THE late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was someone who was never tired and was always concerned about what was happening on the ground.
Retired Istana driver Abdul Sulaiman, 84, said this yesterday as he recalled fondly memories of his former boss. He was speaking at an event to mark the 100th day of Mr Lee's death, which is tomorrow.
It is a Chinese tradition to mourn for 100 days.
Mr Lee, Singapore's first prime minister, died aged 91 on March 23.
"Mr Lee was a perfectionist. But he was easy to work with, once I knew what he wanted. He was not aloof, and we were always in a conversation in the car," said Mr Abdul at the event at the Yio Chu Kang Community Club.
Mr Abdul, an Ang Mo Kio resident who was a driver at the Istana for more than 30 years, added: "Mr Lee did not know the meaning of being tired... He was always alert. Singapore is where it is now because of Mr Lee, and I'm very thankful for him. I'm sad that I could not attend his funeral because I was in hospital at the time."
At the event, Mr Tan Hock, 69, a retired businessman, Mr R. Sommasundram, 66, a retired senior producer, Mr Lee Seng Giap, 80, a retired translator and Mr Tan Bak Chua, 59, a retired advertising executive - all of them Ang Mo Kio residents - also related their stories about Mr Lee to the 200-strong crowd.
There was also an exhibition featuring a collection of magazine and newspaper clippings from Singapore and overseas about Mr Lee's death.
Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Seng Han Thong, who also spoke at the event, said: "Since Mr Lee's passing, many residents shared with me their feelings for Mr Lee, their experiences and how Mr Lee impacted their lives. This is a platform for residents to share, so grassroots leaders and other residents can learn from them."
