Prime Minister Lawrence Wong celebrated the launch of Irene Ng’s second volume on S. Rajaratnam, highlighting Rajaratnam’s contributions and legacy.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong delivered a speech at the official launch of The Authorised Biography of S. Rajaratnam, Volume Two: The Lion’s Roar, on 22 July 2024. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Ms. Irene Ng, the author, Mr. Choi Shing Kwok, ESM Goh, cabinet and parliamentary colleagues, and various distinguished guests.
In his speech, Prime Minister Wong praised Irene Ng’s dedication in crafting the biography of S. Rajaratnam, Singapore’s first and longest-serving Foreign Minister, and a pivotal figure in the nation’s history. He commended her for capturing Rajaratnam’s journey and significant contributions to Singapore’s development.
Prime Minister Wong reflected on Rajaratnam’s role in shaping modern Singapore, from his early days as an anti-colonial activist to his tenure as Minister for Culture and later as Foreign Minister. He recounted Rajaratnam’s efforts in establishing Singapore’s foreign relations and his visionary outlook on Singapore as a global city.
Wong shared personal anecdotes about his connection to Rajaratnam’s legacy, noting his own admiration for Rajaratnam’s writings and speeches. He highlighted key insights from Rajaratnam’s work, including the importance of staying open to the world, maintaining solidarity, and recognizing Singapore’s agency in shaping its future.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Wong emphasized the relevance of Rajaratnam’s principles in today’s context and urged Singaporeans to embody a “democracy of deeds” by actively contributing to the nation’s progress. He expressed hope that the biography would inspire further conversations on building a united Singapore.
Source – PMO
