the government—to create jobs and boost productivity. His economic team effectively executed plans to attract investment and ensure prosperity.

Social Inclusion and Welfare:

Lee Kuan Yew aimed to build an inclusive society where everyone benefitted from progress. Education was prioritized, and public housing programs were initiated. PM Lee provides examples of Lee Kuan Yew’s concern for the well-being of ordinary Singaporeans, even during the SARS epidemic.

Personal Concern for Individuals:

The speech closes with anecdotes that show Lee Kuan Yew’s individual concern for people, illustrating his holistic approach to leadership—not just in policy but in personal matters as well.

In summary, PM Lee Hsien Loong’s speech portrays his father, Lee Kuan Yew, as a multifaceted leader whose legacy is etched in Singapore’s robust defense, economic progress, social inclusiveness, and human compassion.

Global Influence:

PM Lee Hsien Loong discusses how Lee Kuan Yew elevated Singapore’s standing globally. Lee was not only an observer but a significant player in world affairs, influencing decisions in various global capitals. He maintained relationships with influential figures like Mao Zedong, U.S. presidents from Lyndon Johnson onwards, and other global leaders. His insights were respected worldwide, giving Singapore a voice much larger than its size.

Teamwork:

According to PM Lee, Lee Kuan Yew did not act alone; he led an exceptional team of visionaries, including Goh Keng Swee, S Rajaratnam, and others. Lee’s leadership style was compared to a conductor leading an orchestra, highlighting the importance of teamwork in governance. The team’s collective efforts won the trust and confidence of Singaporeans.

Public Trust:

The public’s trust was not only due to the political achievements but also because people felt that Lee cared for them. PM Lee recounts an anecdote about a restaurant owner who profoundly trusted Lee Kuan Yew, illustrating the deep bond that the pioneer generation had with him. This trust stemmed from a belief that following Lee’s leadership would lead to survival and prosperity.

Imparting Values:

Lee Kuan Yew’s frugal and corruption-free lifestyle had a significant impact on Singaporean governance. His personal traits shaped the country’s values, emphasizing cleanliness and incorruptibility. Even when old, he continued to remind Parliament about the importance of these virtues.

Adaptive Policies:

Lee was noted for his persistent approach to governance and was not afraid to change policies when needed. For example, he shifted away from the “Stop at Two” birth control policy when birth rates declined. His adaptability allowed Singapore’s financial sector to grow, reflecting a strategy that evolved with changing circumstances.

Strategic Decisions:

Lee’s foresight in policy matters included relocating Paya Lebar Airport to Changi and inviting foreign investments from MNCs against conventional wisdom. These moves showcased his ability to seize opportunities that others often missed.

Water Security:

Lastly, PM Lee pointed out Lee Kuan Yew’s lifelong focus on water security as an example of his clear but adaptable strategies. His focus on water security exemplified his keen sense of planning and adaptation to changing global conditions.

Water Sustainability and Self-sufficiency:

PM Lee Hsien Loong describes how his father, Lee Kuan Yew, played a pivotal role in Singapore’s water security. He personally managed water talks with Malaysia, entrenched water agreements, and initiated water-saving campaigns. Under his guidance, Singapore built reservoirs, cleaned its rivers, and advanced in desalination technology, turning a national vulnerability into strength.

Passion for Greening Singapore:

Lee Kuan Yew was described as not just the Prime Minister but also the “Chief Gardener” of Singapore. He imported saplings, monitored the health of individual trees, and utilized the Istana grounds as a nursery. His focus on greening was indicative of his attention to detail and his broader vision for Singapore.

Commitment to Learning and Improvement:

Despite his age, Lee Kuan Yew was portrayed as someone who never stopped learning. He took up computer skills at 70 to write his memoirs and invested decades in learning Mandarin. His ceaseless effort to learn exemplified his relentless drive to improve.

Political Vision and Succession Planning:

Lee Kuan Yew was concerned with the long-term survival of Singapore, often reminding his son of the “hard truths” that underpin the nation’s success. He was also focused on preparing future leaders, ensuring a smooth succession to maintain Singapore’s stability and prosperity.

Personal and Family Life:

Beyond his public role, Lee Kuan Yew was depicted as a deeply loving husband and a concerned father. His love for his family was described as quiet but profound. His wife was his confidante and partner, and their relationship was portrayed as deeply symbiotic.

The Shaping of a Son:

Growing up as Lee Kuan Yew’s son had a significant impact on PM Lee Hsien Loong. He was exposed to politics from a young age, sharing intimate memories that revealed how his father’s influence shaped his own development and leadership style.

In summary, this segment offers a multi-faceted view of Lee Kuan Yew, as seen through his son’s eyes, ranging from his achievements in national development to his role as a family man and mentor.

50th Anniversary of Independence:

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong commemorates the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. He acknowledges the immense contributions of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew in making this celebration possible through his work in unifying the nation and championing multiracialism.

Public Reverence for Mr. Lee Kuan Yew:

The PM describes emotionally charged moments from the previous year where the public’s admiration for Mr. Lee was visibly evident, especially during the National Day Parade and the diamond anniversary of the People’s Action Party.

Legacy of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew:

He draws a parallel between Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. The epitaph on Wren’s grave implies that his monument is the cathedral itself. Similarly, PM Lee states that the monument of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is Singapore itself.

Remarks in Malay:

The PM continues in Malay, highlighting Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s dedication to racial and religious harmony in Singapore. He emphasizes Mr. Lee’s efforts to uplift the Malay-Muslim community, particularly through educational and social programs.

Remarks in Mandarin:

The speech concludes in Mandarin, reiterating Mr. Lee’s immense sacrifices and his lasting impact on Singapore. PM Lee appeals to the public to remember and uphold the ideals Mr. Lee Kuan Yew stood for, so as to continue the country’s success.

The speech serves as a tribute to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, recognizing his transformative role in Singapore’s history, and encourages Singaporeans to carry forward his vision.

Enduring Principles:

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasizes that Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s guiding principles continue to energize the Singaporean government and its people. The ideals set forth by Mr. Lee are not lost but remain a beacon for future generations.

National Duty:

PM Lee cites Mr. Lee’s dedication to ensuring that Singapore endures for a thousand years. He stresses that Mr. Lee has done his part and that it’s now the responsibility of the current and future generations to continue his legacy.

Public Outpouring of Grief:

The passing of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew evoked a massive public response. People of all ages and backgrounds mourned him. Thousands queued to pay their respects, highlighting the profound impact he had on individuals both in Singapore and globally.

Unity in Mourning:

The collective sense of loss transcends the sorrow and brings the nation together. PM Lee commends the public for their acts of kindness and solidarity during this time, stating that in grief, the nation has displayed its best attributes.

Commitment to Continue Building:

The speech closes with a call to action. PM Lee urges the nation to continue building Singapore into one of the world’s great cities, reflecting the high ideals and dreams inspired by Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. The aim is to create a Singapore that is worthy of its people and their collective effort.

Farewell:

The final note of the speech is one of gratitude and closure. PM Lee thanks Mr. Lee Kuan Yew for his contributions and wishes him peace in his final rest.