On 23 Mar 2015, this nation lost its founding father and the world, an outstanding leader. The loss demonstrated how much he meant to the people of this nation and his death brought to light lesser-known stories and anecdotes that humanised him as a caring father, a doting grandparent, and a loving husband. Not unlike many, I only knew him as a feisty, iron-fisted leader brandishing his fiery brand of politics. But behind that steely resolve and sharp wits laid an ordinary family man who led a frugal and prudent life.

He gave up his life pursuing the best for this nation so that its people can fully live theirs, and those in his generation can most certainly attest to that. My Grandma belongs to that generation, just a few years younger than he was. And while she’s not in the best state of mind these days – being bedridden and suffering from dementia – she still fondly remembers his contributions, as she laid in bed recounting to my Dad, with tributes playing on TV.

Asked if he could have lived his life differently, he answered, “Maybe yes, but probably not. At each stage I made what was then the best choice. Having taken that decision, I changed direction and there was no turning back.” Such was his dedication that he had only two loves in his life – his wife and this nation. He and his generation have left behind a legacy, and today’s generation must continue carrying that success through for generations to come so that their sacrifices will not be for nothing.