As you have heard, Singapore’s founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, aged 91, passed away at 3.18am earlier this morning at the Singapore General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. This news had been issued in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office this morning.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away this morning.

 Hospitalised with pneumonia

Mr Lee had been hospitalised with pneumonia since the 5th of February. Even though we had hoped for a miracle, I suppose that ultimately, it had all been a matter of time. But it is very still sad, as I had really hoped that Mr Lee would be able to be a part of Singapore’s 50th birthday celebrations. He has done so much for Singapore, and it is rather unfortunate that he can’t be here to join in the festivities. But I suppose that he had been called home this morning for a reason.

Up to the future generations to continue Mr Lee’s legacy

Now it is up to us – the future generations of Singaporeans – to continue what Mr Lee has left behind, and to keep Singapore thriving. But no matter what, I know that Mr Lee’s spirit will always be up there, watching over Singapore, so as a nation, let’s continue to stand up for ourselves and do him proud.

Everything that Mr Lee has contributed and all the things that he has done for our country, will be greatly appreciated by Singaporeans from all walks of life. And it is a certainty that we must never take our success for granted. Singapore may not be what we are today, if it had not been for Mr Lee, and his determination and visions for Singapore. As Singaporeans, we must be eternally grateful for the part that he has played in Singapore’s short history and everything that he has done for our country.

Mr Lee oversaw many key changes in Singapore’s history

Born in 1923, Mr Lee formed the People’s Action Party in 1954 and became the Prime Minster in 1959. This was a post that he held for the 31 years after that. As Prime Minster, Mr Lee oversaw the merger of Singapore with Malaysia, and led Singapore into into independence in 1965, effectively transforming this former British fishing port into a successful island nation, that many other countries look up to and aspire to emulate.

The odds were firmly against Singapore back in 1965, when Singapore first broke away from Malaysia. There was absolutely no certainty that Singapore would thrive or even survive. At that time, Singapore no longer had a hinterland or a domestic market. But it was Mr Lee’s determination and firm vision of building a country for the future, that eventually lead to Singapore’s success today.

Thank you Mr Lee, for everything that you have done for Singapore. Rest in peace.

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