Mr Lee Kuan Yew bought us drinks: He'd stop his car, say hello and ask how I was

We asked you to share your story of meeting Mr Lee Kuan Yew in person.

Few people have had the honour of meeting him, much less speak to him.

Based on what you shared, the late Mr Lee always had time for a smile, a greeting and kind words.

Thank you for giving us an insight on our founding father.

If you have met him or know someone who has, do send your stories to tnponline@sph.com.sg for us to compile it into a tribute.

 

1.  From Zechary Peter Sugianto

While I was working in Parliament house as an auxiliary police officer, I met Mr Lee Kuan Yew a few times.

Occasionally he bought drinks for us.

There were a few times while I was mending the exit gate when he would stop his car, wind down (the window), say hello and ask me how I was. Which I always replied: "Saya okay, Tuan."

And he would reply "Bagus".

There was once he told me in Malay: "Jadi rakyat Singapura yang berguna, awak semua orang muda adalah masa hadapan Singapura."

("Be Singaporeans who contribute, you young people are the future of Singapore.")

So touched by his words of encouragement.

 

2. From Serene Tan

I was saddened to learn of the passing of our founding father, a great man whom I respect. 

I was born in the the late 1950s and grew up during our founding father's era. I remember how much he influenced our lives. 

As I aged, our country prospered into a beautiful garden city. 

As I travelled, people abroad were amazed how our "little red dot" had transformed from a village to a beautiful garden city. 

It was a privilege for me and my family members to meet our founding father when my late father-in-law passed away.

He spoke to us in a very "fatherly" manner and emphasised the importance of Chinese for the next generation.  

He is not only our founding father but a grandfather to the younger generation too. 

Words alone cannot express our heartfelt thanks to  Mr Lee.

 

3. From Thilaga Kumaran

​I was working as a PA in an law-related Board in High Court. I can remember vaguely, it was 1997.

One morning, we were told that Mr Lee Kuan Yew would be passing through our office to go for some meeting in the High Court. Our office was ideally located away from the public eye.

The moment came. He was with his bodyguards  (he was a Senior Minister then).

Before I opened my mouth to greet him, he greeted me with a "Good Morning!".

I was star-struck and had goosebumps all over!  A man (of) such (huge) magnitude greeted me first!

Wow! The first meeting was a pleasant one, which I didn't expect at all!

 

4. From Kumar Kumaran

It happened around 2009 or 2010. 

I was in a meeting and my superior told me that I needed to chauffeur a VVIP who was coming to Sentosa to visit the Cove.

I was not driving then but gladly agreed to it after knowing who the VVIP was.

The next day and I waited eagerly for Mr Lee.

When he came, he looked very frail.

Before getting in, he asked me, "Are you going to drive me around the island?" 

I replied: 'Yes Sir, I am'.

Mr Lee replied: "Good! I don't need to worry then". 

I drove him and once everything was over, he walked to me and said: "Thank you Mr Kumaran." 

He shook my hand and patted my shoulder. He was so polite (he even) used a salutation on me. No air whatsoever.

Humble being.

Whatever recognition and promotions I got became less (important) after I met my idol Lee Kuan Yew.

That day, he spent almost an hour with me.

I personally feel that was the highlight of my entire career!

 

5. From D-Lian Lin

 

Have you seen Sir Lee Kuan Yew in real life?

I'm fortunate to say, yes I have.

Not once but twice, at the same place on the same day.

It happened four years ago, when I was celebrating my wedding anniversary with my family at Carlton Hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel, I was surprised to see Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I was very excited.

Our paths crossed and he was just right in front of me (less than one metre away).

He smiled at me and we made eye contact.

When we left after dinner, he happened to finish his meeting and once again, we saw him for the second time.

He (left) a very deep impression: In my mind, I will never forget the (way he smiled) at that time.

His fighting spirit will always remain with us, Singaporeans.

Though it's really sad to learn of his passing, I know he must have reconciled with Mrs Lee in a better place. 

To Lee Kuan Yew, Sir, thank you for everything.

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Related reports: Personal encounters with Lee Kuan Yew