Visit to National Museum for Lee Kuan Yew Exhibition

93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897

Tel: 6332 3659

Website: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/National.Museum.of.Singapore

Around the same period that the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew lay instate at The Parliament House (information here) for us to pay our last respects, there is also the "In Memoriam: Mr Lee Kuan Yew" exhibition going on at the National Museum, showcasing some of his personal / business effects.

It is located at Glass Atrium, Level 2 of the National Museum.
The exhibition has been extended for a month, so it runs from 23 March 2015 to 24 May 2015 now.
Sundays to Thursdays:  10.00am to 8.00pm
Fridays and Saturdays:  10.00am to 10.00pm

The queue was terrible at first, I heard accounts of people having to queue for hours just to go in. Due to the National Museum's closing hours, some of them had to be asked to come back another day.  Finally, after waiting it out for a while, and visiting on a weekday morning, there was no queue.

Disappointingly, there were only about 8 actual exhibitions on display (now should be 9, adding on the "Battleship is Steam Boat"  telegram).

Yes, this is the famous Red Box, well-maintained and in excellent, nearly pristine condition. This is also his trademark briefcase, where he kept all his work documents.

Here is his timepiece, a well-worn Rolex watch on display as well.

The preserved leaflet for the Legislative Assembly General Election 1959 and leaflet for the Legislative By-Assembly at Tanjong Pagar 1957.

Then there was the Podium - it was always a familar sight to see him standing on one, sharing his views with the nation.

The Barrister Wig he used to wear when he was still a lawyer.

This was one of the newer additions - the cards, flowers and other handmade tribute items collected from The Parliament House and the various remote tribute sites.

Finally, lots of photographs that chronicles the life and political career of Sir Lee.  The entire visit took merely 45 minutes for me. There are also some of his books on sale.

Admission is free; so do drop by if you are in the vicinity, and are keen to check this exhibition out.

Farewell, Founding Father of the Little Red Dot

Singapore has formed a human chain,

Looped around where you now lay far too still,

Braving the weather rain or shine, or giving up sleep,

Muttering not a word of complaint,

As we walk towards you, baby steps towards you,

With only our respect, time and tears to spare.

Can you see the unity of your people in this picture,

The people that you took great care of -

Men and women with white hair and toothy grins,

Young and old regardless of race - 

Joined by people of the globe, in awe,

Edging towards your force - so strong even in death.

You portray a stern and hard facade to the public -

Even ruthless, heartless, even Machiavellian,

Yet your people digress, painting the softer side

Of you, as a great leader, patient and friend;

Yet the love you have shown for your family

And wife, greatly moves us in silence.

A mystery - that is what you are -

Firm in certain values, yet keeping an open mind;

Like the father whose care runs deeper than words,

Like the builder who explored unchartered territories-

Opening up possibilities for a muddy piece of land,

Now cemented firmly in prosperity's paths.

And your name, your name is Light and Glory,

High standards to live up to - but you attained,

By leading a country so poor and polluted (corrupt)

To where peace, prosperity and potential await;

The men who fought alongside with you -

Were never un-mentioned, though some may have left.

Possesive, were you, guarding the nation protectively-

As if it were your very own - but it indeed is yours,

This tiny red dot we have come to call our own,

Built and crafted by your lifetime of brilliance,

Sweat, efforts, energies and concerns,

Even in sickness your thoughts were never on yourself.

Haters may hate your guts, liars may deny you credit,

Hardening your heart to rid all that post threats;

The dirt and pain of politics are lined in gray, raining

Upon you but you shouldered all of them,

With only one goal in mind - bringing Singapore up,

Developing and grooming it was all that mattered.

Now as you go gently into the good night, Sir,

Thank you for your dedication and diligence;

Though we may never again see your familiar face,

In live recordings of parliament meets or NDP,

You have left your marks in all that we dwell upon,

The inspirations, the legacy, that comfort you planted.
copyright © thearcticstar 2015. 

Singaporeans - and many foreigners, for that matter, have not uttered a word of complaint as the queue continues to form day after day, hour after hour, and inspite of the weather conditions.  This is contrary to the accusations that we are a complaining lot.

For that matter, there are / were many volunteers who have generously offered their monetary resources, time and energies to give out refreshments, meals, drinks, umbrellas etc to those who took pains to stay in the hours of queue - which contravenes the accusations of us being "selfish".

These are your people, Sir LKY - the ones you have watched over in life. Whether you may choose to continue watching over us in spirit now, we know not - and we are saddened by the loss of you - but rest in peace, rest well in the arms of your beloved wife Mrs Lee, if you will.

Deepest condolences to the family of Sir Lee as well - take good care of yourself so you may be able to take good care of your (father's) people....

Paying Last Respects to Sir (Harry) Lee Kuan Yew

1 Old Parliament Lane, Parliament House, Singapore 179429

Occasion:  Sir Lee Kuan Yew's lying in state
Date: 25 March 2015 - 29 March 2015

Prior to my post here (about whether Sir Lee would pull through), the heartbreaking news have been released - he left us on 23 March 2015 at 3.18am in the morning. We know that he is not immortal hence death is inevitable, but the demise still brought about grief.

