Hmmm....interesting horr....OK loh....I also talk abit...
Lee Kuan Yew is indeed an interesting man, you can go to his
wikipedia page, and read some of his interviews.
For sure, he is a strong man, with bold thinking, very strategic,
and very knowledgable. He can see the big picture and think ahead,
and can analyze societies. He is wide read, in history, in
politics, and sociology. He is no-nonsense, quick, and
decisive.
Other than this, he has a way in conveying his views forcefully. He
is talented, he can speak out in an articulate way, a good orator
and debator.
So, those are the good points about him.
Bad points is....as he grow older, it seem he is indulging in more
and more self-aggrandizement. This might give the impression that
he is arogant.
OK.....those are my impression of him.
Now....come the part...about his contribution to Singapore.
I think he is a remarkable man, however, Singapore progress is not
entirely because of him, or even of his counterparts such as Devan
Nair, Poh Chin Chye, Goh Keng Swee, etc. It is more to do with the
people, the anthropological aspect. The people of Singapore has the
right characteristics.
For my prove, just look at Korea, advanced country. Japan, advanced
country. Hong Kong. And also now China is growing rapidly.
Singapore development is because the people of Singapore consists
of immigrants who are hard working and infused in Confusian and
other Asian values which prize thriftiness, sacrifice for future,
respect for elderly and authority, respect of scholarly persuit,
and other characters.
In Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, similar traits can be found. Low crime
rate, respect for elderly, and high educational attainment, other
than high economic prosperity, become the traits of these
countries, very much similar with Singapore.
So....
We dont see any leader of Japan, Korea, or Hong Kong taking the
limelight, and saying 'this country become like this because of my
brilliance'. Wrong! A country is a very complex collective society,
and not 1 organization or much less 1 person can steer it from what
its underlying natural social characteristics are.
Another prove....what is the most advanced country in Africa?
South Africa.
Again, same, we dont see any leader of South Africa, saying 'This
country become like this because of my brilliance' while comparing
it to another African country such as Uganda or something. Why?
Because it is very clear, it is not 1 person contribution, the
underlying society of South Africa is different from that of
Uganda. Anthropology. The composition, value, characteristics, of
the people making up the society is the real driving force behind
any country. Not 1 person or a group of persons.
So I believe....in this regard.....Lee Kuan Yew might be abit too
exalted and the common people of Singapore might be abit
overlooked.
Meat Pao.
