3/23/2015

Lee Kuan Yew – 1923 to 2015


Another titan of post war 20th Century departs early this morning, at 3.18am official time. Not many of these giants of the late 20th Century are left now. After LKY perhaps only Kissinger is the one left alone to hold the fort in an era of great changes to rebuild nations after WW2, the struggles for independence and economic reconstruction and growth. And there was the big contest between the forces of West against Communism, the Cold War and détente and the rise of China. These were the events that consumed much of the time and life of the titans of the post war years as the 20th Century gave way to the 21st.
 

LKY and Kissinger were two of the men that were thickly involved in the happenings of world politics involving China and the USA. Now only one is left standing. The departure of LKY will put an end to an era with the final curtains drawing to a close, and a new beginning in Singapore. Before the new pages are filled, world leaders would descend upon this little island paradise to show their respect to one of the last few movers and shakers of the 20th century.
 

The SG50 Celebration will go on as planned without the architect that makes it possible. He would not be there to soak in the atmosphere like he used to do in every National Day Parade. There would probably be a minute of silence in his memory. After the party is over, it will be a real new beginning, the dawn of a new era for Singapore, a Southeast Asia without the shadow Lee Kuan Yew. And world leaders may not be seen at the Istana that often, looking for the oracle to see into the future and to be enlightened by a dose of his wisdom.
 

There is a lightness in the air, when dust returns to dust. The city state will take one week to mourn the departure of its first Prime Minister, the man credited to be the founder of modern Singapore.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

What impact will there be on the political scene and those key political players in Singapore post LKY?

And what is the psychological impact on Singaporeans, especially towards the PAP and opposition? What about the younger Singaporeans, who have not gone through or was not even born during the period when LKY was PM and at his prime?

Anonymous said...

If only more smart Singaporeans can become courageous, be united and come forward to join and strengthen the opposition to provide a better alternative, that would be the best positive impact.

As for PAP, I doubt they will change much, whether for better or for worse.

Anonymous said...

The PAP leadership is trapped in a mind warp. They think getting paid in the millions is the new normal. They are still thinking of more.

The weight of their millions would sink them to the bottom of the sea.

Anonymous said...

Uncle red bean, time is 3.18am not 3.15 am lar

Anonymous said...

Post LKY will be exactly the same as it has been for the last 50 years. Anyone who thinks otherwise must be hoping for the sun to rise from the west.

Singapore will only change for the better when there is a strong opposition. Next GE will NOT bring in this change, but 2 or 3 GEs from now would probably see the emergence of Singapore from the clutch of the PAP.

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

Ok, 3.18 is more auspicious. Heard someone posted that the actual time was 3.15. Not a serious point to those who don't believe in such numbers. Heard 318is a hot 4D number.

He even planned his departure so well, giving the people all the time to plan for it, to accept it, and to choose whichever time they want. Now it is only to roll out all the plans in clockwork precision.

Virgo 49 said...

Right RB, chinese beliefs even before his first meal of the day, so left all his properties to his descendents.

Anonymous said...

Did LKY foresee and put into place a plan for PAP after his demise?
What do you think?

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

@ RB:

>> The city state will take one week to mourn

Fuck that shit. I'm throwing a party tonight! ;-)

Anonymous said...

"... the man credited to be the founder of modern Singapore."
or
"... the man credited BY PAP to be the founder of modern Singapore."
or
" ... the man credited to be the founder of modern SLAVERY."

Which is true and "correct"?

Anonymous said...

Founder of Aliens' Singapore.
He stood up and fought for the rights of Aliens to compete with Singaporeans for jobs in the Singapore economy.

Anonymous said...

CORRECTION

Founder of Aliens' Singapore.
He stood up and fought for the rights of Aliens to compete with Singaporeans for jobs in the Singapore economy.
Or
Founder of Modern Singapore.
He stood up and fought hard to create more jobs for Singaporeans in the Singapore economy.

How will he be remembered?

Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ⓜatilah $ingapura⚠️ said...

If you live in welfare-fucked cuntrees like Australia, you will appreciate Singapore (and HK) great economies and ultra-low taxes.

The Aussies hate this---sour grapes.

However, if Li Ka-shing can smile, so can small-timers much like myself.

Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Keng Swee's legacies: good, old solid, have-a-good-time and make money, unwavering, classically conservative Peranakan fucking good sense.

Got nonya kueh? Got Mrs Lee's cookbook?

Pass the sambal belachan. It's delicious!

b said...

Got holiday or not?

Virgo 49 said...

Go any where and hear other nationalities sang praises of LKY.

Even my neighbours maids went to Tanjong Pagar Cc to sign condolence book.

They knew better as they are the first class residents better treated than true blue Singaporeans.