It is quite sad that many in Singapore are pretty ignorant about him; many view him as a perfect leader; a saint; a god. But he really isn't. The many policies that he vehemently implemented with much rigor actually go against many things we believe egalitarian in the modern society (but the end justifies the means doesn't it?) and many people around the world today still doesn't agree with what he's done. Locally, he's our hero, because we grew and developed very much because of what he's done. But as an outsider, people are pouring in praises mostly out of respect (and for many, out of genuine awe as well, I would expect) and it is not a given that others are to mourn for our loss. So just don't be surprised when others don't have much to say about the passing of this "great man" of ours. Cos, really, he's great only (mostly) to us.
I won't be defending him today (cos like he said, it's for scholars to do so after he's lowered into the ground); in fact, I didn't even intend to post anything about it today. But I just thought that this is indeed a really special day; a day where our timeline cease to coincide...
I came from a generation where we grow up enjoying the fruits of your labour, and our textbooks brainwashed us into thinking you are a saint; we (or at least some of us) soon learn that you are not, and that the fruits rot without constant care and concern. But don't worry, we won't let anyone knock it down as well. Do not come out of the grave even when we make mistakes, because we will survive; we will keep the flag flying. Rest in piece, Ah Gong; 一路走好...
