today • Wednesday 23 March 2016 12 hot news | mr lee, one year on

Bouquets placed at Istana Park last night. Today marks the first anniversary of founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s death. PHOTO: WONG PEI TING The Singapore spirit, renewed

LOH CHEE KONG than-life presence, with lawmakers, businessmen and leaders Associate Editor both here and abroad hanging on to his every word. Such was [email protected] the influence of the man who had been synonymous with the transformation of Singapore from backwater to Asian Tiger in just a single generation. Yet, his death on March 23 last year did not shake the very foundations of what Mr Lee spent his life building, contrary to what some had feared. As People’s Action Party chairman T Khaw Boon Wan put it last week, Mr Lee’s death “did not cause any jitters among investors or (a loss of) confidence among here was a time when it would have been simply impossible to the people. There was widespread sadness, but there was no imagine a Singapore without Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Even in his despair or helplessness”. later years, the Republic’s first Prime Minister was a larger- CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 13 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 seemingly endless series of obsta- Mr Khaw hit the nail on the head. cles, applying ingenuity, attention But he left unsaid something to detail, foresight and sheer force more important than the fact that of will in equal measure. no jitters were felt in the days after In death, he has continued to do so. March 23, 2015: Those fateful days Acting Minister for Education of a year ago have had a profound (Schools) Ng Chee Meng, who head- efect on Singaporeans. Confronted ed the organising committee for by the loss of a giant of a man, Sin- Mr Lee’s State Funeral, saw irst- gaporeans had a chance to relect hand Singaporeans’ outpouring of on the spirit of exceptionalism that grief during the seven days of na- had driven the creation of a nation, tional mourning. That experience be reminded of the extraordinary will stay with him for a long time, sense of purpose that Mr Lee em- he said as he begins his own politi- bodied, and absorb anew the prin- cal journey as part of Singapore’s ciples that form the bedrock values fourth-generation leadership core. of the Republic. “This airmation of Singaporeans’ Bouyed by this, Singaporeans unity... gave me great optimism young and old now have high levels about Singapore’s way forward,” of confidence in the country’s fu- he told TODAY in an interview to ture, even as murky economic wa- mark Mr Lee’s death anniversary. ters cloud the outlook, showed a sur- While he is no longer around, vey commissioned by TODAY that Mr Lee’s values, such as multira- took the pulse of 500 respondents cialism, meritocracy and incor- aged 15 to 70. ruptibility, which have become en- There is no doubt that Mr Lee is trenched in public institutions and missed. The more than 100 ground- society at large, will continue to up initiatives that have sprung up live on, political observers and MPs all over the island in the days lead- said. National University of Singa- ing up to the first anniversary of pore political scientist Bilveer Singh his death are a reminder of that. In noted that basic principles, such as Tanjong Pagar, in particular, where meritocracy, are evergreen. “The Mr Lee was Member of Parliament day certain people are given more for six decades, thousands of resi- privilege than others, we will see a dents as well as people who used to serious decline in Singapore’s pros- Six-year-old Beldon Tan looking at a panel at a remembrance event for Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Marine live there gathered to pay their trib- perity and peace,” he said. Still, Sin- Parade Community Club last weekend. PHOTO: JASON QUAH utes over the weekend, and remind gapore Management University law themselves from whence they came, don Eugene Tan noted the country and where the country is headed. is transitioning towards a more One of them was Mr Chew Kok broad-based measure of merit, be- and his handpicking of top Govern- And he was conident that they will Leong, 76, who was grateful to yond academic excellence. ment oicials. be able to make the right call. Mr Lee for touching his life and On Mr Lee’s legacy, political NUS sociologist Tan Ern Ser felt Indeed, for a country that re- transforming the country, whose analyst Felix Tan from SIM Glob- the indings showed that Singapo- cently lost a monumental igure in streets were once illed with gang- al Education reiterated the need reans “appreciate his wise, decisive its short history, Singaporeans and sters and people who were jobless. to see the found- and pragmatic their leaders alike now exude a level “The country was in a state of cha- ing Prime Minis- leadership, but of conidence — not just about its fu- os, and inding a job was diicult. ter’s accomplish- not what they