In a recent Facebook post published on Saturday (Sep 14), Progress Singapore Party’s Chairman, Dr. Tan Cheng Bock, expressed concern over the estimated S$335 million cost of the Founders’ Memorial, as shared by Minister Edwin Tong in Parliament.
Dr. Tan drew upon the late Lee Kuan Yew’s disdain for monuments, referencing his grandson Li Shengwu’s eulogy, where Lee was quoted saying, “Remember Ozymandias,” implying that monuments are futile if a nation’s legacy doesn’t endure.
While Dr. Tan’s sentiments echo Lee Kuan Yew’s opposition to grand tributes, his argument about reallocating funds from the memorial to healthcare misses key considerations.
Dr Tan – money could have been better spent on healthcare
Dr. Tan’s took issue with the S$335 million price tag of the Founders’ Memorial. He suggests that this money could be better spent on healthcare, particularly a robust home care delivery system to support an aging population. While addressing the needs of healthcare is undoubtedly crucial, framing the memorial as a trade-off against healthcare spending is an oversimplification.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that the cost of the memorial is not a one-off expense but spread over several years until its completion in 2028.
Secondly, the allocation of funds for the memorial does not imply a reduction in healthcare spending. In fact, Singapore’s healthcare budget has been consistently increasing over the years, with a record S$11.7 billion allocated in 2020 – and it continues to remain a priority.
Misinterpreting Lee Kuan Yew’s Legacy
Dr. Tan’s use of Lee Kuan Yew’s opposition to monuments as a critique of the memorial is a misinterpretation.
Lee Kuan Yew was against self-aggrandising monuments, not structures that honour the collective efforts of a nation’s founders.
The Founders’ Memorial isn’t a tribute to one individual but a recognition of the team of leaders who shaped modern Singapore. It stands as a testament to the values of unity, resilience, and nation-building that have underpinned Singapore’s success.
This memorial reflects the shared legacy of Singapore’s founding leaders, and it honours the spirit of teamwork and humility they embodied. To conflate it with a vanity project goes against the purpose it serves—to remind future generations of the ideals that forged the nation.
The value of history and heritage
Dr. Tan’s critique also overlooks the long-term value of preserving history and heritage.
The Founders’ Memorial is more than a physical structure; it is an educational platform designed to deepen understanding of Singapore’s history. It serves as a bridge between generations, fostering national pride and unity by reminding Singaporeans of the sacrifices and achievements of their founding leaders.
Can the value of such an institution, which connects the past to the present and future, truly be measured by its price tag? Investing in heritage and education enriches society in ways that go beyond financial metrics.
Balancing immediate needs and long-term investments
Some may argue, as Dr. Tan does, that the funds would be better spent addressing immediate national concerns like healthcare.
However, it is critical to recognise that a nation’s budget is not a zero-sum game.
Investments in healthcare and heritage can coexist. Singapore’s government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to healthcare, and the construction of the memorial does not signal a shift away from addressing pressing issues such as aging.
Investing in the preservation of Singapore’s collective identity and shared values
Dr. Tan Cheng Bock’s critique of the Founders’ Memorial cost is a narrow perspective that fails to appreciate the broader significance of such an endeavour.
Honouring our founding leaders through a memorial does not diminish the importance of healthcare or other national priorities. Instead, it represents an investment in the preservation of our collective identity and shared values.
