Writing with Conviction_D03 Sem 2_2014_15
Question: What is the most significant contribution that Lee Kuan Yew made to transform Singapore from a developing to a developed world?
1. Find a quote that can capture your reflect your thought on this issue.
91 quotes of Lee Kuan Yew show why you either hate him or love him
Link: http://mothership.sg/2014/09/91-quotes-of-lee-kuan-yew-that-show-why-you-either-love-or-hate-him/
2. Discuss:
Lee Kuan Yew's most significant contribution in transforming Singapore from a developing to a developed world
(just 100-150 words excluding the quote)
-Think about the way you should structure the paragraph.
-Write with conviction and heart.
Other links to writing with conviction:
Does your writing lack the conviction it deserves?
Link: http://goinswriter.com/writing-conviction/
Write and Speak with Conviction: Link: http://www.zenlawyerseattle.com/thoughts-on-personal-injury-law/speak-and-write-with-conviction/
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47. On why he chose Tanjong Pagar: “Tanjong Pagar is a working class area. No other division has such a high proportion of workers, wage-earners, small traders and such a low proportion of wealthy merchants and landlords living in it. I wanted to represent workers, wage earners and small traders, not wealthy merchants or landlords. So I chose Tanjong Pagar not Tanglin,” Election Speech – Why I Chose Tanjong Pagar, 17th March, 1955
Mr Lee Kuan Yew was determined to create a better life for all Singaporeans, where he made tough policy decisions in the interest of Singapore. This was not only shown through the incorruptable government that he has build, but also in decisions such as which constituency he would represent. He wanted to represent the working class and create a better life for them, and not represent the wealthy merchants (Mothership.sg, 2015).
His lifelong commitment to nurture Singapore into a first world country paid off where he created a stable economic, social and political eco-system which no other country comes close. We have many world class facilities, a top tier education system and a robust financial system in place. All these achievements can be attributed to the good leadership and governance that has led Singapore to be a successful country.
Mr Lee has built Singapore on the values and principles of meritocracy, multi-racialism, non-corruptibility and belief in the rule of law, and built the institutions to ensure that these core values and principles are practised (Channel NewsAsia, 2015).
While Lee Kuan Yew was well respected in Singapore, he was a controversial political leader outside, especially in the western world. He had set clear priorities for Singapore, as he said in 1986, “What are our priorities? First, the welfare, the survival of the people. Then, democratic norms and processes which from time to time we have to suspend.” As he promised, from a third country, Singapore has become one of the richest countries in the world. In this process, some extent of democracy might have been sacrificed, and that is exactly the controversial part for Lee Kuan Yew. However, the critics never stopped him from making Singapore a better country.
“What are our priorities? First, the welfare, the survival of the people. Then, democratic norms and processes which from time to time we have to suspend.”
- 1986 National Day Rally
Mr Lee Kuan Yew puts the welfare of his people, such as health care, retirement income, and housing welfare, above all the democratic norms and processes. By embracing free trade, capital formation, meritocratic education, low taxes, and a reliable judicial system, Mr Lee raised the per capita income of his country from $500 a year to about $52,000 a year today (Fund, 2015). This suggests that Mr Lee wanted all of his people to be able to afford their own costs of living by making sure they have enough income to do that. In doing so, the people in Singapore will also have a higher standard of living as well, because people will have more money to afford better facilities such as housing and healthcare.
In addition, people are required to make high investments into savings plans from which they can later buy a home, pay tuition, and purchase a variety of insurance policies (Fund, 2015). One third of the employee’s share is put into a private Medisave account (Fund, 2015). This suggests that Mr Lee is planning ahead for our future to make sure that we have enough savings to afford housing and also the medical facilities when we get old. This also suggests that Mr Lee hoped we could be independent and take care of ourselves in the future.
