Declaration of Independence

I missed the broadcast of the Proclamation of Independence at 9am yesterday. This was a recording of a reading by the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew made about three years ago. He never publicly read the original Declaration as he had to attend to a number of urgent priorities in quick succession that day. I find that somewhat hilarious and humbling at the same time because it was characteristic of Mr. Lee's fierce pragmatism. Well if there are more important priorities than reading out the Declaration, then someone from Radio Singapore can do it instead.

But what I have also come to realise is that that wasn't a typical Declaration of Independence, if there was ever such a thing. This wasn't a state fighting for freedom from its colonial master. It was a break up of a troubled relationship over fundamental differences in what democracy meant and who it is for. Mr. Lee who had been optimistic about a Malaysia for all Malaysians had to give up on his hope. This was a declaration of unreconcilable differences and a permanent separation. This historic moment wasn't necessarily the type that you would celebrate with champagne and party hats. It was a time of trial and tribulation. Rightfully there were many more urgent priorities for the day.

At 9am,  I heard the siren preceding the broadcast whilst attending the regular morning Sunday church service. Distracted by the order of the day, I only managed to catch the repeat broadcast just before the National Day Parade. I listened expectantly. And then I listened with a heavy heart. He didn't sound like a roaring lion readying for battle. I had simply not realised that by that time three years ago Mr. Lee was already somewhat frail.

Listening on, the words of the Declaration were the foretelling of the democracy that Mr. Lee was committing to build. He took those words and he lived by it for the rest of his life. He toiled and laboured tirelessly so that his people who started with nothing could indeed forever be a sovereign democratic and independent nation. 

The recording made of Mr. Lee was a wonderful retelling of a solemn promise made by a once young man who loved his country and its people wholeheartedly.


"Now I LEE KUAN YEW Prime Minister of Singapore, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE on behalf of the people and the Government of Singapore that as from today the ninth day of August in the year one thousand nine hundred and sixty-five Singapore shall be forever a sovereign democratic and independent nation, founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society."