Remembering Lee Kuan Yew: A Call to Action for Singapore's Future, Says PM Wong

SINGAPORE – As Singapore marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong urged citizens to honor his legacy not just through remembrance, but through proactive efforts in shaping the nation’s future.

On March 23, PM Wong reflected on the phenomenal transformation Singapore underwent under Mr. Lee's leadership. He positioned modern Singapore as a "clean and green city-state" admired globally, stating, “Together with his pioneering team, Mr. Lee defied the odds to build a nation anchored in meritocracy, strengthened by economic resilience, and held together by a deep commitment to harmony.”

Lee Kuan Yew, who served as Singapore’s Prime Minister from 1959 until 1990, continued to influence politics until his retirement in 2011. His vision helped shape a nation that has become a benchmark for development, social cohesion, and stability.

On this reflective occasion, PM Wong reminded Singaporeans that "The Singapore story is still being written," and called for collective action to forge a brighter future worthy of the foundation laid by Mr. Lee.

Lee’s eldest son, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, also commemorated the milestone, sharing a heartfelt message: “Singaporeans remember him for all he did for the nation. To me and my family, he was our father or grandfather, and meant the world to us. May we live up to his hopes and expectations, and always do him proud.”

In addition to local leaders, international voices joined in honoring Mr. Lee. French President Emmanuel Macron described him as a “visionary of his time” and affirmed the strong ties between France and Singapore, highlighting his plans to visit Singapore this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

To mark the anniversary, a ceremony was held at Duxton Plain Park in Tanjong Pagar GRC, where Lee began his political career. Several MPs paid their respects by placing flowers at the memorial tree planted in his honor shortly after his death. This act symbolized not only a remembrance of Mr. Lee but also acknowledged his dedication to gardening, as he was fondly dubbed Singapore’s Chief Gardener.

Minister Indranee Rajah highlighted Mr. Lee’s transformative impact, stating, "What he did for Tanjong Pagar, he also did at scale for the whole country. He oversaw this extraordinary transformation of Singapore in its journey from Third World to First."

Amidst the planned commemorations, Singapore stands at a crucial juncture. As the nation continues to adapt to global challenges, the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew serves as a reminder that sustainable growth and unity can only be achieved through active participation and commitment from every citizen.

This anniversary is not just about remembering a remarkable leader; it is a rallying cry for all Singaporeans to embody Mr. Lee’s vision and aspirations, ensuring the nation continues to thrive for generations to come.