Leader of the House reflects on Queen’s unique role in Singapore’s history
On Monday, September 12, Singapore’s Parliament observed a minute of silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8 at the age of 96. Leader of the House Indranee Rajah highlighted the Queen’s significant role during Singapore’s transition from a British crown colony to an independent nation.
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, was not only the Queen of the United Kingdom but also the head of the Commonwealth, a network of 56 nations, including Singapore. Ms. Rajah noted that the Queen’s reign coincided with the birth of Singapore’s legislature, which later became Parliament.
Present at the session was Kara Owen, the British High Commissioner to Singapore, who echoed the sentiments of a longstanding warm relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and the nation. The Queen made three state visits to Singapore: in 1972, 1989, and 2006, taking special care to engage with the country’s citizens beyond ceremonial duties. One notable moment occurred during her 1972 visit when she met Thomas Pung and his family in their Toa Payoh HDB flat, where they offered her a glass of 7-Up. Thirty-four years later, during her final visit in 2006, she met the Pungs once more.
Ms. Rajah also highlighted the lasting legacy of Queen Elizabeth in Singapore, with landmarks such as Queenstown and Queen Elizabeth Walk named in her honour. The names of places like Strathmore, Forfar, and Stirling, inspired by Scotland, as well as Princess Elizabeth Primary School in Bukit Batok, commemorate the Queen’s connection to the country.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era, Ms. Rajah concluded, extending condolences on behalf of Singapore’s Parliament to King Charles III, the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom.
