A thank you for the good S’pore has

I am saddened by the passing of our first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. In 1968, I came to study at Singapore Polytechnic. Looking back, I am proud of the enormous developments in Singapore under his able leadership.

Singapore’s economic success is a miracle to many Westerners and it would not have been possible without the solid foundation and values laid down by him.

Business leaders whom I have known had expressed admiration for his vision and unending sacrifices for Singapore. I often travelled abroad and saw there were many good things about Singapore that other countries yearned to have.

For example, parents could go to work without worrying if their children in school were consuming drugs. Women could walk safely in our streets. On Sunday, after a downpour, I could still go for a jog at the stadium.

Singaporeans must not take for granted the good this country has and should never forget Mr Lee’s contributions. The world produces a few great leaders and he is one of them. Singapore was blessed to have him.

As I tell my friends, every Singaporean owes him a thank you. He will live in our hearts and minds forever. We salute him.