ture but also in its place in the world He managed to govern Singapore ments in context. would consider — that some might say is dispropor- very well — turning it into what it Mr Lee had to do They Think our abiliTy To his authoritari- tionate to its size. is today,” said the retiree, who made what he did in an sTand firm only depends an, paternalistic In an interview with TODAY, the short hop from his Tiong Bahru era that was very style of ruling the Ambassador-at-Large Bilaha- home to Duxton Plain Park, where diferent from the on lee kuan yew — ThaT’s country”. ri Kausikan revealed that since a remembrance event to honour present, he said. rubbish. or if They Still, observ- Mr Lee died, some countries have Mr Lee was held on Saturday. The Prof Singh Think ThaT now he’s noT ers were quick to tried their luck to put Singapore next day, Mr Chew returned with a added: “Today, around you can re-do point out that the in its place: “... All I will say is that bouquet of white lowers. Singapore’s suc- Things, no, sorry … Government’s if they persist, they will be in for a InsIde Over at Marine Parade, Mr Mu- cess will be meas- Bilahari Kausikan leadership style rude surprise,” he said. hammad Nur Hakimin, 26, chanced ured not just eco- AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE had evolved long He added: “They think our abili- 20 upon an exhibition on Mr Lee at the nomically, but before Mr Lee’s ty to stand irm only depends on Lee pages of Marine Parade Community Club also via other indices such as de- death — and he had a big part to Kuan Yew — that’s rubbish. Or if coverage when he and his wife were out and mocracy, human rights… (Beyond) play in laying the groundwork for they think that now he’s not around about with their four children. The economic growth, we may not al- these changes. you can re-do things, no, sorry…” 16 SMRT technician saw it as a per- ways look good.” “Today, the Government (is) a lot In many ways, the conidence that A nation’s fect opportunity to teach his chil- Not all of Mr Lee’s values and more lax in that regard — a lot more Singapore oozes as it heads into the ‘where were dren —aged between one and six principles are universally em- willing to engage in discourse, ar- next phase of development is testa- you when ...’ years old — about the values and braced. He had his critics, who de- gue in the public sphere, rather than ment to the work of Mr Lee and his moment work of Mr Lee. “He was like family cried his authoritative style and find a way to correct unjustified team, and stems from their lifelong to everyone in Singapore. He (dedi- the ruthless approach he used to statements or allegations through eforts to prepare the country and 23 cated) his life to us… he turned noth- deal with political opponents. But lawsuits,” Nanyang Technological its people for challenges well into the From ing into something. Without his ef- the plusses far outweigh the criti- University Assistant Professor Woo future. That Singaporeans have re- abroad, forts, there would be no home,” Mr cisms. About three-quarters of the Jun Jie said. newed conidence and a new unity of tests for a Hakimin said, as he recounted how respondents in the TODAY survey During his interview with this purpose just 366 days after the na- nation Mr Lee’s values inspired him to cited Mr Lee’s integrity, intelligence newspaper, Mr Ng stressed that tion awoke to a statement informing as others work harder when he was strug- and wisdom, his zero-tolerance for it is up to the next generation of them that they had lost their found- try their luck gling to make ends meet for the fam- corruption as the top qualities that Singaporeans to decide whether ing Prime Minister is testament to ily as a young father. Singapore’s leaders “must deinite- they want to hold on to the values how well the Founding Fathers laid 31 Over his lifetime, Mr Lee in- ly” emulate. Propping up the list and principles that Mr Lee stood the groundwork for success. A precious spired many and cobbled a people were Mr Lee’s ruthlessness in deal- for. “They will be able to judge for Now, as the saying goes, Singa- reminder of disparate backgrounds togeth- ing with political opponents, his dis- themselves what would be the best poreans have to take the ball and for today’s er into a nation, while navigating a taste for Western-style democracy way forward for Singapore,” he said. run with it. generation 14 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016 What will endure, one year on TODAY commissioned a face-to-face survey of 500 Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 15 to 70 to mark the first anniversary of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s death. The survey, which was conducted between Feb 24 and March 10 by research consultancy Blackbox, aimed to find out Singaporeans’ views on Mr Lee’s legacy, the impact of his death, and the values and qualities that Mr Lee stood for that could be useful for current and future leaders.