References:
Fund, J (2015, March 27). In Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew Built a Welfare State that Works. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/416071/singapore-lee-kuan-yew-built-welfare-state-works-john-fund
By: Wan Jun
Fang Chu Wen
“What I fear is complacency. When things always become better, people tend to want more for less work.” Speech at the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of the Jalan Tenteram Community Centre, 27th June 1970 Lee Kuan Yew in his own words, 1959-1970
Lee Kuan Yew constantly reminded people not to be complacent and not pamper their children too much because he is afraid that Singaporeans will be complacent with the progress that Singapore achieved. Also, he urged Singaporeans to be prepared for crisis, regardless internally or externally. Thus, the continuous growth that Singapore achieved today, transforming itself from third world to first world country since independence in 1965, is partly due to his determination and leadership skills. His emphasis on meritocracy also highlights his fear for complacency and truly believes that one should only be rewarded if he or she works hard for it. Therefore, the clean and green city gained her worldwide reputation today largely due to Lee Kuan Yew’s principles, one of it being no complacency.
On the art of governance: “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” Rally speech at Raffles Place, 1980. We’ve not had a politician who can deliver such a line with so much feels since.
There is no doubt how much effort Lee Kuan Yew had contribution to Singapore, as he would always deliever what he had promised to the people. One key factors to the succesful development of the country is the way he treated every work seriously.
An example mentioned by one of the organisers for the National Day Parade was the slight delay on the timing for the programme and Mr Lee Kuan Yew pointed out that if this simple coordination cannot be planned properly, it will be even more difficult to run the country (Chen, 2014). He had been very particular about every single detail and would always pay additional attention and care for people around him.
If not for Mr Lee, Singapore might still be a small developing country that faced various issue due to our limited resources. He spend the whole of his lifetime building up this country that had transform Singapore to what she had today is extraordinary.
Chen (2015) Mr Lee Kuan Yew expected the best for Singapore and Singaporeans, says Leong Chun Loong in eulogy, The Straits Time, Retrieved from: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/mr-lee-kuan-yew-expected-the-best-singapore-and-singapor#sthash.HrgtKhaW.dpuf
A widely respected leader, Mr Lee successfully transformed Singapore from a British dependency to a thriving nation in the course of one generation. As Singapore’s first Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990, Mr Lee overcame many daunting challenges, and against the odds, built Singapore into a vibrant cosmopolitan city-state and a great global city. One of his main contributions is the implementation of bilingual policy in Singapore.
All students are required to study English Language and their Mother Tongue Language for a decade. By speaking a common language, it reduces tensions and fault lines between the different ethnic groups which is imperative for the survival and success of our multi-cultural and multi-racial nation. Mother Tongue is still important to maintain links to our cultural roots. Our bilingualism narrowed the gap between East and West, enable singaporeans to be highly mobile in the globalized world, and undoubtedly be a strong strategic advantage for Singapore for decades to come.
“Way back in 1965 we found ourselves suddenly independent. If you lose that Chinese education and you go completely English-educated, you will lose that drive, that self-confidence. That is what is wrong. The danger is, if you are Chinese-educated and only Chinese-educated, you are monolingual, then your source of literature will be communist. That is big trouble. But if you are bilingual, you have binocular vision, then you see the world in 3-D(Straitstimes,2015).”
Vivien say:
A widely respected leader, Mr Lee successfully transformed Singapore from a British dependency to a thriving nation in the course of one generation. As Singapore’s first Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990, Mr Lee overcame many daunting challenges, and against the odds, built Singapore into a vibrant cosmopolitan city-state and a great global city. One of his main contributions is the implementation of bilingual policy in Singapore.
All students are required to study English Language and their Mother Tongue Language for a decade. By speaking a common language, it reduces tensions and fault lines between the different ethnic groups which is imperative for the survival and success of our multi-cultural and multi-racial nation. Mother Tongue is still important to maintain links to our cultural roots. Our bilingualism narrowed the gap between East and West, enable singaporeans to be highly mobile in the globalized world, and undoubtedly be a strong strategic advantage for Singapore for decades to come.
“Way back in 1965 we found ourselves suddenly independent. If you lose that Chinese education and you go completely English-educated, you will lose that drive, that self-confidence. That is what is wrong. The danger is, if you are Chinese-educated and only Chinese-educated, you are monolingual, then your source of literature will be communist. That is big trouble. But if you are bilingual, you have binocular vision, then you see the world in 3-D(Straitstimes,2015).”
