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Dear MM,
I am writing to express Choo Leng's and my condolences to you on the passing of Mrs Lee.
When Loong told me of Mrs Lee's deteriorating condition after last week's Cabinet meeting, I advised him to cancel the trip to Brussels. He too knew that the end was near for Mrs Lee but he felt that duty came first and that he could still make it back in time to do the needful.
He told me that he had spoken to you and that you felt he should proceed with his trip. I told him to go back and spend some time with his mother before flying off later in the evening. My heart was heavy for him as I feared that that would be the last time he would see his mother alive.
Choo Leng and I are gravely saddened that your wife, Mrs Lee, has passed away after a long illness. Knowing how inseparable both of you were, your grief and pain will be immeasurable. We offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. We wish you strength and good health in this time of sorrow.
Choo Leng and I have known Mrs Lee for a long time. Choo Leng tells me that she is indebted to Mrs Lee for starting her legal career. When she applied for a position of Legal Assistant in Lee & Lee in the early 70's, Mrs Lee interviewed her and offered her the job right away. Choo Leng went on to stay in the firm for some 35 years.
Mrs Lee mentored her, especially in her early years as a lawyer. Mrs Lee emphasised to her the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the firm when dealing with clients.
I also recall with nostalgia the many times I met Mrs Lee at the poolside dinners hosted by you for your friends, Ministers, and Members of Parliament. She was always warm and smiling.
She made us feel welcome, never putting on any airs. Over these dinners, we caught glimpses of her brilliance, wit and prodigious memory. I said glimpses because she would not speak more than necessary as these dinners served more than a social purpose. I was always amused by the gentle way she corrected you on facts and helped you with some of your recollections of names and events. The bonds between the both of you were clearly intimate.
Mrs Lee was an exceptional woman. Her attributes and achievements are well known but I would like to briefly mention three aspects of Mrs Lee which have made a difference to Singapore.
First, as a pillar of support to you. I have no doubt that without her, you would not have achieved as much for Singapore as you did.
Second, her political contribution. It was not generally known until recently that she played a key role in registering the PAP with the Registrar of Societies, drafting the paragraphs on the Water Agreements which required Malaysia to guarantee our water supply from Johor as part of the Separation Agreement, and acting as an intermediary between you and the Plen and the British Governor.
Third, as a mother who passed on excellent family values to her children. History is replete with examples of children of powerful leaders who have been disappointing. That your two sons and daughter are serving Singapore at the highest levels and upholding your family values is her legacy for Singapore.
Mrs Lee's passing is not just your loss alone but ours and Singapore's.
Once again, Choo Leng and I offer you our deepest sympathy.
Yours Sincerely,
GOH CHOK TONG
I am writing to express Choo Leng's and my condolences to you on the passing of Mrs Lee.
When Loong told me of Mrs Lee's deteriorating condition after last week's Cabinet meeting, I advised him to cancel the trip to Brussels. He too knew that the end was near for Mrs Lee but he felt that duty came first and that he could still make it back in time to do the needful.
He told me that he had spoken to you and that you felt he should proceed with his trip. I told him to go back and spend some time with his mother before flying off later in the evening. My heart was heavy for him as I feared that that would be the last time he would see his mother alive.
Choo Leng and I are gravely saddened that your wife, Mrs Lee, has passed away after a long illness. Knowing how inseparable both of you were, your grief and pain will be immeasurable. We offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. We wish you strength and good health in this time of sorrow.
Choo Leng and I have known Mrs Lee for a long time. Choo Leng tells me that she is indebted to Mrs Lee for starting her legal career. When she applied for a position of Legal Assistant in Lee & Lee in the early 70's, Mrs Lee interviewed her and offered her the job right away. Choo Leng went on to stay in the firm for some 35 years.
Mrs Lee mentored her, especially in her early years as a lawyer. Mrs Lee emphasised to her the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the firm when dealing with clients.
I also recall with nostalgia the many times I met Mrs Lee at the poolside dinners hosted by you for your friends, Ministers, and Members of Parliament. She was always warm and smiling.
She made us feel welcome, never putting on any airs. Over these dinners, we caught glimpses of her brilliance, wit and prodigious memory. I said glimpses because she would not speak more than necessary as these dinners served more than a social purpose. I was always amused by the gentle way she corrected you on facts and helped you with some of your recollections of names and events. The bonds between the both of you were clearly intimate.
Mrs Lee was an exceptional woman. Her attributes and achievements are well known but I would like to briefly mention three aspects of Mrs Lee which have made a difference to Singapore.
First, as a pillar of support to you. I have no doubt that without her, you would not have achieved as much for Singapore as you did.
Second, her political contribution. It was not generally known until recently that she played a key role in registering the PAP with the Registrar of Societies, drafting the paragraphs on the Water Agreements which required Malaysia to guarantee our water supply from Johor as part of the Separation Agreement, and acting as an intermediary between you and the Plen and the British Governor.
Third, as a mother who passed on excellent family values to her children. History is replete with examples of children of powerful leaders who have been disappointing. That your two sons and daughter are serving Singapore at the highest levels and upholding your family values is her legacy for Singapore.
Mrs Lee's passing is not just your loss alone but ours and Singapore's.
Once again, Choo Leng and I offer you our deepest sympathy.
Yours Sincerely,
GOH CHOK TONG
