Parliament pays tribute to LKY's lasting legacy

SINGAPORE - Parliament yesterday paid tribute to former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew on his 90th birthday.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who is also leader of the House, lauded Mr Lee for his 58 years of service as a member of the country's legislature, which he described as a "lifetime of service and struggle that is astonishing and without peer".

Quoting Shakespeare, Dr Ng said that while some are born into greatness, Singapore was born into hardship and poverty.

But he said Mr Lee's "singular mission and dedication" steered the nation to independence and laid the foundations that transformed it into a "modern and thriving metropolis".

"He forged the nation which, today, is admired worldwide for its prosperity, harmony and stability," said Dr Ng.

"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."

Despite his age, Mr Lee made an appearance at yesterday's Parliament sitting, which Dr Ng thought was against the doctor's advice.

Members of Parliament gave Mr Lee a standing ovation at the end of Dr Ng's speech. Dr Ng wished him "happiness and continued good health".

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