'We need not be afraid of the past': Desmond Lee says new Sir Stamford Raffles statue does not glorify colonialism
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The new statues of Sir Stamford Raffles and Dr Nathaniel Wallich at Fort Canning Park are to acknowledge their contributions to Singapore's botanical heritage, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee on Tuesday (July 2). It is also an acknowledgemen'We need not be afraid of the past': Desmond Lee says new Sir Stamford Raffles statue does not glorify colonialism
The new statues of Sir Stamford Raffles and Dr Nathaniel Wallich at Fort Canning Park are to acknowledge their contributions to Singapore's botanical heritage, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee on Tuesday (July 2). It is also an acknowledgement of Singapore's colonial past, and not meant to glorify or celebrate «a phase in our history», he added in a written parliamentary reply. Lee cited examples of Singapore's administrative, judicial and political systems - including Parliament, which is based on the Westminster model - as current institutions which can be traced back to the British. Lee's statement comes after Nominated MP Usha Chandradas asked the minister about the basis for the installation of the two new statues, given recent trends in local and global art and cultural institutions towards decolonisation and the re-examination of colonial histories. The pair of life-size bronze figures were unveiled at Fort Canning Park in May. Read more