Under The Angsana Tree: Remembering Lee Kuan Yew 2022

Update 16 Sep 2023: Lee Kuan Yew In His Own Words

Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew was a man equally at home whipping up a crowd at a rally or commanding attention on the international stage. Known for his acumen, foresight and wit, he held his own with the brightest minds and most powerful leaders and laid the foundation for the country's success.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth on Sep 16, CNA looks back at 10 of his more memorable quotes that were synonymous with the country's milestones and development:

On separating from Malaysia - For me, it is a moment of anguish because all my life ... You see, the whole of my adult life ... I have believed in Malaysian merger and the unity of these two territories.
On taking a long-term view for Singapore - I am calculating not in terms of the next election ... I am calculating in terms of the next generation; in terms of the next 100 years; in terms of eternity.
On how Singaporeans are not a people who can be bullied - You know, some people think: Oh well you know, we are a small place - they can put the screws on us. It is not so easy. We are a small place in size yes, geography.
On how governing Singapore is not simply a game - Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine.
On micromanaging people's private lives - I am accused often of interfering in private lives of citizens. And I say without the slightest remorse that we wouldn't be here, we would not have made the economic progress if we had not intervened on very personal matters
On what it takes to be a good minister - Remember this: Good ministers are not just those who kiss babies and smile and have dialogue sessions; you can have endless sessions, it's very good, you keep on listening and so on.
On how political leaders are judged - Political leaders are judged, first, by how effectively they have exercised their authority in the interests of their people.
On being an ardent advocate for Singapore's success - Even from my sickbed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel that something is going wrong, I will get up.
On saving and investing for a rainy day - They say we got enormous reserves. Yes, we do. But, you know, a few years of a recession, an economic setback, and all that will suddenly be depleted.
On what he cherished most - I cannot say I planned my life. That's why I feel life is a great adventure - exciting, unpredictable, and at times exhilarating and sometimes excruciating.

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Lee Kuan Yew Doppelganger Spotted At Coffee Shop On 18 May

Resemblance Leaves Internet Shook

The term doppelganger is used to describe someone who is a spitting image of another, although they are entirely biologically unrelated. While it’s incredibly rare to meet one in person, it’s not entirely impossible, as seen in this video posted on 18 May.

In the clip, a man resembling the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew chows down on a meal at a coffee shop. Perhaps it’s the camera’s angle, but the uncanny resemblance left the Internet shook. The video, which a Facebook user shared in the Singapore Incidents group, left commenters reeling from laughter, and they spared no expense when cracking jokes.

One joked that the man was the late Mr Lee’s body double. He had probably lost his job since the Minister Mentor (MM)’s passing. With the latest release of the CDC vouchers, another person suggested that he might be taking the opportunity to use them to pay for his lunch. Considering how eerie it must be to see the likes of someone who has passed, a Facebook user said the OP should count his lucky stars that the encounter happened in broad daylight.

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Iving Iving May 18

Look like LKY having his meal !!!

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LHL welcome PM of Singapore

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A Tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew to remember his Life Journey

Remembering Lee Kuan Yew 2020

Wei Ling and Hsien Yang’s are the younger siblings of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Kwa is a maternal cousin of the Lees

Dr Lee Wei Ling and Lee Hsien Yang, trustees and executors of the late Lee Kuan Yew’s estate, have applied for an order against the Law Society to convene a Disciplinary Tribunal in relation to their father’s former lawyer Kwa Kim Li. According to court documents obtained by Yahoo News Singapore, the two Lee siblings filed the application on 21 September last year and a pre-trial conference was scheduled for 6 October. Another in-chambers hearing took place on Monday (1 February) over the case.

The duo applied for the order under section 96(1) of the Legal Profession Act, and had sought for the Law Society to be directed to apply to the Chief Justice for the appointment of a Disciplinary Tribunal for a formal investigation into Kwa’s conduct. This involves three complaints relating to Kwa that were made by the siblings, and which were investigated by an Inquiry Committee in 2019.

