(English translation, for reference only)
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Honourable Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mrs Lee,
Speaker of Parliament, Ministers and fellow Singaporeans:
1. Today, it is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Singapore’s Founding Father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. We have lost a giant among men, and the country has lost one of our greatest leaders. Singapore grieves, and the world grieves with us.
2. On behalf of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Chinese Development Assistance Council and Business China, in conjunction with friends from Yayasan MENDAKI, Association of Malay Professionals, Singapore Indian Development Association, and Eurasian Association, we would like to once again express our deepest condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family.
3. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to Singapore. With his extraordinary wisdom, perseverance and determination, he led his team and fellow Singaporeans on a journey where we overcame all odds, and in just 50 years, transformed Singapore from a backward colonial port, into a modern metropolis. He created a prosperous and successful Singapore, a first world country on the international stage.
4. The ideals and beliefs of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his pioneering team are exemplified in the Singapore flag: red represents equality and friendship; white symbolises purity and virtue; the new moon symbolises that Singapore is a newly established country; and the five stars represent democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
5. The governing principles of Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his team are also clearly reflected in the Singapore pledge: We the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language, or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation!
6. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was convinced of the need to create a fair space for the development of each ethnic group. He implemented the bilingual education policy, and ensured that while we mastered the English language, we were able to learn our respective mother tongue languages to retain our core cultural and traditional values. This policy gave Singaporeans a unique competitive advantage and allowed us to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy.
7. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was always concerned about the development of the Chinese community. Over the years, he fostered close ties and maintained frequent interactions with both the Chinese community and the Chinese business community. He encouraged the clans to pursue renewal and keep pace with the times. He urged the Chinese community to lend a helping hand, to assist the less fortunate, with the aim of promoting inclusive growth. He spurred local Chinese businesses on to embrace the world, to expand overseas and to capitalise on new opportunities.
8. When I was growing up, I heard about Mr Lee Kuan Yew from a young age through the adults, the radio and the newspapers. I knew that he was the most important national leader in Singapore and a politician who was widely respected by the international community. I am very honoured to have had the opportunity to interact with this great man and gain an insider’s perspective into his extraordinary vision, strategic insights and compassionate personality.
9. During my interactions with Mr Lee in the recent years, there were two incidents that left me deeply touched.
a) The first incident took place eight years ago, when Mr Lee told me that he was very worried about Singapore’s competitiveness in the China market. He hoped that a community organisation integrating language, economic and cultural elements could be set up to promote bilingualism and bi-culturalism, and to build effective business networks. This would foster the development of bilateral economic ties underscored by the special bond shared by both nations. It was with Mr Lee’s blessings that SCCCI established Business China in 2007.
b) The second incident took place four years ago, when he shared with me that with the change in Singaporeans’ household language, he was very worried that Singapore would lose our bilingual advantage. In order to further strengthen bilingual education, he felt that it was necessary to set up a bilingual fund to promote this important task, and he hoped that I could help with the project implementation. This fund, known as the Lee Kuan Yew Bilingual Fund, was established in 2011. I was very heartened by the fact that Mr Lee decided to lead by example by making a personal donation of $12 million to the fund.
10. When he approached me to discuss these two projects, Mr Lee was already 84 years old and 88 years old respectively. But he remained deeply concerned about Singapore’s long-term development, a reflection of his abiding passion for Singapore and its people. His vision, wisdom and foresight led to Singapore’s success and we Singaporeans are now able to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
11. Mr Lee Kuan Yew always placed the interest of the nation and its people as the prime objective and guiding principle in developing policies for Singapore’s growth. A visionary leader who was determined, decisive and bold, he was able to make the right decisions at critical junctures to ensure Singapore’s continued success. He leaves behind a strong legacy, a stable and prosperous nation built on robust fundamentals.
12. Mr Lee Kuan Yew dedicated his entire life to Singapore and its people. He was the pioneering architect of the Singapore miracle, leading us through turbulent times and transforming Singapore into a country and a home that we can all be proud of. Mr Lee Kuan Yew will always be celebrated and remembered as a brilliant and remarkable leader. His legacy will continue to benefit generations of Singaporeans and he will live on in our hearts forever.
13. On behalf of all Singaporeans, as we stand together as one united people, I would now like to express my utmost gratitude to our Founding Father. Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew!
14. Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence this year, but at the same time, we mourn the loss of our Founding Father. At this juncture, may I ask all of you to rise, to express our utmost gratitude and respect to Mr Lee.
15. Let us honour Mr Lee Kuan Yew, a giant among men and a lion among leaders. Together, let us celebrate his life, achievements and legacy as a mark of respect and appreciation for him and all that he has done for Singapore!