Lee Kuan Yew - Massive Funeral Turn Out

(Video from Straits Times)

You might have seen the videos and pictures of people in Singapore queuing up to attend the laying in state of the first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. This public viewing is held from Wednesday 25 March to Saturday 28 March 2015.

(Photo from Channel News Asia)

People have turned up in the thousands. The queue on Wednesday was about 1.8 km long, which translated into 8 hours of queuing. To put this into Sydney terms, it's a queue as long as from World Square to Circular Quay. This queue is in over 30'C heat and the government has issued messages to encourage people to  come prepared with water and umbrellas. (Note that in Singapore, umbrellas are used both as shelter in rain and shine). A second queue had been made for the elderly, disabled and pregnant.

Generous businesses have been giving away free food and drinks as well as flowers to people in the queue.

(Photo from Straits Times)

No, no one was forced to. Contrary to foreign ideas, no one was forced to attend or to bow or to cry. This are real people, with a real respect for a man whose shrewd governance over their country has brought widespread prosperity. It is innately in Chinese culture to bow 3 times in front of the deceased signifying last respects. This is no dictatorship where people are made to do what they "should" do under watchful government officials. This is a true show of respect for this man.

Government officials didn't expect the magnitude of the crowd and extended the public viewing twice - first from 8pm to midnight and then to a 24-hour opening. Public train (MRT and LRT) service were extended to run 24-hours as well.

The Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, have been seen thanking people in the queue.

Singaporeans in Sydney can sign the condolence book at:
Date: 26 - 27 March 2015
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Singapore Tourism Board, Level 11, AWA Building, 47 York Street, Sydney NW 2000

The Temasek Club - Sydney has also organised a live streaming of Channel News Asia's coverage of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Memorial Service.
Date: 29 March 2015
Time: 4 - 8pm
Venue: Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre, Terrace 3, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney NSW 2000

References
Video from Straits Times on YouTube
Photo from Straits Times & Channel News Asia

Related Posts
谁是李光耀？LKY101
For young Singaporeans: Who is Lee Kuan Yew 李光耀 ? 
Who is Lee Kuan Yew to you? (Timeline of Prime Ministers around the World)
Lee Kuan Yew - Obituary Condolences from World Leaders
Lest we forget - Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Team
Singaporeans in Sydney - Remembering Lee Kuan Yew
Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Biggest Achievement

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