Lee Wei Ling passed away at 69 on 9 Oct 2024. My deceased brother's birthday was 9 Oct. Pictures of LWL as well as of her growing up with her family appeared all over social media. It stirred memories of my impression of her and her family when I was young.
My mother who adored Lee Kuan Yew called him her brother as they shared the same LEE surname. She was around LKY's age and I am around LWL's age. Under my mother's influence I viewed the Lee family as the First family that was up there ie. the elite political family. Unlike a Royal family however the Lee children showed paths that any citizen with the capability and who chose to strive hard can achieve. The smart and well rounded could win scholarships, be President scholars and have successful careers. I guess it was true meritocracy then.
I wasn't an ambitious child in fact I have a bit of inferiority complex. Though I was interested in LWL's growing up years I wasn't at any single moment trying to emulate her. She was too good in everything. Still I liked to follow media covering on her and her siblings. Of particular deep impression was a photo which showed the Lee family on a marine patrol boat on a Sunday outing. LHL and LWL were each holding a pair of binoculars and Mrs Lee was stretching out her hand, finger pointing at something in the distance. All eyes of the family were looking at the object she was pointing at, a smile on LKY's face and curiosity in the children's faces. I remember wondering what she was pointing at. When this very picture flashed across media recently I recalled my childish 'wondering' again. Our young mind viewed the Lee children as having everything, intelligence, versatility and wealth of resources and guidance. In our minds it is a no brainer they will lead successful charming lives.
Fast forward 60 years we know every single life is a complex mystery. I may guiltily count my blessings that despite starting off with much less I have a seemingly less challenging life growing up and in adult life having to gain recognition from parents and proving herself all the time. However what I may not be aware is given her inherent fighting and never-say-die spirit plus her sympathy for the underdog; she is definitely a more noble character. Despite netizens saying how sad it was for her to die without her siblings around her, I think she would have pitied our narrow conventional view as the shallow outlook of ordinary simple folks.
Perhaps this is what I should emulate of you: the authentic independent fighting spirit, true to self.
