Dear Prime Minister,
This week has been a dark week for the nation, with the news of the passing of our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
In all honesty, I never thought that I would be this affected by the demise of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I have never encountered him personally, never really interested in politics, and do not fully know the many policies that he had started. My deepest impression of late Mr Lee would probably be the footage of him shouting 'Merdeka' and another of him shedding tears on the day that Singapore became independent. These are footages we watch every year, on television and in school. But these were only one of the many many many contributions that he made for Singapore throughout his lifetime as a politician.
Yet as I read the articles and watched the videos about him this week, I began to understand late Mr Lee a little more. I am deeply grateful for his contributions that made Singapore what she is today. I could never understand the tumultuous period of nation building, but I am surely grateful for the prosperous and stable nation today. I can walk in the streets early in the morning and late at night, knowing that I can be safe. My husband and I have jobs, have a roof over our heads and are able to provide for our children and parents. We may not be exceedingly wealthy, but we know we are able to provide for our children.
Besides his tremendous contributions and accolades in nation-building, I am also deeply touched by Mr Lee's deep love and devotion for late Mrs Lee. I watched the video on Mrs Lee's funeral again and was once again deeply touched to see Mr Lee kissing Mrs Lee goodbye in 2010. I do not know how to describe in words, but I could sense his sorrow and grief in bidding goodbye to his soul mate and confidant. His love and devotion for Mrs Lee is a virtue that many young people like us need to emulate - to love the woman (man) you marry and to stay together all your life. And I believe with all my heart too, that the structure and environment that Mr and Mrs Lee had created in your family had played an important part in shaping who you and your siblings are today. He had been a good husband and a good father. I thank him for being the role model for us.
This week, my husband and I brought our 2-year-old toddler to pay respect at the Parliament House and pay tribute at 2 of the community tribute sites. We thought it would only be apt for us to bring our little girl along, as she is definitely one of those who has benefited, and will continue to, from the policies made by late Mr Lee. We got her to wave and say goodbye and to send a flying kiss, and she gladly did so. Both my husband and I will ensure that our little girl, and future children in time to come, will learn both Mandarin and English, and learn them well.
This week, many Singaporeans have wept for the loss of our founding father, in private and in public. I, too, have teared many times while reading reports and articles on Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I cannot imagine how much more pain and grief you have to experience as his son. Many times, you had to put up a strong front and hold back your tears because you are the Prime Minister and you had to stay strong before your people. How would we ever know the amount of tears that you have shed and extent of your heartbreak in private? We feel for you, and I think that it is OK even if you are not OK in front of the camera, because this is only normal. Perhaps at the private cremation later, you could be free to express your grief and sorrow as the son of Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Parting is never easy. Even though the funeral is over, the sadness and emptiness in our hearts will linger for a while more, perhaps much more longer for you. I pray that God will comfort you and your family and may you find peace and solace in the midst of grief. Please do take good care of yourself and of your health as well.
Yours sincerely,
A Singapore daughter
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