Singapore’s founding Prime Minister and former Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, received a standing ovation from Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers in Parliament’s Chamber on Monday on the occasion of his 90th birthday. The standing ovation came after Leader of the House and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen delivered a special address to congratulate Mr Lee on the occasion.
Dr Ng noted that Mr Lee has been a member of Singapore’s legislature for 58 years since 1955 when he was elected into the first Legislative Assembly of Singapore. “But it is what Mr Lee has accomplished for Singapore over that lifetime of service and struggle that is astonishing and without peer,” said Dr Ng.
On behalf of all Members, Dr Ng expressed Singaporeans’ profound admiration and gratitude on Mr Lee’s birthday. Dr Ng said: “Shakespeare wrote, ‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them’.
“Singapore was not born into greatness but hardship and poverty. Mr Lee through his singular mission and dedication steered this country into independence and laid the very foundations that transformed Singapore into a modern and thriving metropolis.
“He led and forged a nation which today is admired worldwide for its prosperity, harmony and stability. In lifting an entire nation and improving countless lives of Singaporeans of several generations, Mr Lee Kuan Yew has left a lasting legacy for all of us and achieved greatness.
“Madam Speaker, Members of this House are delighted to be able to share this special occasion on his 90th birthday, with Mr Lee in this House, and he has made special efforts to be in this House and against doctor’s advice. All MPs wish him happiness and continued good health. Happy Birthday!”
You always know the right thing to say.