Kwa is managing partner of Lee and Lee, which was founded in 1955 by the late Lee. Between 20 August 2011 and 2 November 2012, she had prepared six of the late Lee’s wills. Dr Lee had previously accused Kwa of “lying” about the latter’s supposed non-involvement in the events that led to her father’s 2013 will.

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Remembering Lee Kuan Yew 2016

When Lee Kuan Yew passed, he was apparently no longer just a great man; in the eyes of many, he had become a perfect man too

I have no doubt that Singaporeans and many people around the world felt genuine, emotional stirrings at the death of this giant, but that it was so short-lived makes one wonder. I suppose we can't expect people to be writing eulogies to him every day. We all know that life goes on. However, I believe that if you asked the people who had either strongly negative or neutral feelings, or those who could rationalise how they felt about his life and passing, the conviction of their sentiments would be the same now as they have been for years and will be for years to come.

So what of the seven-day mourners? Was it a knee-jerk reaction? Was it that people didn't expect to feel as much as they did when he left us? Or was it just that many had never thought about it before and never weighed the importance of this man in our history and future until he was gone? How much of it stemmed from pure ignorance?

One of the main things that struck me was the disgust with which people who had anything other than a kind word to say about him were treated. They were called ungrateful and disrespectful. They weren't allowed their own opinions — God forbid any judgements — or their own parting words to a man they had a different relationship with. When Lee Kuan Yew passed, he was apparently no longer just a great man; in the eyes of many, he had become a perfect man too.

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Remembering Lee Kuan Yew @ March 24, 2016

Heng Swee Kiat @ 23 Mar 2016

"Singapore really was a venture then. Together with the pioneer leaders, he didn’t just raise funds, he mobilised a whole people. We were a people who had little else besides our spirit, but our pioneers energised us, gave us the faith, strength and vision to draw together as one and move forward in the same direction. In doing so, we showed the world that we are a people who can get things done, and we built something special and enduring – our Singapore.

I don't think Mr Lee would want us to grieve over his passing. I think he would expect us to keep that spirit alive, and carry on with the work of building this nation. He would hope that all of us continue to stay united and think long term; be courageous and bold to find new ways and to try and try again until we succeed; and to leave no one behind, and always do our best for one another and for Singapore."

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Remembering Lee Kuan Yew

Photograph by Tara Sosrowardoyo, National Museum of Singapore Collection

Mr Lee Kuan Yew died on March 23, 2015 at the age of 91. In his long years as Singapore’s first Prime Minister, he spearheaded policies that not only changed the country but also shaped the Public Service to be what it is today. As a tribute to the man and his ideas, the Challenge team has produced a special edition to commemorate his impact on the Public Service.

“As a young civil servant, Mr Lee’s leadership left a deep impression on me and I had the great privilege of watching, from close up, the way he handled many important issues, such as relations with major countries, in both good and bad times. For Mr Lee, if something was worth doing for Singapore and Singaporeans, it was worth doing it very well. We saw this, for example, in his dedication to the cause of the trade unions, so that workers can have a share in the fruits of the nation’s progress; his promotion of home ownership so that every Singaporean has a stake in the country; his personal attention to the greening of Singapore which he saw as a means of gifting to every Singaporean, no matter his station in life, a very conducive urban environment. The list is endless. As we mourn the passing of a great leader, an astute statesman and an exceptional Singaporean, let us seek to emulate his passion and dedication in serving Singapore and Singaporeans. Let that be Mr Lee’s legacy to the public service.”

“Mr Lee embedded in us the psyche of survival and security when it comes to water, and it has been our guiding principle in PUB ever since. I recall the most critical afternoon meeting with him (in 2002) when my officer and I had to persuade him that our water master plan with NEWater is the answer to our water challenge. In the midst of the discussion, he fell strangely silent for some time, deep in thought. Suddenly he turned to me and pointedly asked me, as if cross-examining me in a court of law, whether we could deliver on our plan to wean Singapore out of water dependency on imported water. After spending so many afternoons with him, listening to his intense concern for water, how else could I respond except to give him a resounding “Yes”. A man of his vision and passion demanded and deserved nothing less. I remembered so well his reaction. He fell back into his chair, became silent again for a long while, and then to my amazement, he gave a smile the likes of which I have never seen before from him. With that, he rose and left the meeting. I knew he had decided we could make it. I was left in awe at the very calculated way he weighs the risks and takes a firm decision with no turning back.”

