SG50 notes to feature iconic Lee Kuan Yew image
A set of SG50 commemorative notes featuring the image of the late Lee Kuan Yew will be launched as planned, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in Parliament today.
Revealing details of the SG50 commemorative notes, which was designed before his father's death, PM Lee said that one set will comprise five $10 notes and one $50 note.
“On the $50 note, one element in the design will be a transparent panel showing Mr Lee with fist raised, leading the crowd with the rallying cry of 'Merdeka!'", said PM Lee.
Singaporeans and MPs have raised various suggestions on how to honour the life and contributions of Singapore's founding father, including dollar notes with his image, a yearly Founder's Day and the renaming of Changi Airport after him.
In his ministerial statement in Parliament, PM Lee said that Singapore should not rush into making decisions on how best to honour Lee Kuan Yew.
"These are all good ideas. But we should not rush into making decisions on this matter, especially 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 said.
Fate of Oxley Road home
The Prime Minister also touched on the fate of Lee's Oxley Road home, which the elder Lee had wanted demolished -- he had left instructions in his will and last testament to this effect. He said there is no immediate need to decide on the fate of 38 Oxley Road as his sister, Dr Lee Wei Ling, will continue to live there.
"If and when Dr Lee Wei Ling no longer lives in the house, Mr Lee has stated his wishes as to what then should be done," said PM Lee. "At that point, speaking as a son, I would like to see these wishes carried out. However, it will be up to the Government of the day to consider the matter."
He also added that his mother, the late Madam Kwa Geok Choo, also wanted the home gone.
"She was most distressed at the thought of people coming through her private space after she and my father had passed away, to see how they had lived," he said.
