Allow the grievers to grieve

Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who dedicated his life to Singapore, has just passed away; naturally, many Singaporeans are eulogising and remembering the good he has done for the nation.

Yet, some feel that this is an appropriate time to share snide remarks and articles debating the merits or otherwise of the policies he helped shape.

Why must some people put down others who are grieving just because they judge these others to not understand the whole picture?

To put it into perspective, when somebody one knows has just died, is it ever appropriate to make snide comments or bring up any past questionable behaviour at the funeral and to his family?

Most people with basic decency simply remember the deceased for the good they did in their lives.

It does not mean that one never again speaks about Mr Lee’s ideas one disagreed with; there will be appropriate forums in future. But a debate about who was right and wrong adds no value at an emotional time such as now.

Grief is a personal thing. Just because one feels differently, it does not mean one should judge others for the way they grieve. And it is inapt to tell others that they have no right to grieve because they did not know Mr Lee well.

Let us have some consideration for others. Let us respectfully allow the grievers to grieve.