Lee Kuan Yew’s quote on saying no: “You lose nothing by being polite. The answer is ‘No’, but please say it politely and give the reasons… Explain to me why ‘No’. Don’t change ‘No’ to ‘Yes’. Don’t be a fool. If there was a good reason why it is ‘No’, it must remain ‘No’, but the man must be told politely.” to Civil Servants at the Victoria Theatre, 30 Sep 1965, Lee Kuan Yew in his own words, 1959-1970
One of the traits that Mr Lee had was to say ‘No’ politely, which transformed Singapore from a developing to a developed world. Mr Lee did not make policies that are popular and not right, but unpopular and right. Mr Lee believed in saying ‘No’ to governing decision that although popular but not right (The Straits Times, 2015). This is evident in the Area Licensing Scheme (ALS). The objective of ALS is to reduce the traffic congestion in the Central Business District (CBD) area. This Scheme was unpopular because toll charges were implemented and driving in CBD area during peak hours would be more expensive. It has sparked much unhappiness within the drivers in Singapore. However, there was an immediate and effective outcome after the ALS was implemented as road congestion within the CBD area has reduced significantly. Therefore, the objective of the ALS was met (National Library Singapore, 2014).
All in all, by saying ‘No’ politely, is an important trait when making decisions. Mr Lee has made many unpopular decisions yet, he has transformed Singapore from a developing to a developed world.
“I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life,” Lee Kuan Yew, 2011.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a great man who created singlehandedly Singapore from a third world to a first world country. Even when he was very weak, he was also seen busy with Singapore’s politics. This quote I have chosen is like a eulogy which he has given for himself. Mr Lee Kuan Yew became the Prime Minister (Chief Minister) of Singapore when he won the election for 1959 (Cornelius, 2010). Since then, he had been Prime Minister till 1990 before handing it over to Mr Goh Chok Tong (Cornelius, 2010). Even though he stepped down as Prime Minister, he was still busy meeting overseas dignitaries to build ties between Singapore and overseas partners. For example, he went to the White House in 2009 to meet President Obama (Au Yong, 2015). He also did not spend a moment not thinking about Singapore’s needs as well. An example would be the recently built Jubilee Bridge. It is also the thought of Mr Lee Kuan Yew when he was visiting Merlion Park in 2004 (Khaw, 2015). He felt that the current bridge was too narrow for the people to pass through thus there is a need for another pedestrian bridge for people to walk (Khaw, 2015). This is only a case in point of how Lee Kuan Yew was busy thinking of Singapore even though he was not Prime Minister. He is always thinking about and working for Singapore ever since he was the Prime Minister till the day he was on his sick bed. Thus it is only apt for him to say this because he has indeed given his life to build the Singapore it is today. ~Benjamin
Clarice
“Rest on laurels? I wish I could do that. No, you rest when you’re dead”. 1978, The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew
Mr. Lee’s red box has been the talk of the town after his demise. The red box signifies his devotion to Singapore and it has been with him till the day he was admitted to the hospital.
One of the tasks previously ‘stayed’ in his red box was memos about developing Singapore into a green city. Mr Lee felt that greenery should not be entitled to the area where the rich lived but given equality to other parts of Singapore too.
Essentially, Mr Lee’s objective of trees planting and turning Singapore to a garden city was providing shade to cool the environment for this tropical environment. In addition, the thought of creating greenery and lush verdant landscapes in a city was to calm the spirit and make people feel relaxed.
As such I am blessed by his actions to develop Singapore into a green city. Since then, Singapore was known as a fine city by having flora and fauna at every part of Singapore. This shows that Singapore is a First World country that could provide the greenery and maintain it well.
A little thought for the country and was further followed up by a series of action has brought a change in the overall landscape of Singapore as well as putting in effort to adjust the tropical climate. These are all done in the interest of Singaporeans such as improving their well-being.
Thus, I am blessed to be in a country full of vibrant flowers and plants surrounding me, providing the necessary shade I need and also proud to be in a garden city that is not easily found in the world.
