FORT Canning Park holds many historically significant memories for older generations of Singaporeans, and that is why the PAP Seniors Group feels it is suitable as the site for the Founders’ Memorial, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob said yesterday.
“We want to remember what Fort Canning stands for, what it means to our country, and how it has contributed to our history,” said Madam Halimah, who chairs the advocacy group under the ruling party. “There may be some access challenges, but if it’s doable, that’s one area that the Government should seriously consider to put up the Founders’ Memorial.”
A fortnight ago, the committee charged with conceptualising a memorial to honour Singapore’s founding leaders made its recommendations to the Government, and indicated that it preferred Bay East Garden at
Gardens by the Bay over Fort Canning Park. The two sites had earlier been identified in consultation with the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
The PAP seniors’ wing had made recommendations last September for the Founders’ Memorial to be located at Fort Canning Park.
It suggested having artistic sculptures and features such as pools and landscaped gardens, where visitors can reflect on Singapore’s journey as a nation.
Fort Canning was previously a seat of political power. In the 14th century, palaces of former Majapahit kings were on the hill there, and Sir Stamford Raffles built his first residence there soon after arriving in Singapore in 1819.
Speaking to reporters following a brisk walk at Bay East Garden to mark the first anniversary of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew’s death last March, Madam Halimah said the Founders’ Memorial is a “very useful project” to remind Singaporeans of the values that he stood for, such as multiracialism, meritocracy, self-reliance and inclusivity.
“To me, his greatest legacy is infusing in us a sense of pride: pride in being Singaporean,” she said.
She added that while there have been numerous events marking the one-year anniversary, the point was not to glorify Mr Lee, but to remind Singaporeans, especially the young, of how far the nation has come.
“We have to continue with the good work that Mr Lee and his generation of leaders have done, for another 50 years, or another 100 years.”
Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who was at a separate remembrance event in Marine Parade, said the late Mr Lee would have wanted people to remember his values and look to the future.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the event, he said Mr Lee would not have wanted Singaporeans to commemorate his death anniversary “in a very big way” every year.
“He’ll prefer us to reflect on his values, what he had done for Singapore as a foundation for building Singapore in the future… Mr Lee was always focused on the future. He would want life to carry on normally, and in fact, for life to be even better after him,” he added.
This year’s Budget, with a focus on transforming the economy and society, is a good way to build on Mr Lee’s legacy for a better Singapore, said Mr Goh.
yanliang@sph.com.sg
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