Hey there! I just changed my blogskin :) It's a little user-unfriendly because you can't navigate my past posts by headings or hashtags. So i'm gonna update the codings, stay tuned! (The font's kinda hard to read too..other than these 3 peeves, i'm quite satisfied) Follow me on the links below! :) 29/4/2015.
Started this blog during the last few weeks of SEM1(AY2014/15) cos' i regained interest in blogging. I blog about anything - news, social issues, music - but mostly about my university life :) Hope my posts will help you to make better life (and module) choices! Currently a Sociology Major. Still fresh. xD  : Amelia Lim, 20 October.+ follow | Email | insta | twitter | fb magic sprinkles: recent updates :
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Our Founding Father - Harry Lee Kuan Yew (1923 - 2015)
written on Monday, 23 March 2015 @ 06:37 ✈
Woke up in the morning, checked my Whatsapp, and my friend told me that this great man has passed. I immediately looked up news regarding his condition, and it was true. Scrolling through Instagram, we all saw many dedication posts to Lee Kuan Yew. The complains we had towards PAP over the years - regarding transportation, freedom of speech, bans etc- were all unimportant in that instant, Singapore was unified in remembrance of our Great Founding Father, who dedicated his whole life to building the nation, and improving our lives.
I had this rather cynical thought - why do people always, ALWAYS, only show concern when the person is gone. What's with this sudden showering of love -- when he's no longer here. He is a great leader. But as the saying goes, a leader is nothing without his team. I didn't have school on monday, and the media was playing news, tributes and biographies on Mr Lee all day.
You're a leader because people around you allowed you to be where you are. Why is there SO much media focus on him? I mean he did contribute significantly, but its also because of many other contributions by Lim Kin San, Goh Keng Swee, Toh Chin Chye, S. Rajaratnam, Ong Pang Boon that Singapore was able to develop so quickly.
Lim Kin San led the development of the public housing we had today. He even did it for free for three years.
S Rajaratnam built up the Foreign Service and helped to establish diplomatic links with other countries and secure international recognition of the new nation's sovereignty. Hon Sui Sen led the implementation of Singapore's industrialization strategy crafted by Albert Winsemius Goh Keng Swee initiated the setting up of the Economic Development Board which was established in August 1961 to attract foreign multinational corporations to invest in Singapore. He also proposed that the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) is established to invest excess reserves. The National Service policy was also his creation. And no LKY did not hire every one of these people. They worked with him to win the elections and rights to govern Singapore.
The above extract is taken from http://www.jeraldinephneah.me/2015/03/lee-kuan-yew-death.html
So why did he deserve so much praise? Because he stood against all odds, many times only by himself, persevering and giving in his all to persuade people to join him in building this nation today. He wasn't afraid to take on the unpopular opinion. Many did not believe in him, but he stood firm and believed that he could do it. He never claimed credit, nor say he was the master planner, he did it for us. He even said he was the 'servant' of Singapore.
This has been on my mind all day. I had to blog this in order to continue functioning. (I'm serious)
This man is just really different. He achieved so much and gave up his life to developing Singapore. His sheer will and determination is really commendable, and I really, really respect him. He is always on point, his statements and answers were always addressing the crux of the issue, hitting the bull's eye. He knows that not everything he does is right, but it was the best decision he could make at that point in time, for Singapore.
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His interest in politics first developed from his law study in England, where there he knew how British looked down on Asians. Angry and annoyed, he used this as a basis for his motivation, and wanted to develop Singapore to an outstanding nation to prove them wrong.
"Here in Singapore, you didn't come across the white man so much. He was in a superior position. But there you are (in Britain) in a superior position meeting white men and white women in an inferior position, socially, I mean. They have to serve you and so on in the shops. And I saw no reason why they should be governing me; they're not superior. I decided when I got back, I was going to put an end to this."
On Japan defeating colonial power Britain to occupy Singapore in 1942:
"The dark ages had descended on us. It was brutal, cruel. In looking back, I think it was the biggest single political education of my life because, for three and a half years, I saw the meaning of power and how power and politics and government went together, and I also understood how people trapped in a power situation responded because they had to live. One day the British were there, immovable, complete masters; next day, the Japanese, whom we derided, mocked as short, stunted people with short-sighted squint eyes."
