Remembering Mr Lee Kuan Yew

We joined the crowd at the Istana this evening to pen our condolences. Mom, Mr. Jang and I.

I brought along the card I made for MM Lee. On it, I drew a tree. He has given his life to build this country, sheltering its citizens from torrents of global crises and external threats. This is one great man - strict as a rock but selfless as a tree. 

I have never met him personally but emotions welled up as we neared the long, white tent where endless bouquets of flowers were laid. His eyes were looking back at the mourners. As I stared at the many faces of MM Lee, printed on cardboards and cards everywhere, it is hard to believe that the man is really gone.

I think the only time I even came close to seeing him in person was at the first project I worked on as an information officer. It was the inaugural Singapore International Water Week in 2008. MM Lee was the guest-of-honour for an important segment (water prize?) and we were supposed to get the media ready for photo opportunities. Our ministry at that time was hosting a journalist visit programme. For some reason, we were running late with the Chinese media and turned up a few minutes late for the briefing by his press secretary. Then-boss was a little annoyed with us. Young officers with no respect. Oops.

For the actual event, I recalled we did manage to catch a glimpse of the man from afar. The perks of being a civil servant, especially an IO, is that you get to be part of major events and see politicians in action. (The down side is the culture of reverence mixed with fear. That and the endless levels of 'for approval please'. A separate story for another day.)

My tribute: 

"Dear MM Lee, you are a scary man for those who have worked in the ministry. But also dearly loved, deeply respected, and now... sorely missed."

I feel somewhat proud of having served in the civil service for five years - it felt like I have contributed to the country as part of his team, shameless as it sounded. I know (or I hope) this sense of stewardship and mission is what drives some of my friends, who are still in the civil service. The country needs brilliant people with good hearts.

Rest in peace, MM Lee.