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Lee Kuan Yew passes away on 23 Mar 2015

7 days of national mourning declared

Mr Lee, aged 91 passed away at 3:18am on Monday morning, 46 days after admission to Singapore General Hospital. Mr Lee was warded at SGH since 5 Feb for severe pneumonia and was on life support.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has declared a period of national mourning for Singapore's first prime minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew from today to Sunday (March 23 - 29). Mr Lee's body will lie in state at Parliament House from Wed to Sat (March 25 - 28). Those who wish to pay their respects can do so from 10am to 8pm daily during this period.

A State Funeral Service will be held at on Sun (March 29), 2pm, at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore. The service will be attended by the late Mr Lee's family, friends and staff, the President, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Old Guards, senior civil servants, grassroots leaders and Singaporeans from all walks of life, said the statement. The state funeral will be followed by a private cremation at Mandai Crematorium. State flags on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast from today to Sunday as a mark of respect.

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Lee Kuan Yew medallion range to mark his 5th death anniversary “temporarily suspended” by Singapore Mint

Just hours after launching a series of medallions and busts dedicated to the founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, The Singapore Mint has decided to “temporarily suspend” the range. At around 12.45pm on Monday (2 March), The Singapore Mint revealed in a statement that it had released medallions with the face of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew’s face engraved on it, as well as busts resembling him to mark his fifth death anniversary.

Titled “The Pride of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew”, the series comprises of four commemorative gold, silver, and base-metal medallions, and made-to-order copper busts that come in two sizes. This latest range is part of the Singapore Salute collection. The ½ oz 999.9 fine gold and 1 oz 999 fine silver medallions in an oval shape are engraved with late Mr Lee portrait on it. The copper and nickel-plated zinc medallions also have pictures of sampans and Singapore’s skyline on the other side, showcasing the country’s development from its earlier days. As for the copper busts, they come in two different sizes – 110mm and 430mm.

Based on the Singapore Mint, the collection is “meticulously engraved and sculpted by the Singapore Mint’s master engravers with their skillful craftsmanship”, with a “dignified interpretation” of late Mr Lee’s image. “Mr Lee’s great foresight and determined pursuit of Singapore’s growth have played an important role in bringing Singapore to where it is today, and shaping the history of modern Singapore.” It continued, “The Pride of Singapore medallion range also seeks to remind Singaporeans to be resilient and indomitable to concur challenges and adversity in unity”. However, as of 7pm on the same day of the launch, the medallions and busts, priced between S$10 and S$1,888, were not available for orders anymore on The Singapore Mint’s website. The website has now a notice saying, “We have temporarily suspended this program until further notice.”

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Parliamentary Statement by PM Lee Hsien Loong on calls to honour Mr Lee Kuan Yew, on 13 April 2015
An Outpouring of Grief and Gratitude

During the month of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s final illness, and the week of National Mourning after he passed away, Singaporeans experienced a tremendous outpouring of emotions – gratitude, sorrow, and solidarity. People prayed for, grieved over and paid their last respects to the founding father who had done so much to create today’s Singapore. Many wrote touching messages in condolence books and cards, and made special tribute books and items. During the Special Session of Parliament, Members spoke movingly about Mr Lee’s contributions, what he meant to them, and their personal experiences of him. I thank this House, and all Singaporeans, for their tributes to my father.

Those of us who lived through this special moment in our history, and experienced this sense of togetherness in our shared grief, will remember it for the rest of our lives. Mr Lee’s passing brought us closer together as one people and intensified our sense of nationhood. It was his last gift to us. How should we remember and honour him – his person, his contributions, his ideals? Members of the House and the public have made many suggestions. There were several questions on the Order Paper today. Ms Foo Mee Har and Dr Lily Neo suggested printing his image on our currency notes and coins; Mr Ang Wei Nang and Dr Lily Neo suggested re-naming Changi Airport after him; and Ms Foo Mee Har suggested designating a day to commemorate our founding fathers every year. And there are many more suggestions.