Source: unknown - being circulated, depicting the queue on the first day of Sir Lee's lying-in-state

After a private ceremony for his family at Sri Temasek (Istana), Sir Lee's body was transported by gun cannon to the Parliament House. He was being accorded the highest State honour, and his body would lie in state for about 5 days before the cremation. The public could go and pay their last respects to the Founding Father of the Nation - I guess no one expected the crowd to be so overwhelming (see picture above) - the first men to enter the Parliament House began queuing at 11.00pm the night before. 

The original 10.00am - 8.00pm "visiting hours" were extended to 24 hours, with train and bus services accommodating the same hours (some nights, for trains) so as to facilitate the visitors' home-going after midnight.

We joined the queue on 26 March 2015 (Thursday) at 3.30pm under the sweltering hot sun. It was my first time queuing for anything at all - I never queued for Hello Kitty (don't fancy them), never for IT or travel fairs, never for Tim Ho Wan or Din Tai Fung restaurants, never for H&M's Alexander McQueen collaboration launch, and certainly not for Apple Iphones.

But this was different - this was the last chance to "see" the man who helped Singapore become what it is today, who shaped and built a nation under his very hands - a living legend whose legacy shall never waver. I shall share my experience of the 5-hours long Queue herein.

We reached the Padang (photos with the green grass patch) after joining a long queue that formed at St. Andrew's Cathedral, City Hall. It was sunny, around 33 Degrees Celsius, and we were still looking relatively fresh, all hyped up and determined to stick it out (trust me when I say, by the end of the queue we looked a hundred times worse).  Everyone was appropriately donned in shades of black, grey, white and blue - dull, solemn colours.

The wait was arduous given the weather conditions, but we were grateful that weather was clear (the alternative would have been unthinkable). People of all nationalities, ages and races formed the line, with priority given to the elderly and pregnant ladies.  Some were carrying flowers or handmade cards / posters while others were carrying their umbrellas so low they nearly poked some eyeballs out.

At The Padang, there were at least some tents for shelter. Overall, the entire walk from City Hall to Padang (and at Padang itself) was rather orderly, with military / governmental personnel directing the flow along the way. It was very gratifying to have the unsung heroes distributing mineral water, packet drinks, canned herbals tea, croissants, burgers, bread, crackers etc along the way - all out of their own volition and precious time.

Was also grateful that the entire lot of people was rather civilised and non-rowdy, so there was no risk of being stampeded or trampled over. The small discomfort were some sore feet, being jostled / bumped against by some impatient souls here and there, as well as having to battle some cooties-like lifeforms at the junction between Parliament House & Cricket Club. Because of the crowd and heat, the atmosphere could get rather stifling as well, and it is not uncommon to feel a little bout or two of dizziness at times. These minor annoyances were nothing - absolutely nothing at all - you could not even call these "sacrifices" compared to what Sir Lee had given up for us as a whole.

Mobile lavatories were available at the roadside in case anyone needed to answer to Nature's calls along the way.

Once we entered the White Tents set up along Parliament House, we knew the wait would be over soon. After they scanned our belongings and us, we were finally in the last lap of the journey. From being extremely chatty to waning of high spirits, the mood became heavier with each step that brought us closer to the hall containing Sir Lee's mortal shell.

We finally entered the cool, air-conditioned hall that bore all the air of regal formality. It was here that the pent-up sadness felt free to let loose and everyone became a little emotional, especially when we were faced with his framed photograph with the elegant casket looking so imposing in the centre.  After a couple of bows, muttering thank-yous and good-byes, we exited. That was it - 5 hours of queuing for 3 minutes of fame.

Photosource: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/681233/lee-kuan-yew-lies-in-state-as-singaporeans-bid-farewell

It was over. This man who gave Singapore its name, its rankings in the world, its life - who shaped, built and molded the "tiny red dot" into a prosperous nation, has finally decided to relinquish his kingdom. He has set a very good foundation - would the future generations be able to upkeep the standards, improvise upon it, or at least maintain? 

I suddenly realize that I would no longer be able to watch him live on TV again, giving one of his many powerful and insightful speeches, looking through the society with sharp eyes; neither would I be able to see him waving to us during National Day Parades again. 

His mortal shell may have been gone, but everything that remains bears his brilliant touch. The well-maintained buildings, the even roads, the potable water we enjoy the moment we turn on the taps, the thriving economy and the safe streets - no, they did not spring out of eggshells or magic. Thank you, Mr. Lee.

SINGAPORE IN THE PAST

Photosource: http://www.ghettosingapore.com/a-chinatown-reminiscent-of-the-old/

SINGAPORE TODAY

Photosource: http://learntechconf.com/delegate-information/about-singapore/

Politics aside, and accusations of his "ruthlessness", :"heartlessness" etc aside - his achievements were certainly no easy feat. It took a lot of brilliance, dedication and efforts to turn this country into what it is today. Sir Lee took up the challenge and the responsibility of that, guarding the country till the day he took his last breath.

