Good morning, my fellow Singaporeans. I’m deeply saddened to tell you that Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away peacefully this morning at the Singapore General Hospital. Let me say a few words in Malay and in Mandarin….
English begins again at 4:15
The first of our founding fathers is no more. He inspired us, gave us courage, kept us together and brought us here. He fought for independence, built a nation where there was none and made us proud to be Singaporeans. We won’t see another man like him.
To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore. As prime minister, he pushed us hard to achieve what had seemed impossible. After he stepped down, he guided his successors with wisdom and tact.
In his old age, he continued to keep a watchful eye on Singapore. Singapore was his abiding passion. He gave of himself in full measure to Singapore. As he, himself, put it towards the end of his life and I quote, “I have spent my life, so much of it building up this country. There is nothing more than I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.