Which qualities and values that Mr Lee Top 3 things Singapore Impact of Mr Lee’s death possessed should S’pore’s leaders follow? has lost with Mr Lee’s death

Made Singaporeans reflect on Singapore’s 100% His overall wisdom 36% achievements over the past 50 years Top 3 and foresight 41% His integrity

Made Singaporeans think 33% His intelligence His strength more about the future 34% and wisdom and decisiveness 76% Helped younger Singaporeans better 75% 29% understand how Singapore started His leadership abilities, which helped to steer the nation forward 31% His efforts to make Singapore free from corruption What were Mr Lee’s greatest achievements? How confident are you about Singapore’s future post-Lee Kuan Yew? 50% Ensuring Singapore can protect Score itself through strong defence 27% Bottom 3 10 and national security High His style of handpicking 9 confidence who should be in top 50% 8 Wanting affordable home 34% Government positions (Score ownership for all Singaporeans 25% 30% 7 8-10) through the HDB scheme 6 His distaste and opposition 5 to Western style democracy 23% Helping to bring Singapore from a Third 4 18% 40% World country to a First World country 3 His ruthlessness in dealing (6-7) with political opponents 2 1 Low 10% 0% (Below 5) 0 confidence Remembering Mr Lee: How best?

National Memorial Dedicated National Permanent Major Others holiday park Lee Kuan education exhibition national Nothing Yew library curriculum gallery prize in his name

43% 17% 12% 10% 10% 7% 2% 1%

Research specifications: Sample size: 500 respondents. Margin of error +/- 4.4 %. Target audience: General population, 15-70 years (Citizens/PR). Type: Quantitative, face to face. Methodology: Door-to-door representative sampling across entire island (by district)

Source: Blackbox TODAY Enduring legacies: A shield, and a place to call home

Siau Ming En 500 Singaporeans and permanent severe pneumonia. ro-tolerance for corruption as the [email protected] residents aged 15 to 70 commis- Asked to pick from a list of top qualities that Singapore’s lead- sioned by TODAY to mark the irst wide-ranging accomplishments ers “must deinitely” emulate. anniversary of Mr Lee’s death. by Mr Lee during his lifetime that Propping up the list were The survey, which was conduct- beneited Singaporeans, the high- Mr Lee’s ruthlessness in dealing ed between Feb 24 and March 10 est proportions of respondents with political opponents (34 per by research consultancy Black- chose what Mr Lee did to ensure cent), his distaste for Western- M box, aimed to ind out, among oth- the Republic was able to defend it- style democracy (30 per cent) and er things, Singaporeans’ views on self against external threats (27 per his handpicking of top Government aking sure that this tiny red dot Mr Lee’s legacy, the impact of his cent) and the home ownership poli- oicials (23 per cent). could protect itself with a robust death, and the values and qualities cy (25 per cent). Next on the list was Separately, Mr Lee’s cut-throat defence and national security, and that Mr Lee stood for that could be Mr Lee’s eforts in taking Singapore approach towards political oppo- a public housing policy that allows useful for current and future lead- from Third World to First (18 per nents (46 per cent), his uncompro- Singaporeans to own their homes. ers as they steer the country in its cent), closely followed by the trans- mising brand of politics (28 per cent) These two achievements in next phase of development. formation of the Republic’s econo- and his aversion to state welfarism which Singapore’s founding Prime Mr Lee, who was Singapore’s my into what it is today (17 per cent). (22 per cent) were among the most Minister Lee Kuan Yew had a large longest-serving Prime Minister, About three-quarters of the re- commonly cited qualities that “must hand in came out tops — by a dis- died on March 23 last year, several spondents cited Mr Lee’s integrity, deinitely” be avoided. tance — in a face-to-face survey of weeks after being hospitalised for intelligence and wisdom, and his ze- ContinuEd on pagE 15 15 hot news today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 In particular, a higher proportion of older respondents (aged 35 and above) felt his political style should be avoided by current and future lead- ers, in contrast to those under 35 — a greater percentage of whom cited his deep-seated views on Western-style democracy and state welfarism. The survey respondents were also asked to pick the best way to remember Mr Lee and his contri- butions to the country. A national holiday declared in Mr Lee’s honour was the top choice by some distance (43 per cent), followed by a memorial park (17 per cent) and a dedicated Lee Kuan Yew library (12 per cent). In terms of the impact of his death, almost four in 10 of respond- ents — the highest proportion in the survey — agreed with the state- ment that it made Singaporeans re- lect on the country’s achievements since independence. About a third concurred that it made Singapo- reans contemplate the future and where the country is heading, while 29 per cent felt it helped youths to better understand how far the Re- public has come. WRITTEN ON STONE At the Community Memorial Garden at Bishan Park last week, residents gathered to pen their memories of Mr Lee Kuan Senior research fellow Mathew Yew, and their hopes and aspirations for Singapore, with words and drawings on pebbles. PHOTO: DAMIEN TEO Mathews at the Institute of Policy Studies noted that Mr Lee’s death coincided with the SG50 celebra- tions, and happened when the en- tire nation was in