These are all good ideas. But we should not rush into making decisions on this matter, especially so soon after Mr Lee has passed away. We should allow some time to pass, consider the ideas carefully, and make calm, considered decisions which will stand the test of time. We want to honour Mr Lee, but we must do so in the right way:
Ideals, not Monuments
Currency Notes
38 Oxley Road
A Founders’ Memorial

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A glimpse into the private life of Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew (back row, centre) outside his Norfolk Road home in 1936 with siblings (front, from left) Suan Yew, three; Monica, seven; Freddy, nine; and Dennis, 11; and parents Chua Jim Neo, 29; and Lee Chin Koon, 33
The night before Mr Lee (standing, centre) left for England, his family had a steak dinner at Pavilion Steakhouse in Orchard Road before walking to nearby Lloyd Studio for this family portrait, taken in 1946. (Clockwise from top left) Siblings Monica, Dennis, Freddy and Suan Yew, and parents Chua Jim Neo and Lee Chin Koon. Source: Lee Kuan Yew
Mr Lee asked his cousin Harold Liem to take photos of him and Ms Kwa together on Sept 5, 1946, in anticipation of the three years the couple would be apart while he studied law in England and she remained in Singapore
The couple, seen here in academic robes, graduated from Cambridge University on June 21, 1949, and was called to the Bar a year later
Mr Lee on a marine patrol boat named Tekong with (from left) Hsien Loong, Wei Ling, Hsien Yang and Mrs Lee on a Sunday outing in 1965. Source: Lee Kuan Yew

Growing up in colonial Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was like any typical child – footloose and fancy-free. The boy who would grow up to become prime minister would catch fighting fish from drains, fly kites and take leisurely swims in the sea. Born on Sept 16, 1923, to a wealthy Straits Chinese family, he was the eldest of five children of Shell Oil Company depot manager Lee Chin Koon and Mrs Chua Jim Neo. In 1935, he topped his school in an islandwide examination and clinched a place at the prestigious Raffles Institution. He was active in scouting, playing cricket and tennis, and debating.

Four years later, he came in first in Singapore and Malaya in the Senior Cambridge examinations, winning a scholarship to read English, economics and mathematics at Raffles College. His education was interrupted by World War II. A resourceful survivor, he found work as a clerk and an English-language editor for the Japanese propaganda department. He traded food on the black market, started a stationery gum business with Mr Yong Nyuk Lin in 1944, where he met Mr Yong’s sister-in-law, Ms Kwa Geok Choo, a former Raffles College classmate whom he started dating.

After the war, Mr Lee sailed for England in 1946 on his 23rd birthday. He enrolled in the London School of Economics to read law but transferred to the more idyllic Cambridge University the next year. Ms Kwa won the Queen’s Scholarship and joined Mr Lee at Cambridge in 1947 to read law. Eager to start their life together, Mr Lee and Ms Kwa married secretly on Dec 23, 1947, at Stratford-upon-Avon. Both Mr Lee and his wife graduated from Cambridge on June 21, 1949, with first class honours, with Mr Lee winning the only star for distinction on the final Law Tripos II honours list. A year later, they were called to the Bar at Middle Temple and returned to Singapore on Aug 1, 1950.

They held their official wedding at the Registry of Marriages on Sept 30, 1950, and began married life at the Lee family’s two-storey bungalow at 38 Oxley Road. Both found jobs as pupils at Laycock & Ong in Malacca Street. Five years later, they founded their own law firm, Lee & Lee, with Mr Lee’s brother Dennis.

Mr and Mrs Lee have three children, Hsien Loong, Wei Ling and Hsien Yang, and seven grandchildren. Mrs Lee died on Oct 2, 2010, at the age of 89, and Mr Lee on March 23, 2015, at the age of 91.

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