Law Minister K Shanmugam said Singapore considered the Rule of
Law to be fundamental to the country's progress because of two
reasons - the nature of Singapore society at the time of
self-government and the country's weak economic conditions at the
time.
Speaking at an event attended by the New York State Bar
Association, he explained how Singapore started as a disparate,
multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.
The challenge was to assure citizens that they would have equal
opportunity regardless of race, language or religion.
This, Mr Shanmugam said, could only be achieved through the Rule of
Law.
And as Singapore needed foreign investment, the country's value
proposition he said, was to offer laws which businesses would trust
and ensure that courts were independent.
Mr Shanmugam added the other fundamentals which ensured Singapore's
progress was stability in government, a high quality public service
and ensuring external security.
He noted that some quarters may have criticised Singapore for its
strict laws.
But he said those who criticise may not be able to see the issues
in their own systems, assume that the values of Singapore society
are exactly the same as theirs or don't understand the need for a
different approach in a different society.
--938Live