a relective mood. “The celebrations focused on our successes as a nation, our gratitude GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad said: foresight (41 per cent), his strength score, the greater the conidence), to our pioneers and our hopes for “There is no point having a strong and decisiveness (34 per cent) and the TODAY survey found a mean the future,” he said. “It would be economy and having people living his leadership abilities (31 per cent) score of 7.3 among the respondents little wonder that this reflection in squalor and ghettos.” as the top three assets that Singa- when they were asked about their would be further strengthened with He noted that the terrorism pore has lost with his death. level of confidence in Singapore’s Mr Lee’s passing since he did em- threat — which Home Afairs and In that regard, Mr Lee has left future post-Lee Kuan Yew. body a pioneering generation, and Law Minister K Shanmugam de- big shoes for the current and future SIM University sociologist Kang is attributed with leading the suc- scribed last week as hitting its high- leaders to ill, Assoc Prof Eugene Soon-Hock said that a hallmark of cessful transformation of Singapore est level in recent times — and cur- Tan said. Mr Lee was his foresight. As such, from Third World to First World.” rent regional geopolitics could have Agreeing, Dr t h e c o u n t r y had a bearing on the indings, with Felix Tan add- stands in good ‘STRONG MATERIALISTIC the public having a deeper apprecia- ed: “The current stead, with sta- DIMENSION’ tion of the work of Mr Lee and the leadership needs ble and forward- other founding fathers in making to continually ex- THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT looking institu- On what the respondents saw as sure Singapore could protect itself. amine itself and THAT THE COUNTRY HAS tions — including Mr Lee’s greatest achievements, po- National University of Singa- gain the respect a competent civil litical analyst Felix Tan from SIM pore sociologist Tan Ern Ser felt that Mr Lee had LOST A GIANT WHOSE service — that Global Education said the indings the indings showed a complicated garnered during WISDOM, INTELLECT AND plans for leader- showed that Singaporeans and PRs relationship between Singaporeans his time.” LEADERSHIP ABILITIES ship renewal in here are, in general, a pragmatic lot and Mr Lee. Neverthe- WERE WELL REGARDED advance. who are focused on bread and but- “They appreciate his wise, deci- less, he stressed AROUND THE WORLD. Similarly, it ter issues such as security and af- sive and pragmatic leadership, but the need to see was the work fordable housing. not what they would consider his Mr Lee’s accomplishments in con- of Mr Lee and other founding fa- He noted that while Singapore has authoritarian, paternalistic style text. Mr Lee had to do what he did in thers that has given the country a always been hailed as a success story of ruling the country,” he said. an era that was very diferent from strong platform for future success. of racial integration and as one of the Assoc Prof Eugene Tan agreed the present, he said. Circumstances MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling not- least corrupt countries in the world, that the indings indicated that Sin- and situations in a post-war envi- ed that the respondents’ conidence these did not feature as highly on the gaporeans “do not have ainity for ronment difered greatly from to- in Singapore’s future, post-LKY, minds of the public (these areas were his authoritarian ways”. “Ironically, day’s globalised and interconnect- stemmed from the country’s repu- seen as Mr Lee’s top accomplish- it is the relative peace, stability and ed world. table international standing. At the ments by 16 per cent and 13 per cent prosperity that Singapore has en- “Besides having a strong leader- same time, it helps that certain core of the respondents, respectively). joyed the past half century that has ship, a country also needs a society values which Mr Lee stood for — Singapore Management Uni- rendered Singaporeans less com- that believes in a collective vision for such as a corruption-free govern- versity law don Eugene Tan also fortable with Mr Lee’s traits that the country. We had that in the ear- ment and meritocracy — remains felt that the findings reflected a ranked the lowest,” he pointed out. ly days of independence. The ques- entrenched in society, she said. “strong materialistic dimension” While Mr Lee’s qualities may tion now would be whether we can Dr Mathews added: “Many Sin- to how people here assess Mr Lee’s not be universally embraced, there see a continuation of this in the next gaporeans are aware that there is a achievements. “But this may well is little doubt that Singaporeans feel 50 years — a successful, independ- well-oiled machinery that runs Sin- relect the strong material dimen- the country has lost a giant whose ent nation that many other nations gapore, and subsequent generations sion in Singapore’s irst 50 years as wisdom, intellect and leadership want to emulate,” he added. of leaders have been able to navigate a nation-state,” he said. abilities were well regarded around Singapore through various challeng- Noting that afordable and qual- the world. NATION IS IN GOOD STEAD es. So Singaporeans in general are ity housing is a by-product of a suc- In the TODAY survey, respond- conident that things will go well, at cessful economy, Chua Chu Kang ents identiied Mr Lee’s wisdom and On a scale of 0 to 10 (the higher the least based on past successes.” 16 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

