Many achievements, one that is respected the most

As Singapore commemorates a leader, entrepreneur, litigator and man of firm grounding, it is incontrovertible that we also mourn the loss of a “giant”, as United States President Barack Obama put it.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew had many achievements in guiding Singapore from the early throes of separation from Malaysia and developing our politics, economics and the seemingly minute but important measures that blended together a hodgepodge of races.

For example, he took note of details such as establishing an ethnic quota system in public housing estates, in the hope of creating a family of races. Now, racial and religious tolerance is entrenched as one of our key tenets.

Although, over the years, his political measures were not without controversy, critics and allegations, what earned the respect of many is that he dealt with them with firmness of composure and remained grounded in his ideals.

His fortitude was illustrated in many aspects, such as standing firm in adhering to our jurisdiction of rules and proceeding with the caning of Michael Fay in 1994 despite pleas from the then US president, Bill Clinton.

In his private domain, Mr Lee insisted on continuing to learn and brush up his Mandarin, even in old age. He was a man who dared to dream and translate it into reality.

He was also a trailblazer, whose strong vision helped elevate Singapore’s status. For instance, his introduction of the first tree planting campaign in 1963 paved the way for environmental measures to be gradually given significance in the Singaporean society.

The spillover benefits include being a mecca for tourists attracted back to the clean and green city he wanted to build.

It is difficult to build a legacy of achievements others can only hope to emulate; it is even harder to let others inherit this painstakingly built legacy, but Mr Lee evidently did both, which is what I respect the most.

While Singapore has lost a great pioneer, all that he had devoted his life to building has been ours to share in many ways. That is the paramount reason for our flags flying at half-mast, to remember a revered man.