My Saviour, My Hero
My hero is indubitably the forefather of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. To me, a hero is someone who is distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. Through textbooks and newspapers, I had learnt how Mr. Lee managed to overcome all odds to sustain the lives in Singapore. Hence, through these different forms of media, it is as if I had met Mr. Lee in person.
Imagine living in a world where there is polluted water everywhere and the putrid smell along the Singapore River can send you running off like a wild dog. Would you like it? Would you love to stay in a country where civil war takes place every now and then? Would you want to stay in a place where corruption takes place everywhere?
All these questions are the worries that haunt people in the early stages of Singapore’s development. However, one person had resolved this problem and brought Singapore to greater heights. And he is none other than our first prime minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, 84, ruled with ultimate authority. The wrinkles and white hair that he has indicates the traces of the past that had been left behind. His zeal for law and order was legendary. He is a respectable person and almost every Singaporean treats him with great reverence. He is as though a kind and warm-hearted grandfather, looking after the welfare of every Singaporean.
He went through thick and thin to assist Singapore in decision making. All his efforts were commendable and deserve great honour. Under his guidance, Singapore became a financial and industrial powerhouse despite a lack of abundant natural resources. We should be grateful for what we have now and thank Mr. Lee for his great leadership.
I am deeply awed by his will-power and “never give up” attitude. For instance, the separation of Malaysia and Singapore. During the separation, everyone thought that Singapore was going to fall and unable to survive for more than a year. Indeed, Singapore at that time great adversity where all the lives of Singaporean were at stake. At a glance, Singapore seemed vulnerable and an easy target for neighbouring country to conquer. However, one man did it all. Using his knowledge and will-power and with the help of other members at that time, they saved Singapore from falling into the clutches of other countries.
During his reign, Singapore enjoyed political stability economic growth. This resulting affluence was not accidental but the result of Mr. Lee’s dynamic leadership and effective policies. Indeed, the quality of life in Singapore in 1980s had improved. Singaporeans were not only better educated and informed, but also enjoyed a higher standard of living, better medical care and housing, and a longer life.
Through these years, Singapore has undergone extreme make-over. From unattractive small red dot to a strong and cosmopolitan state, it is all thanks to the hard work put in my Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. To me, he was indeed a good role model for us to look up to. One who has an unwavering determination and using knowledge to improve the living standards of thousands of people and saved them from poverty. He is my hero, my saviour. One who has made the country that I was born to, a conducive and safe environment to live in. Watching how Mr. Lee “saved” Singapore, it propels me to be just like him and follow his footsteps in the near future.