Candice: Although his passing is inevitable, when I read the news it was very sad; there’s a sense of loss — loss of a great man, loss of a na- tion’s father. I didn’t really expect an outpour- ing of the show of love for him be- cause I would think that some of his policies may not be very popu- lar with some Singaporeans, but nonetheless, I think when he passed away ... everybody gave him the credit where credit is due.

Vincent: I was at home in the morn- ing. When I woke up, I got an SMS so I thought that ... people were just speculating ... until (I saw on) the news that it was true ... I am relieved to have closure, because he has done so much for Singapore and I think he deserved to rest in peace.

How has Mr Lee — and the changes and policies he had put in place — touched your life?

Vijay: A corruption-free govern- ment, safe business environment, strong rule of law, a system of mer- itocracy — these were all key as- pects which helped bring Singapore to where it is today. (Clockwise from top left): Sapiah Molla, Candice Chee, Vincent Chio, Vijay Kumar Pillai, Siang Xuan Yu and Kwan Jin Yao. As a businessperson as well, we enjoy the beneits of having such a system because looking at the coun- tries around us we know how gifted we are to have the system we have in place ... Also the environment ... (creates) a homely feel. I’ve lived A nation’s ‘where were overseas in many different coun- tries, but there’s really no place like home. I always want to come back. you when ...’ moment Sapiah: Mr Lee knew that we are made of diferent people and he re- ally pursued multiracialism which I think, until today, is a very good Where were you when you heard sponse (from fellow Singapore- policy ... the news of Mr Lee’s death and ans to Mr Lee’s death) because I (He also pursued) meritocracy, how did you feel? Did you expect thought maybe some young people education for all — boys and girls. Singaporeans to react to his may not be able to identify with him. Education is a social leveller. I came A passing in the way that they did? Maybe people of my generation, who from a very humble family ... and we actually grew up moved on from a low-income group year has elapsed since Mr Lee Vijay: I remem- under his lead- to now, I am proud to say, that I can Kuan Yew’s death — so what are ber I was in the ership, could. It be considered middle-income. the enduring facets of the founding office. At first, was (surprising) I got my university education, I Prime Minister’s legacy? What there was dis- to see so many had a good job, and I can provide for impact has his death had on the belief and I had IT WAS LIKE LOSING young people feel my children to become profession- average Singaporean? How have asked myself: the same way. als. It’s really fantastic that, within Mr Lee’s values and policies left “Has it real- SOMEONE DEAR, a generation, we can see the trans- an imprint on the man in the street ly happened?” LIKE A FATHER FIGURE. Jin Yao: I was at formation of Singapore. — and do they have continuing (There was also) Sapiah Molla home, and during relevance? Kenneth Cheng a feeling of sad- retired property management professional that time, I was Xuan Yu: One of his most success- ([email protected]. ness that some- on an internship, ful policies was the bilingual policy sg) sat down with six Singaporeans one so important in the develop- so every morning when I woke up, ... This proved to be beneicial in the from a cross-section of society to ment of Singapore had left us. I would scroll through my Twitter long term, especially since he pre- get their take on Mr Lee’s legacy and and Facebook feeds ... (and I got the dicted that one day China would be- the mark he has left on their lives. Sapiah: I was at home. I felt very news) mainly through social media come an economic power ... Apart sad because Mr Lee was some- ... For me, there was a sense of loss, from mastering English, it enabled Participants one who dedicated his whole life to but also a sense of closure — he was Singaporeans to master Mandarin. • Sapiah Molla, 64, retired property Singapore and, to lose such a found- ill for some time already. This allowed them to enter the Chi- Video management professional ing father, although it was not that na market, which has proved to be Lee • Candice Chee, 50, management unexpected ... as he had been sick Xuan Yu: I received the news of a very proitable sector. Kuan Yew consultant for a while ... But we all hoped that Mr Lee’s passing through Facebook roundtable • Vincent Chio, 48, property agent he would recover, especially to cel- where netizens were (overcome) Candice: Making English a first scan the Qr code using • Vijay Kumar Pillai, 30, business ebrate SG50 with us. with emotion ... Instead of feeling language in Singapore has contrib- the reader owner I was sad that he couldn’t be sad, I was feeling a (sense of) loss. uted very much to exposing the peo- app on your • Siang Xuan Yu, 24, mechanical en- around for that very important mo- However, I believe that rather than ple to the global market and global smartphone, gineering undergraduate ment ... It was like losing someone mourning, we should celebrate his opportunities ... or you can visit bit.ly/1PoAIS2 • Kwan Jin Yao, 24, business under- dear, like a father figure. I didn’t life and achievements ... That would Meritocracy is also a very good for the video. graduate and socio-political blogger expect such an overwhelming re- be more meaningful. Continued on page 17 17 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

Continued from page 16 policy ... I came from a humble fam- ily — we used to live in a one-room lat and ... education was compulso- ry for everyone ... and an important factor for social mobility, and I am a case in point — through educa- tion, I was able to help my family to move on and inancially to be in better shape.

Jin Yao: My parents both are non-graduates; they came from a Chinese-speaking background and schools, didn’t have a degree, had to work in the same company over 20, 30 years, and had to go for night classes. But through it all, having the op- portunities and then making sacri- ices, we’ve been able to become a middle-income family, which I’ve benefited from (and which was made possible) through the dif- ferent policies economically and in terms of the education system (which Mr Lee introduced).

What impact has Mr Lee’s passing had on you?

