SINGAPORE - Many people, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, have posted tributes on what would have been the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew's 92nd birthday on Wednesday (Sept 16).
The death of Singapore's founding Prime Minister on March 23 this year had triggered an outpouring of emotions, with Singaporeans turning out in unprecedented numbers to bid farewell to Mr Lee during his funeral procession on March 29.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday evening, PM Lee said he was reminded of the occasion while visiting the NTUC FairPrice Hub, when he saw a 'Happy Birthday' sign at a stall. He also mentioned a special collection of letters by fellow Singaporeans to Mr Lee, which a group of students from Nanyang Technological University compiled into a book and gifted PM Lee on Wednesday.
Earlier, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was Mr Lee's Principal Private Secretary (PPS) from 1997 to 2000, posted on his Facebook page a poignant personal memory of Mr Lee when he turned 90.
Mr Heng recalled how Mr Lee had insisted on attending Parliament that day despite his poor health.
"We asked Mr Lee what his birthday wish was, and what he said touched me deeply. He told us that his 90th birthday wish was for the Singapore Government to stay clean and honest, for all of us to uphold the highest moral standards," Mr Heng wrote.
"No matter how old he was, no matter the occasion, Mr Lee never stopped thinking about Singapore."
Newly-elected MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Chee Hong Tat, another former PPS of Mr Lee, shared a photo taken on Mr Lee's 90th birthday in London.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, meanwhile, alluded to the recent general election results in his remembrance post while referencing a famous line of Mr Lee's.
"Tomorrow is Mr Lee Kuan Yew's birthday, who once said that he would even 'get up' while lowered into his grave, if he felt something is going wrong for Singapore," wrote Dr Ng.
"I think Mr Lee will be in great peace about our future, knowing the results of GE2015, where Singaporeans voted in wisdom for continuity in stable politics and national progress."
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) clinched a comprehensive mandate at the Sept 11 polls, garnering 69.9 per cent of the total votes and winning 83 of 89 seat in Parliament.
The PAP, which Mr Lee formed in 1954, also paid tribute to its founder on Facebook.
"Although he is no longer with us, we would like to take a moment on this day, to remember him and recognise how Mr Lee Kuan Yew's determination and vision contributed to this beautiful Singapore we know today," the post read.
