Family's tearful farewells to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew

The family of former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew shared their feelings about their father and grandfather in an emotional farewell ceremony at the Maidan crematorium.

The ceremonial team folds the flag after placing the coffin of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the Maidan crematorium hall. Photo: Strait Times

According to Strait Times, the hearse carrying Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s coffin arrived at Maidan Crematorium at 6:10 p.m. yesterday. Only his family, long-time close friends, long-time assistants and bodyguards were present to see him off on this final journey.

Ms. Lee Wei Ling, daughter of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, placed a portrait in front of the coffin. The national flag draped over the coffin was slowly lifted, folded neatly and handed to the eldest son, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, the current Prime Minister of Singapore.

The coffin lid was opened for the last time so that family members could take turns sharing memories of their beloved father and grandfather.

"We are gathered here to bid farewell to Father Lee Kuan Yew. After the solemn ceremonies, in this final moment, you lie here with only your family, your close friends, your devoted staff, your security team, your dedicated doctors and nurses," said Mr. Lee Hsien Loong. "Many words have been said in public about you, but we have the privilege of knowing you as a father, a grandfather, an elder brother, a friend, a strict and devoted leader, a family man," he continued.

Mr. Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Ms. Ho Tinh, see their father for the last time. Photo: Strait Times

Ms. Lee Wei Ling, dressed in black, has not appeared in public for many days, hiding her pain. She considers herself the person who most resembles her father after recounting the story of her father's stubbornness in refusing to use the elevator system installed in the house to help him go up and down more easily.

She said she felt heartbroken this morning when the maid pushed Mr. Ly's dining chair against the wall. "But I can't break down," she said.

"Thank you for being my father," Mr. Lee Hsien Yang continued. "You were always there to guide and instruct, but you were also always willing to step back to let me find my own path and wings."

One of Lee Kuan Yew's grandchildren said he always wanted to be like his grandfather. "He showed me that you can make a difference in this world. And you can do it with your head held high," he said. "You don't have to cheat or rob anyone. You don't have to seduce or flatter anyone. You don't have to care about frivolous things or silly games. You just have to do good things with your own life. And the best way to do that is to create your own principles and conduct yourself properly."

After the eulogies, each family member walked around Mr. Lee's coffin, dropping a rose. Finally, longtime bodyguards lifted him up and carried him away. The former Singaporean prime minister was cremated.

During his lifetime, he requested that his ashes be mixed with those of his wife, Kha Ngoc Chi, and placed side by side in a stupa. "We shared life together, and I want our ashes to be placed together after we pass away."

According to VnExpress