Sobering Message from PM Lee Hsien Loong on the Brussels terrorist attacks

Emphasis in bold, mine. Take particular attention of what he is saying.

 

 

“The shocking terrorist attacks in Brussels today remind us yet again of the serious and continuing threat of terrorism.

I have written to the Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, to express our condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, and to the Belgian people.

Minister K Shanmugam Sc had just spoken last week about tightening up counter-terrorism measures in Singapore. We face a severe threat in Southeast Asia. It is not a matter of if, but when, that an attack will take place here. Indeed, today’s attacks in Brussels happened even though the Belgians were on full alert.

I hear that recently on a double decker bus, the driver stopped the bus, pointed at a bag left near the entrance and asked whose it was. The tension was palpable as he went round the second deck to try to identify the owner (whom he found). He then explained that we have to be vigilant about bags lying around, because of possible terrorist attacks, and the passengers murmured their assent. So the message is getting through to Singaporeans.”

Lee Hsien Loong

‪#‎BRUBlasts‬

 

The Humanity of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

Image Source: The Straits Times

This week I saw a part of MM LKY that I only had fleeting glimpses of in the past.

His persona and achievements are larger than life and it is so very easy for me to see him as Lee Kuan Yew and not a human being – a man of flesh, blood and emotions – just like me.

I saw a few images of him this week that shook me to reality and made me realise that he is no different from me. In humanity, that is. I’m not for a moment suggesting that I’m as accomplished as he is – no, by no means! But what I saw was that he is just as human as I am.

Some of the images I saw and read struck me to the core. For example, when he brought his hands to his lips and planted a kiss onto the forehead of his wife’s body lying in the casket – not once, but twice. Humanity.

So often, he seemed and was portrayed as a harsh, hard man. And perhaps, he was at one point. We all were angry, idealistic young men at one point (I speak for the men). I know I was. I am much softer and reflective now than I was when I was younger.

Then there was this picture of LKY’s grandson Yipeng with his hands on LKY’s shoulder. To see a grandson comfortable enough to do this, and in public, speaks a lot. Humanity.

In his eulogy, he spoke about kissing his wife on the cheek when she was recovering from her stroke. I never visualised LKY as a man who would tenderly kiss anyone’s cheek, even his wife’s. Humanity.

To be honest, I’m not so grieved by Madam Kwa Geok Choo’s passing as I am for Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. We all have to go. As brutal as it may sound, it is the truth. I’m going, LKY is going, you’re going and his wife has left.  It is what it is.

LKY and his wife were clearly soul mates. And this is not mere platitude. Only the harshest of human beings could not see how much they meant to each other. In the Christian sense, they were “one flesh”. Part of that flesh has departed. How hard it must be for LKY, the man. Not the PM, not the SM, not the MM but LKY the man. Flesh and bones, just like me. The person whom he loved, who was a part of him, now is no longer in the flesh. It’s tough.

So really, my sincere condolences.

My observations over the past week have cast a new light on his achievements for me. Yes, at some points during the building of the nation, he seemed tough, uncompromising and even unfair. For a period, I even thought he did it out of ego. But now, seeing his humanity, I believe he did what he did out of the love for Singapore and Singaporeans.  During the course of which, he may have offended some. This is natural for a man feisty and focused as he was. But I don’t question his motives.

I think of a father bringing up a son to the best of his ability. A father will defend his son’s honour come hell or high water. Now, I believe LKY did what he did in the way he did because he loved the country and its people.

In reality, up to this week, I never saw LKY as a person. I saw him as an icon, the Prime Minister, the architect of modern Singapore. This week, I saw him as a person – just like you and I. No difference.

I feel privileged to have gotten a glimpse of another side of Lee Kuan Yew and his family. In their desire to be private, I never saw their humanity.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, my sincere gratitude and my heartfelt condolences.

Danesh Daryanani

 

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew – My Condolences

(Click Image for Full Size – Transcript Below)

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew,

My condolences. I’m not aware of the details of your day-to-day personal life but one thing was apparent to me, and most likely the rest of the world – the mutual love, respect and devotion you and your wife had for each other.

With the deep affection you had for each other, her passing must be tough.

As you move on with what you must do, I pray to my God for strength, comfort and the peace to accept what is inevitable for all of us. I pray for comfort from your loved ones and friends and your continued vigour and focus on your work.

The relationship your wife and yourself showed us is inspiring and endearing.

Thank you for modelling that for us.

Danesh