This is the full eulogy of Lee Hsien Yang at the private service held at Mandai.
apa was born in 1923 when
Singapore was part of the British Empire, the Straits Settlements flag fluttered over Government House, and the people of Singapore sang God Save the King. He was given the name Harry at birth. But he soon grew to feel that it did not fit him and the fact that he was a son of Singapore. When Papa was 10, his youngest brother Suan Yew was born. Papa persuaded his parents that it was not a good thing to give Suan Yew a Western name. Decades later, when Papa entered politics, he also found his name Harry a political liability. In truth, two decades before, he had already felt it was not right for him. When Loong, Ling and I were born, Papa gave us only Chinese names, and used the Wade Giles romanisation system to spell the names. As Papa was from a Peranakan household, he sought the help from the court interpreter Mr Wong Chong Min in the choice of names. Two years ago, Loong while walking around Queenstown met the son of Mr Wong the man who had named the three of us. The names parents choose for their children embody the hopes, aspirations and dreams they have for them. Chinese names in particular, with their many possible wonderful layers of meaning, allegory and poetry, lend themselves well to this. For their eldest son, Papa and Mama chose the name (Hsien Loong). It meant illustrious dragon. It was an appropriate and auspicious name for a boy, especially one born in the Year of the Dragon. For my sister, they chose the name (Wei Ling), which means the beautiful sound of tinkling jade. I suppose Mama thought that that was an appropriate and feminine name for a daughter, although I dont think it in any way circumscribes Lings development! For me, they chose the name (Hsien Yang). Some people think that since Im named Yang, I was born in the Year of the Goat, which is not the case. Instead, my name had more literary origins, and was derived from a quote from the three letter classics (). Mama used to tease me when I was young that my name meant illustrious show-off. In fact, the phrase it was derived from means to do good deeds, in order to bring honour to ones parents. I am sure many Singaporeans travelling abroad have received compliments on Singapore and its transformation over the last 50 years. Usually the conversation would quickly acknowledge the role of Lee Kuan Yew. I would not acknowledge my relationship I would just nod and say, yes, its been a remarkable journey. Unsolicited compliments like this are the most authentic and heartfelt.
Mr Lee Hsien Yang delivering a eulogy for his father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, at Mandai Crematorium yesterday. Photo: The Straits Times
I have suggested to them (my children) should they be
asked whether they might be related to Lee Kuan Yew, that a good answer was to say their name was spelt Li, not Lee ... This response which I suggested was not meant to mislead and obfuscate; it is born out of a desire to be recognised for who we are as individuals and not for whom we are related to. We are immensely proud of Papa and his achievements, and yet perhaps it is part of our DNA to seek our own way in life. I am sure that Papa would not have wanted it otherwise. Keeping private my family connection only served to enhance the pleasure. Sadly, as I developed a more visible public profile, it has become harder not to be recognised as Lee Kuan Yews son. I have taught my children never to mention or flaunt their relationship with their grandfather, that they needed to make their way in the world on their own merits and industry. I have suggested to them should they be asked whether they might be related to Lee Kuan Yew, that a good answer was to
say their name was spelt Li, not Lee.
Li is one of the most common Chinese surnames in the world. This response which I suggested was not meant to mislead and obfuscate; it is born out of a desire to be recognised for who we are as individuals and not for whom we are related to. We are immensely proud of Papa and his achievements, and yet perhaps it is part of our DNA to seek our own way in life. I am sure that Papa would not have wanted it otherwise.
Papa, thank you for a lifetime of
service to the people of Singapore. You made this little red dot the nation all of us are proud to call home. Papa, thank you for being a wonderful husband and companion to Mama. For loving her completely and caring for her illness and during your livestogether. Papa, thank you for being my own special father. Always there to guide, counsel and advise me, every step of the way, but also prepared to step back and to let me find my own wings and make my own way. Papa, thank you for loving my wife, and my children, Shengwu, Huanwu and Shaowu. You have been a loving grandfather to each of them, sharing small pleasures, enjoying their companionship. Papa, it is hard to say goodbye. Your work is done and your rest is richly deserved. In our own different and diverse ways, my family and I will continue to honour you and your memory in all that we do.