Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Lee Kuan Yew's passing has had a strangely deep impact on me.
I found myself tearing up many a time yesterday, on the day of his passing, while reading through many articles on him and tributes to him.

I can't say I personally witnessed how he transformed Singapore from a fledgling 3rd world country to a world-class one, because when I was born, the country was already doing relatively well. But I have seen how my parents and especially my grandmother revered and respected him. They were the ones who have seen first-hand how the country was transformed and built up almost from scratch by Mr Lee and his comrades. 

Perhaps that is how I developed a deep respect for the man as well, through their reverence of him. And why I feel sad at his passing. Perhaps I am currently more emotional than usual as well. Perhaps his passing comes too close to the first anniversary of my granny's own passing. Perhaps I am just caught up in the media flurry.

But anyway, thank you Mr Lee, for without the tenacity, foresight and spirit of you and your peers all those decades ago, we would not have the Singapore we have today. We would not have the clean and safe streets, the greenery and parks, the solid education system and first-world healthcare.

Rest in peace.
I hope you are reunited with Mrs Lee and the two of you are strolling hand-in-hand again, amongst the cempaka trees in heaven.