Candice: The immediate thoughts that came to my mind were a lot of anxieties because with his passing come uncertainties. What will be- come of Singapore? Where will we be heading? Is Singapore going to become vulnerable because a great man that is so protective of Singa- A YOUNGER GENERATION PAYS TRIBUTE School children looking at the programme booklet for the Remembering Lee Kuan Yew: Coming pore is gone? Together, Achieving Together event held at Stamford Green last Sunday. photo: ooi Boon Keong It’s also about leadership, and what that is going to be like after him — will (the current leaders) continue what he has started or (will) the change of guard ... decide to implement their own ideas? What are some of Mr Lee’s summer holidays, just hanging out And if we’re going to lose that hun- Sapiah: Mr Lee is great because values that continue to hold with a few friends at OneFullerton ger and if we rest on our laurels, he did not stay in power forever. He significance today? and it was about 12.30am and I re- that’s going to be a problem for planned for (life after) his passing member seeing Mr Lee coming and the future. actually. We saw him nurture the Candice: His core values shouldn’t he was inspecting all the work that future leadership and ensure that change — like integrity and ... a pre- had been going on ... For someone Candice: Meritocracy is a dou- his legacy goes on ... He had a capa- serving spirit. He’s also a strong be- in his 80s (at that time), he didn’t ble-edged sword. While it is good ble team to carry on ... For me, the liever in Confucian values, which have to. to (make) the good ... better, there impact is emotional ... but in terms he cultivated and encouraged all of will be a great divide ... Other than of the impact to our country, I think Singapore to embrace, such as ilial What are some of Mr Lee’s the meritocracy part of it, we also he has put in place the right people, piety; that’s why he built houses and governing principles, values or need to be people-centric ... We can the right system, the right institu- gave (Singaporeans) priority to stay policies that may have worked have the hardware, but it is time to tions, so these will go on. I am not near their parents ... in the past but might not work look at the heartware, the soft as- unduly anxious. Also, his strong sense of justice; today — and hence need to be re- pect of things. So we may be very nobody is above the law. That’s why examined? developed (and) advanced, but are Jin Yao: (Mr Lee’s passing) actu- sometimes when some magazines we gracious towards fellow Singa- ally enriched the SG50 discussion or journalists report things that are Jin Yao: One thing that has al- poreans, are we compassionate? that we had last year ... What we inaccurate, he will not hesitate to ways deined Singaporeans is con- We cannot always be looking at also saw was that there was a lot confront, to correct and make sure fidence. We are very confident ... strategy and at 30,000 feet what more discourse and challenges to that the truth and the facts are out (and) very dogged in terms of how is good for the nation; the nation the status quo ... We had questions there. we approach issues. We are very is made up of people. So, it’s about about the past — there was this con- conident in terms of where we are time we look at the people and then test of diferent ideas and diferent Sapiah: His integrity, incorruptibil- in the world, but I think sometimes from there work outwards ... perspectives. ity and not holding on to power, and this conidence has kind of morphed Singapore need not always have People were saying, “Should we (making) sure that his legacy lives into a form of complacency as well, to be No 1 in everything, because to have a more balanced narrative of on ... he’s very (admirable), I really so in many instances we think that reach that kind of status, there is the Singapore Story?” There was feel that he’s really a great leader we are on a very stable footing, we always a trade-of, like the quality also discussion about the future, in a very small state. But he made are very good ... but we don’t quite of life. where we go from here ... The im- us feel big. realise that the rest of the world is Singapore is always building, al- pact that (his passing) left us was catching up quite quickly ... ways striving, always working, but that it kind of compelled us to start Vijay: It’s also his attitude towards We need to realise that we are we never really take time to enjoy thinking about the future ... (This work. He was a very hard worker. not always ahead of everyone ... the fruits of our labour ... Perhaps has encouraged me) to continue Because I remember (sometime) in Coincidentally, I think these are we should take stock (as) to what to be active (and) engaged online 2007, when they were building the the lessons that Mr Lee had in the extent we want to trade of things ... and to translate the rhetoric in- whole Marina Bay, along with the beginning when he was taking best that are dear to us. to action. casino and all ... I was back on my practices from all around the world. Continued on page 18 18 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

REMEMBRANCE PANELS AT ISTANA PARK Flowers are left by members of the public (foreground) as a woman looks at remembrance panels at Istana Park last weekend. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG

