Lee Kuan Yew – 1923 to 2015

Another titan of post war 20th Century departs early this morning, at 3.18am official time. Not many of these giants of the late 20th Century are left now. After LKY perhaps only Kissinger is the one left alone to hold the fort in an era of great changes to rebuild nations after WW2, the struggles for independence and economic reconstruction and growth. And there was the big contest between the forces of West against Communism, the Cold War and détente and the rise of China. These were the events that consumed much of the time and life of the titans of the post war years as the 20th Century gave way to the 21st.
 
LKY and Kissinger were two of the men that were thickly involved in the happenings of world politics involving China and the USA. Now only one is left standing. The departure of LKY will put an end to an era with the final curtains drawing to a close, and a new beginning in Singapore. Before the new pages are filled, world leaders would descend upon this little island paradise to show their respect to one of the last few movers and shakers of the 20th century.
 
The SG50 Celebration will go on as planned without the architect that makes it possible. He would not be there to soak in the atmosphere like he used to do in every National Day Parade. There would probably be a minute of silence in his memory. After the party is over, it will be a real new beginning, the dawn of a new era for Singapore, a Southeast Asia without the shadow Lee Kuan Yew. And world leaders may not be seen at the Istana that often, looking for the oracle to see into the future and to be enlightened by a dose of his wisdom.
 
There is a lightness in the air, when dust returns to dust. The city state will take one week to mourn the departure of its first Prime Minister, the man credited to be the founder of modern Singapore.