I was not named after our founding father. My father and mother, like Lee Kuan Yew's parents, named us with the Chinese character 光. It was a character that signified illumination, that I would bring light to the people around me. No doubt Lee Kuan Yew's parents wanted the same out of their son. Growing up, I would always hear my father denouncing Lee Kuan Yew. He disliked how the government forcibly bought over 11 acres of my grandmother's land in Bukit Timah for a pittance. He disliked how government policies promoted the growth of MNCs and GLCs in the 1990s, and effectively forced out SMEs like his business. Above all, he disliked the hardline actions of Lee Kuan Yew. "He showed no mercy to his challengers," my father would say. The lack of any heart in making decisions was something my father disapproved off most fervently, as it goes against his ideology of a world built on respect, love, and trust.

I grew up disliking this man as well, knowing full well my family could live in much greater comfort if not for his policies. But my dad would always give a counter-point; that he was doing what was necessary, and his straightforwardness in character was something admirable altogether. Having grown up with views from both ends of the spectrum, I had also grown up with some innate form of respect for him.

I did not want to give Lee Kuan Yew the credit for governing Singapore and turning it into the city it is today, so oftentimes when the church prayed and gave thanks for the good governance I was perplexed. The younger idealistic me wanted to challenge the status quo, and challenge the intellect and experience of this elder statesman.

Perhaps as time passes, and youthful impulsiveness slowly gives way to wisdom and experience (not that I am old), the sheer intellect of Lee Kuan Yew, as well as his insatiable drive to excel, and his intensity of his focus in doing his work, became very much more apparent to me. The gulf that stands between an imposing figure such as him, in terms of drive, tenacity, spirit, intellect, decisiveness, became all the more distinct. In knowing that, and appreciating the beauty of Singapore as it is today: safe, clean, stable, largely free of of 'freedom' and 'liberty' that the West perpetuates, these allowed me to appreciate his ability and his accomplishments. For one, it is the blessedness that I am born into this land and time, where I get to practice my religion freely, yet mingle with people who are tolerant, yet understand the Biblical (and Asian too) principles of being hardworking, industrious, respect for elders, and respect for parents. Certainly, it wouldn't be right if I gave all credit to this man, for he had a good team behind him, and favourable circumstances in nation-building too. It wouldn't be right, because the glory is God's. Yet, the example that he has shown me, on how far relentless drive and tenacity can take me to. What more myself? If I were to want to perpetuate the gospel, why not emulate this man's attitude in life?

At the end of the day, it is doubtless how God has orchestrated this man's life, such that we are able to live in peace and relative prosperity, and that we are able to see him as an example of what hard work truly means. So as I pen these thoughts down, I am once again reminded about why Lee Kuan Yew is an inspiration to me through his drive, but I am also reminded of the duplicity of human nature, that he was also ruthless, hurting me and my family indirectly. Then shouldn't I all the more strive to be more tenacious, yet more compassionate and forgiving as an individual? || posted by Kuan Hui