So this is where we have to look after the not-so-successful, in order A nation’s ‘where were you when ...’ moment to share the fruits of our labour ... In the past, because of the need, the necessity, we needed to grow the cake, but now we should also look CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 challenges, so the persevering spirit Sapiah: Mr Lee has blessed Singa- into how we should distribute the What are the enduring aspects will be something that will remind pore globally as a brand. When cake so that we live by the values of of Mr Lee’s legacy — what will me for a long time to take on those we travel (and) we say we’re from a irst-class economy. you remember him most for? challenges as they come ... Singapore, I can see the diference. The other one that I felt (has The Singapore brand is such that it Candice: On the governance side, I Vincent: His love for his wife. When been) very enduring is his integrity, makes you really feel better. would like to see them (the Govern- (Mrs Lee) passed away, he really even when it concerned survival, he Mr Lee has done very well in ment) engage the community and showed his love ... You could see the didn’t trade of his integrity for that. terms of his statesmanship when the people more ... Singaporeans softer side of him, that he’s actually So, as Singapore becomes more glo- he meets all the great leaders ... Be- need to have a sense of ownership a very loving man. I thought ... he balised, these are the values that I cause of his ability, it has brought towards Singapore. Around my cir- would just hold back and he would hope my children will continue to Singapore up. cle of friends, a lot of them have mi- not show it, but he actually really grated or are planning to migrate ... expressed it. But instead of leaving the coun- FOR THE FUTURE, THE ANSWER WOULD BE try and starting somewhere else, Jin Yao: Some of the more prag- TO EMBRACE AMBIGUITY. I THINK A LOT OF perhaps as a Singaporean I hope matic elements of his legacy would US ARE VERY AFRAID OF THE UNCERTAIN ... we could just stay on ... and may- be the strong economic and political BUT TO BE ABLE TO EMBRACE AMBIGUITY, be step forward in one way or an- institutions. I think that’s the result UNCERTAINTY AND THEN TAKING other. It could be in vocalising our of the intolerance for corruption ... THESE DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE opinions at the right places or vol- that has allowed for prosperity eco- IMPORTANT IN BUILDING ON THAT LEGACY. unteering ourselves to help fellow nomically (and) for geopolitical sta- Kwan Jin Yao Singaporeans. bility. When we are considering his BUSINESS UNDERGRADUATE AND SOCIO-POLITICAL BLOGGER legacy, there are always the not-so- Jin Yao: The present is very much pleasant parts of his legacy, (such about maximising opportunities. I as) have we developed economical- carry, because when we become How would you like to think there are a lot of opportuni- ly at the expense of things like cul- more globalised, there are a lot of see Singapore building ties not just in Singapore, but in the ture, heritage? Have we developed temptations out there. So, to what on Mr Lee’s legacy? region and around the world that a and promoted national stability and extent do you trade of your integ- lot of us are not taking. harmony at the expense of freedom rity for success? Sapiah: It’s about how do we be- We’re too comfortable, and it’s of expression, for instance? come, really, First World people, too convenient to stay in Singa- Vijay: It’s his selflessness — his in the sense that we not only take pore. I think sometimes some risk Candice: The irst is perseverance. commitment to Singapore and care of just those groups of Singa- has to be taken ... If you look at his life history, he’s very Singaporeans. When he stepped poreans who can grow the econ- For the future, the answer would persevering. Whenever we had big down in 1990, he could have easily omy. We must also think of those be to embrace ambiguity. I think a obstacles ... how he overcame them ruled for another 10, 15 years, but who also need help ... Through the lot of us are very afraid of the un- and never gave up. This was some- instead he did what’s right for the years, some are more successful certain ... But to be able to embrace thing that saw me through as well country in terms of grooming the than others. As we move along, the ambiguity, uncertainty and then during my younger days, and looking next batch of leaders to carry the more successful become even more taking these different opportuni- forward, I think Singapore’s going to country forward. A lot of people in successful, and the children become ties are important in building on face a lot more new and unexpected power wouldn’t give it up. even more successful. that legacy. 19 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016 Bedrock values, updated for the times

