Parliament pays birthday tribute to Lee Kuan Yew

SINGAPORE — Leader of the House Ng Eng Hen today (Sept 16) paid tribute in Parliament to former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s achievements — to a standing ovation from the House — which he described as “astonishing and without peer”. Mr Lee, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, turns 90 today. Noting that Mr Lee — who was in Parliament when Dr Ng delivered the tribute — has been a member of the country’s legislature for 58 years, Dr Ng said: “For length of service alone, 58 years is a remarkable record. “But it is what Mr Lee has accomplished for Singapore over that lifetime of service and struggle that is astonishing and without peer,” he continued. Citing playwright William Shakespeare, Dr Ng said Singapore “was not born into greatness, but hardship and poverty”. It was Mr Lee’s “singular mission and dedication” that steered the Republic to independence and transformed Singapore into a “modern and thriving metropolis”. Said Dr Ng: “In lifting an entire nation, and improving countless lives of Singaporeans of several generations, Mr Lee Kuan Yew has left a lasting legacy for all of us, and achieved greatness.” After the sitting, Members of Parliament (MPs) celebrated Mr Lee's birthday in the Members’ Room. The party included a short video from the Labour Movement featuring well wishes from workers. MPs also presented Mr Lee with a birthday card and a nine-volume Chinese collection on his illustrious political career published by the National Archives and Cengage Learning Asia. Separately in a Facebook post, Singapore President Tony Tan and his wife, Mrs Mary Tan, wished Mr Lee "joy and continued good health on his 90th birthday". "Generations of Singaporeans have benefitted from Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s lifelong contributions towards creating the peaceful and prosperous Singapore that we know today. Mr Lee reminds us that Singapore is a constant work in progress as he continues to work tirelessly to secure our future even after more than five decades of public service," wrote Dr Tan.

Here is the full transcript of the tribute delivered in Parliament:

Madame Speaker and members of the House, thank you for allowing me to say a few words before Parliament adjourns on this special occasion. I say it is special because today, September 16, is the 90th birthday of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding Prime Minister.

An amazing fact is that Mr Lee has been a member of this country’s legislature for 58 years. Since 1955, when he was elected into the first legislative assembly of Singapore, Parliament’s predecessor, Singapore then was not even yet independent, and still a colony. For length of service alone, 58 years is a remarkable record. But it is what Mr Lee has accomplished for Singapore over that lifetime of service and struggle that is astonishing and without peer. I would not recount these accomplishments today, it is not possible to do so in a few minutes, and any attempt would commit an injustice. But I would, on behalf of all members, express our profound admiration and gratitude on Mr Lee’s birthday.

Shakespeare wrote: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”. Singapore was not born into greatness, but hardship and poverty. Mr Lee’s singular mission and dedication steered this country to independence and laid the very foundations that transformed Singapore into a modern and thriving metropolis. He forged the nation which today, is admired worldwide for its prosperity, harmony and stability. In lifting an entire nation, and improving countless lives of Singaporeans of several generations, Mr Lee Kuan Yew has left a lasting legacy for all of us, and achieved greatness. Madam Speaker and members of this house, I am delighted and honoured to be able to share this special occasion on his 90th birthday, with Mr Lee in this House. And he has made special efforts to be in this House, and I think, against doctor’s advice. All MPs wish him happiness and continued good health. Happy Birthday!