Thursday, February 23, 2006

Singapore's son - Mr Rajaratnam

Singapore lost one of its founding father this afternoon. Former deputy prime minister Mr Rajaratnam died of heart failure at the age of 90. To older Singaporeans, his death came as a shocking news. Many remembered him as an optimistic and strong minded man.

To the younger generation like you and me, we din really know who this man was. Till i saw the news, his life biography, i realised Singapore has indeed lost another valuable son. His departure was a great loss. He was one of the pioneer members who started PAP, he was the one who believed 1 country with multiracial society would work. He is the man - Mr Rajaratnam.

Mr Rajaratnam glorious past should inspired many young Singaporeans. Together with Minister Mentor Lee, Toh Chin Chye and Goh Keng Swee, they established the PAP govt and fought with the colonial govt for independence. I think older singaporeans should have deep rooted impression of him.

To us, well, i believe when we were young, we always recite our Singapore pledge. Most or perhaps all schools still do it today. It was until this very day that i found out he was the one who crafted the pledge. I should be ashamed of myself for not even knowing him.

As a mark of respect, all govt building will fly half mast later till state funeral. Even radio has stopped its usual transmission and replaced with very sombre music. Entertainment news or programs were refrained from airing on TV.

When the song, "We are Singapore" came along, i realise it took great pain and effort to build this tiny nation. Without our forefathers, there is no Singapore. I dedicate this entry to Mr Rajaratnam. Thank you for making Singapore into a global city! Thank you Sir!

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