MPs ask for buildings or institutions to be named after Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Should building or institutions be renamed in honour of Singapore's first prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew?
Several Members of Parliament brought the topic up during the parliament session earlier today (April 13).
Renaming of buildings after Mr Lee Kuan Yew
MPs Dr Lily Neo and Mr Ang Wei Neng suggested the Government consider renaming Changi Airport or "any other significant buildings or institutions" in honour of Mr Lee.
Ms Foo Mee Har and Dr Neo also asked Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong whether Singapore currencies can bear the face of Mr Lee.
Ms Foo also suggested the Government "designate a day in a year as our Founder's Day so as to provide Singaporeans the opportunity to remember the struggles of the country in the early years and remind (us) of the nation's founding values and principles".
PM Lee acknowledged that all these were good suggestions.
Committee to conceptualise memorial for founding fathers
He announced the formation of a committee to gather views from the public of a possible Founder's Memorial - for all of Singapore's founding fathers.
But he also said: "We should not rush into making decisions... so soon after Mr Lee has passed away. We should allow some time to pass, consider the ideas carefully, and make calm, considered decisions which will stand the test of time.
"We want to honour Mr Lee, but must do so in the right way," he added.
PM Lee said: "In remembering the past, we must also look to the future. Whatever memorial we decide upon should not only be right for Singaporeans living today, but also for generations not yet born."
He also mentioned Mr Lee's publicly-stated wishes that "he did not need and did not want any monument".
He added: "It was not monuments but ideals that were his chief concern, the ideals upon which he built Singapore: multi-racialism, equality, meritocracy, integrity and the rule of law. He hoped these ideals would endure beyond him. We can pay no greater tribute to Mr Lee than to uphold the principles upon which he built this country."
However, PM Lee also noted that as part of a set of commemorative notes and coins to celebrate SG50, the $50 note will show Mr Lee with fist raised, leading the crowd with the rallying cry of "Merdeka!"
These notes were already planned for last year - before Mr Lee's death.
Do you think Singapore should name a building after Mr Lee? If so, which building should it be? Take our poll below.
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