No, I am not brain-washed by the Men in White (and never would be); I have my own political preferences. But people need to be rational and understand that a political party is a political party - what someone has done for everyone, is a separate matter.  

It irks me especially upon reading comments from those who suggested "let's celebrate" or "the dictator has finally died" etc - PLS GROW UP! You don't have to say very nice things if you don't wish to, but there is no need for such comments because one day you would be the one lying in the long brown box too. If you are so disgruntled, you don't need to turn on the taps and drink the potable water he has arranged for the nation; you don't have to fly out from the airport he has placed on the top of the charts, and you don't have to live here where his vision (and hard work) has taken us.

Photosource: http://www.iproperty.com.sg/news/3215/Should-Lee-Kuan-Yew's-home-be-demolished?

His own living room looks like this - one of the other discoveries about him that I thought was very moving (besides the strong and deep love he has for his wife Mdm Kwa). I always imagined his home to be filled with expensive oak and rosewood furniture, with sophisticated armoire and heavyset tables; and that everytime they enjoyed a meal in the beautiful settings it would be a rather formal affair.  I never expected this simplicity, this untouched vintage set of furniture that exhibits his frugality towards himself.

If there are things I could learn from this giant of a man, it would be:

(i) his determination to make good his word

(ii) his unwavering diligence, even during the moments before his surgery

(iii) despite being overwhelmed by work and responsibility, he held great love for his partner

(iv) his dedication to his posts

(v) his high adaptability in ever-changing times

Thank you, Sir Harry Lee KY-  as you go gently into the good night, I would like to give you this quote, by Albert Pike "what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us, what we have done for others and the world remains, and is immortal"....

Rest in peace.

Will Mr. Lee Kuan Yew pull through today, 18 March 2015?

I just placed an order for five (5) of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's books (in photo below) from Kinokuniya Online Store.

Well, this is one of my very rare political / current affairs entries - I have stopped writing about politics for a long time, though I still do follow the happenings.

I just felt I had to write something about this, when I saw the above. Mixed feelings overcame me as the words registered, and a million thoughts raced through my mind faster than I could utter the words "get well soon".

I believe that I would not be the only one feeling the conflicting emotions creeping in, slowly, and the worst has being imagined ever since news of his deterioration has been announced. Since this afternoon, there has been many police personnel and reporters camped at Singapore General Hospital, hoping to get first hand updates on Mr. LKY's condition. It has worsened due to an infection, and the latest update was that even his son Mr. Lee Hsien Loong and wife Mdm. Ho Ching were paying the elderly Mr. Lee a visit.

So.... what does this mean exactly? No, not just for the Founding Prime Minister, but what does this mean for Singapore if (not a very big IF) Grim Reaper comes to claim his prize?

Photosource: http://lee-kuan-yew.com/lky/

Feeling elated / relieved, that this "tyrant" of a leader is finally making space for more possibilities and penetration by the opposition parties?

Feeling anxious, and hoping that this talented man would be seized by a miracle and recover, walking out ready to take Singapore by the horns again?

Feeling sad at the potential loss of Father of this Nation, the one who has brought Singapore thus far?

Feeling worried / scared of what the future might entail, now that we no longer have this ambitious ruler watching over the nation (at least not in flesh), to dictate and keep the country intact?

Face it, even though he may no longer be at the frontline in recent years, delivering long and impactful speeches, it is no secret that he still holds the fort together in his own ways. Whether by fear or out of respect, I have a feeling he is the reason that a lot of votes still go to the Men in White (pardon me if I am making baseless deduction herein though- but we shall see, soon) and his influence is still very powerful.

I am hearing / seeing a lot of words of concerns towards his current health conditions  - on social media platforms, as well as through people around me now.

There are also those who are still cursing him, hoping he suffers and wishing him dead - I could only choose to turn a deaf ear to these audio poison.

I believe that no matter what happens, plans should have been set aside in preparation for the inevitable changes - plans by both the government and the opposing players. It is us the citizens that will continue to be kept in suspense, and play along with whatever new rules and policies that we would be faced with in future.

There is a little fear in me regarding the abovementioned point, yes. We have been under his guidance and rulership for decades, though things seem to have taken a turn for the worse lately. While I may lament the policies and may not be a staunch supporter of the government at large, I cannot deny the awe I have for Mr. LKY for what he has brought Singapore to, today.

It was not an easy path, looking back at the decrepit state we were fifty years ago. He may have done his fair share of situational adjustments, including the alleged betrayal of Mr. Lim Chin Siong, his then-buddy and co-founder - but to be pragmatic, no leader has ever accomplished anything great without being ruthless when they deem fit. Face it- you don't come across great historic figures who ruled well without a few sacrifices along the way, and in this instance, it is a regret for all involved parties.

Anyway, to be fair, I'd conclude by saying that despite the recent ridiculous policies of his party, I still have a great deal of respect for Mr. LKY and all that he has done. Hope he pulls through and get well soon.