(On the art of governance: “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” Rally speech at Raffles Place, 1980)
Due to Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s determination, he transformed Singapore from a port city to a regional financial hub, vowing for democracy and an equal Singapore, reiterating the need for equal opportunities for all citizens. He believed in Singapore when no one else did after independence. He made tough and unpopular decisions, when others would have backed down. Mr Lee stood firm to these tough and unpopular decisions and made sure that there is an end result. Although he could have remained in office for much longer, he stepped aside and handed over leadership to a younger generation in 1990 (Wright, 2015). Still, he remained an influential behind-the-scenes figure for many more years until his health deteriorated. This reflects how determined he was in building Singapore.
Wright, L. (2015, March 23). Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore, dies at 91. Retrieved from http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/03/23/lee-kuan-yew-founder-modern-singapore-dies-91.html
On the art of governance: “Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine. I’ve spent a whole lifetime building this and as long as I’m in charge, nobody is going to knock it down.” Rally speech at Raffles Place, 1980
One of the most significant contributions that Lee Kuan Yew made to transform Singapore from a developing to a developed world is transforming Keppel Shipyard to become one of the best shipyard in the world. In 1970, Lee Kuan Yew challenged the mentioned shipyard to become one of the biggest ship repair centre in the world. Due to the strategic location of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew believed that Keppel Shipyard could take full advantage of it to become one of the global leader in the marine industry. As quoted by Lee Kuan Yew, he spent whole lifetime in building Singapore and as long as he is in charge, nobody is going to knock it down. In 2011, Keppel Offshore and Marine has contributed more than $3.3 billion a year to the Singapore economy and provided jobs for 26,000 people (Keppel, n.d.). This clearly shows that Keppel Offshore and Marine helps to improve Singapore's economy and it has become one of the global leaders in the Marine industry (EDB, n.d.).
"What I fear is complacency. When things always become better, people tend to want more for less work."
Mr Lee Kuan Yew was known to be firm in his beliefs of pragmatism. Singapore's achievements today would definitely not be possible without Mr Lee's incredible foresight. Doing what is right and not what is popular set the path of success for Singapore.
His fatherly character brought peace, prosperity and stability to our country, placing this little red dot prominently onto the world map.
His tough love was appreciated by Singaporeans even though it was heavily criticized by the western world for its infringement of certain rights. However, no one can deny that Singapore would not be the way it is without his contributions.
“If I were not the Prime Minister, he [Lee Hsien Loong] could have become Prime Minister several years earlier. It is against my interest to allow any family member, who’s incapable, to be holding an important job because that would be a disaster for Singapore and my legacy. That cannot be allowed. 2005 The Wit & Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew
As someone that has shaped the current landscapes of Singapore, much is to be said about Lee Kuan Yew (LKY), a great man that has left behind a legacy for Singapore. Through this quote, it shows how much pride LKY takes in managing Singapore. He works on the basis of meritocracy and will only allow the capable to follow in his footsteps. Even though Lee Hsien Loong was his eldest son, he did not played favourites and held the true interest of Singapore in his mind. Such advocacy of meritocracy have led him to develop Singapore from a third world country to a first world country in just a short span of 50 years. This puts every Singaporean on a fair level playing field, develop them to their full potential and contribute to the Singapore economy.
Li Xiangrui said:
“I am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had
I not done that, we wouldn’t be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse,
that we wouldn’t be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not
intervened on very personal matters – who your neighbour is, how you live, the noise
you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never
mind what the people think.” The Straits Times, 20 April 1987
When I first arrived in Singapore, I remembered vividly that my aunt told me that
littering and spitting in public will be fined. I was quite impressed because that was
something that I have never heard of in China. In order not to infringed the rules, I
have always remembered to throw rubbish in the dustbin and it has soon became a
habit of mine. Nowadays, even when I am back home, I will keep the litter with me
until I find a dustbin to discard it. I think I have came to appreciate that particular rule
that is being enforced. Personally, I think that by enforcing laws to change people’s
bad habits can be the most effective way.
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