In the early days of developing Singapore, there were many who were against him. With much fortitude, he made his stand and stick to it, unwavering despite much opposition. A charismatic leader, he demonstrated foresight and eventually gained the support of the majority.
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1960: HDB was established. Goal: To provide affordable housing for all. To bond the community together.
Many countries doubted his policy. Doubted his ability. Doubted if we had the resources to do this. Even the Singapore government doubted him. While they were all doubting, he succeeded. 10,000 houses in a year. He did it. He gave Singaporeans a warm and comfortable home. And Singaporeans now are more willing to protect the country they now call home.
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On his 40th birthday, Singapore merged with Malaya. He wanted to fight for equal treatment between Malays and Chinese. His speech in parliament in Malaya was really charismatic. He wasn't allowed to speak in parliament the next day. So of course we know that Malaysia wasn't pleased with him. To Malaya, he was perceived as a serious threat. Tunku Abdul Rahman, along with other ministers were so ashamed, sinking lower and lower in their seats as Mr Lee's speech progressed. Because this man's Malay was fluent than any of them.
Unfortunately (or Fortunately ?) , there were deep conflicts between Chinese and Malays, which eventually led to the spilt.
9 August 1965. Deeply saddened, he announced the separation from Malaysia. He broke down into tears during the speech, that Singapore was chased out of Malaysia, left to fend for itself.
But this only made him a more determined man.
"Singapore will survive."
"10 years from now this will be a metropolis! Never fear."
Nobody believed him.
Working alongside with Britain, he began fighting for investments internationally setting up our infrastructure, to attract investments. And perhaps develop Singapore into a central financial hub. And he did.
Singapore's economy expanded dynamically in the seventies and eighties.
He was very strategic, and established good political ties with Asian and Western countries alike. He also had close, sincere friendships with many world leaders. He travelled nearly half the world, always learning from other countries, establishing support, giving advice, never taking rest. Even on family vacations, recalled Lee Hsien Loong, he hired a nearby primary school Chinese teacher to continue on his Chinese tuition.
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He appeared very fierce and strict. He had high standards. He had high demands. He expects answers immediately, and does not tolerate any complacency.
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1966: Billingualism. One of the hardest policy to carry out, Mr Lee admitted. One of the policies I am most proud of. It equipped us with the power of universal speech and understanding, for English and Chinese are the most useful languages of our time. It greatly helped to expand Singapore's economy, for there was a smooth flow of communication.
However, looking back, he saw how people struggled, "I would have changed the implementation of this policy" he said, "but i would definitely keep this policy."
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He worried for our national safety - we did not have an army then. He worried for our job security. He worried on how to educate this population. He worried all day and night.
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Yes, he did made some rather flawed policies that many disagreed. The Graduate Mother's scheme was hotly debated and caused much opposition. Many rejected his belief in eugenics. He believe that media freedom had to be subordinated for the stability of a nation. His repression and exiling of certain political oppositions were disagreed by many. However, the most drastic situations back then probably need such drastic measures.
No man is perfect, we all make mistakes. He had good intentions, and it was all for Singaporeans, all for YOU.
Thank you for your service to Singapore, Mr Lee. May you rest in peace.
On a side note - Comic Sans? Seriously? Hahaha. Doesn't align my my font but oh well.
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On a more lighthearted note, shall end off with this random buncha stuff which i find pretty interesting:
On why he writes his books: “Well, my purpose in writing my books is to get the average ‘O’ level graduates, which is Grade 10 graduates, to read it and understand it.” Tom Plate’s Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew
(Kinda shameful that i haven't read them >< Bought "One Man's view of the World" years ago but i still haven't finished reading)
You may want to check out: Lee Kuan Yew - The Crucial Years (ebook)
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Some pretty cool and inspiring facts: from Mothership.sg
~ He learnt Mandarin when he was 32 years old. And he speaks better than most native speakers.
~ Only he can learn to speak Hokkien at 38 years old. To prove that he is not a potato-eater.
~ He was 35 years old when he became Singapore’s Prime Minister.
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Let's also be happy that our father can finally rest, and he has passed away peacefully after fulfilling his lifetime wishes.
:)
Also check out:
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"This is my Life, my country -- I have something to say!"
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