SINGAPORE: In a significant event marking the 10th anniversary of Lee Kuan Yew's passing, Members of Parliament (MPs) from Tanjong Pagar convened to reflect on the legacy of Singapore's founding Prime Minister. The gathering served not only as a tribute but also welcomed newcomer MP Rachel Ong, who has recently joined the constituency following electoral boundary changes.

Ms. Indranee Rajah, a key figure in the event and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, shared her insights, particularly highlighting one of Mr. Lee’s important lessons: the value of engaging with constituents directly. "To see people in their homes, to understand their daily lives, is fundamental for any MP," she emphasized, reinforcing the need for empathy and connection in governance.

The gathering officially launched the "Remembering Lee Kuan Yew – Reflecting and Renewing Exhibition" on March 22, a poignant prelude to the anniversary of his death. Lee Kuan Yew first entered Parliament representing Tanjong Pagar as a Single Member Constituency (SMC) in 1955 and remained a steadfast fixture there for nearly 60 years, a commitment that speaks to the deep-rooted relationship he fostered with the community.

Recent administrative changes saw parts of the West Coast GRC included in Tanjong Pagar, expanding its representation to five members. The following rewiring of boundaries has also paved the way for the establishment of a new Queenstown SMC, ensuring a balanced governance structure.

At the event, Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing remarked on Mr. Lee's pragmatic approach to leadership, underscoring his contributions to Singaporean values of meritocracy, multiracialism, and incorruptibility. "The greatest tribute to Mr. Lee is to keep Singapore thriving," he articulated, stressing the importance of continuity in leadership and vision, even in the absence of founding figures.

Prominent among the attendees was 79-year-old Jagjeet Singh, a long-term grassroots leader who fondly recounted his personal experiences with Mr. Lee. Singh reminisced about how Mr. Lee encouraged him to continue serving the community despite relocating to Changi. His dedication to Tanjong Pagar remains a testament to the bonds created during that formative period in Singapore's history.

The sentiments shared by residents were echoed by others like Margaret Xavier, 65, who attended the event describing it as a nostalgic experience tied to her youth. "Mr. Lee had a tremendous impact on my life; being here today to commemorate him is a great honor," she reflected, encapsulating the collective gratitude felt by many for Mr. Lee's contributions to the nation.

Koo Tsai Kee, former MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, praised the current leadership, noting that the institutions established by Lee Kuan Yew continue to thrive under the guidance of the fourth-generation (4G) leaders, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. "These leaders embody the trust Mr. Lee placed in the future of Singapore. He believed in them, and we must continue to support this new generation of leaders," he urged.

As Tanjong Pagar prepares for the upcoming General Elections in 2025, the sentiment in the community suggests a strong commitment to maintaining the values instilled by Lee Kuan Yew, ensuring that his legacy endures with future generations of Singaporeans.