An article discusses Singapore's ongoing debate over the legacy of colonialism and its honoring of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who is credited with founding modern Singapore. The article details the controversy about a new statue of Raffles, which has reignited discussions on the racial inequity and the colonial past in Singapore. The article highlights the government's acknowledgment of the need to expand the narrative of Singapore's founding beyond Raffles as well as the criticism from historians and intellectuals regarding the need for a more comprehensive reckoning with the country's colonial past. It also includes viewpoints from various individuals, including the artist who created the new statues of Raffles and Wallich. The piece emphasizes the divide within Singapore between those who uphold British colonial rule positively and those who advocate for a closer examination of the empire that Raffles represented and the racial inequity he left behind. The article also discusses how the legacy of Raffles and the broader colonial history have been depicted in the country's textbooks and official narratives, as well as the impact on racial divisions and public attitudes. Furthermore, the article touches on the government's small acknowledgments of other founding figures and the racial stereotypes introduced by colonial rule. It also cites criticism of Raffles's legacy in relation to his time on the island of Java and the broader complexities associated with honoring historical figures. In conclusion, the article portrays a detailed and nuanced overview of the ongoing debate surrounding the legacy of colonialism and the honoring of historical figures in Singapore, presenting a range of perspectives and insights from various stakeholders.