VALERIE KOH AND KELLY NG [email protected] [email protected] M ulticulturalism, meritocracy, incor- ruptibility and eiciency — born out of necessity in the formative years of a Singapore fresh out of a failed merger with Malaysia — are among the traits that have become synony- mous with the late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s brand of governance over the years. While many of these values and principles remain relevant in pre- sent-day Singapore, with its bright lights and towering skyscrapers, there are those that need to be re- visited or adjusted — such as meri- tocracy and the ruling party’s gov- erning style, say political analysts and former politicians. Back in 1965, Mr Lee, as leader of a newly-independent city-state, was acutely aware of the diiculties that lay ahead. Singapore had no hinter- land and no natural resources apart SILENT TRIBUTE A flower is placed where Mr Lee Kuan Yew used to sit, at the Chambers in The Arts House, last week. The from its people. Racial tensions re- Arts House used to be the Parliament House, which was home to the Parliament of Singapore from 1965 to 1999. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG mained an undercurrent in a socie- ty that was fragmented, and largely made up of migrants hailing from diferent homelands and speaking various mother tongues. Years later, Mr Lee continued to hammer home the point that Singa- pore was racially diverse, and hence, gapore had achieved a partially- gaporeans the conidence that the Dr Lam Peng Er, of the Nation- its policies had to factor that in. representative government only Government would not be corrupt, al University of Singapore’s East In a hard-hitting speech deliv- in 1955, Mr Lee noted that “our at- recalled Mr Inderjit Singh, a for- Asian Institute, pointed out that ered in Parliament in July 1984, the titudes, our practices” had been mer Member of Parliament (MP) while Mr Lee championed speaking man himself posed this question to shaped by the 29 years of history for Ang Mo Kio GRC. Mandarin, he made it clear that it Singaporeans: “Ask yourselves, let since then. Dr Alan Chong, an associate pro- must not be at the expense of mi- us be honest, let us not bluff our- “How we will progress depends fessor at the S Rajaratnam School nority groups. selves, what are we? Anglo-Saxons on how we direct our social, eco- of International Studies, said: “You “I think Singapore will unravel with phlegmatic temperaments, not nomic and political policies, and in- have to understand that this was if you go for populism by pander- excitable?” cluding how Opposition leaders or not a natural nation-state. The Brit- ing to the ethnic Chinese majority Then, he said: “We are Chinese Members accept the basic param- ish never designed us to be a nation- ... this is a fundamental value that I While many of or Chinese ethnic descent, Malays, eters of what Singapore is about — state. They brought in the diferent don’t think the post-Lee Kuan Yew these values Indians, Punjabis, Pakistanis, Sri the independence and sovereignty races for very instrumental reasons era or even opposition parties can and Lankans ...” of Singapore, its multiracial, multi- ... If you talked about the struggle disagree with,” said Dr Lam. principles And referring to the lack of demo- religious, multilingual, multicultur- to master the destiny of this society Over the years, Singaporeans remain cratic traditions in countries where al character,” he said then. called Singapore, it had to be artii- have internalised the view that eve- relevant in the earlier generations came from, cially brought together.” ryone should have their own space, present-day he added: “It is just not part of our EVERGREEN VALUES Against this backdrop, Mr Lee as far as minority groups are con- Singapore, history to count heads to decide who had pushed for the survival of a mul- cerned, he added. there are is the leader. It is not part of either Today, political watchers recognise ti-racial society, across racial, eth- In Singapore, multiracialism is those that Chinese, Malay or Indian culture or that multiracialism, meritocracy nic and religious fault lines. practised in a unique fashion, given need to be revisited or tradition. Indeed, it is anathema to and incorruptibility had formed “That meant that we should not that the majority ethnic group is not adjusted, Chinese culture that the Emperor’s the bedrock of Mr Lee’s governance talk about contentious issues too allowed to assert its rights based on say political mandate from heaven should depend model. Communism was “rearing much. That’s how democracy was sheer numbers, said Institute of Pol- analysts and on the counting of heads.” her ugly head” in the 1960s, and amended to the Singapore context,” icy Studies deputy director Gillian former Reminding the House that Sin- there was a need to instill in Sin- said Dr Chong. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 politicians. 20 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Singapore is not race-blind, she added. Rather, the authorities are conscious of ethnic identities. “If we didn’t recognise those eth- nic categories, or identities around religion and even key language com- munities, then we can’t tell if they are given fair recognition,” said Dr Koh. Meritocracy came hand in hand with multiracialism, said Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan. Any preferential treat- ment for the majority or airmative action for the minority would under- mine the fundamental basis of na- tionhood, he added. Over time, meritocracy has be- come ingrained in the societal DNA — weaved into the education sys- tem and the job market. “Rightly or wrong ... the initial passport is an emphasis on academ- ic excellence,” said Dr Lam, while acknowledging that this was insuf- icient. “In other words, you need to have the credentials and after- wards, you have to perform. That is New citizens taking the pledge at a ceremony at Toa Payoh CC last weekend. Mr Lee was realistic about Singapore’s position in the the general principle. But we know world, and the steps it had to take to succeed way beyond the island’s shores. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG in real life, there is always this thing called social networks,” he added. Mr Lee’s insistence on a clean, corruption-free government was sledgehammer approach to push known around the globe, and he unpopular policies through will no held his fellow officeholders ac- Bedrock values, longer work, he added. countable to unyielding standards. Mr Singh felt that the present In 1979, Phey Yew Kok, then MP updated for the times Government needs to gain buy-in for Boon Teck constituency and Na- for its policies by engaging citizens tional Trades Union Congress chair- more, and be willing to make adjust- man, was investigated for corrup- ments “if things don’t seem com- tion. He skipped town in the same survive. If he was a hardcore real- ARE THESE VALUES fortable for the majority”. year, and turned himself in to the ist, he would have taken one look RELEVANT TODAY? Indeed, faced with changing cir- Singapore authorities only in June at Singapore and said we wouldn’t cumstances and needs, Singapore last year. Phey, now 81, was sen- survive,” said Nanyang Technologi- The analysts and former politicians has been tweaking its governance tenced to ive years’ jail in January. cal University Assistant Professor that TODAY interviewed largely felt style gradually. Even today, the value of incor- Woo Jun Jie. that while many of the values which Associate Professor Eugene Tan ruptibility remains a key element This mix of realism and idealism, Mr Lee held dear remain valid to- pointed out that the country is tran- of the Singapore Story. This year, along with fore- day, the govern- sitioning towards a more broad- the Republic took the eighth spot on sight, allowed the ance style could based measure of merit, beyond the Corruption Perceptions Index Government to be more adaptive. academic excellence. released by Berlin-based watchdog be flexible and Ms Ng, for in- For example, in 2014, the AS- Transparency International. responsive to the THIS MIX OF REALISM AND stance, felt that PIRE committee, chaired by then- Singapore slipped a notch from needs of its peo- IDEALISM, ALONG WITH Mr Lee’s hand- Senior Minister of State (Education) last year’s ranking, overtaken by ple. While Mr Lee FORESIGHT, ALLOWED book on gov- Indranee Rajah, recommended de- the Netherlands. was adamant that ernance con- veloping multiple pathways for indi- Singapore’s reputation for incor- Singapore should THE GOVERNMENT tinues to hold viduals to progress, based on skills, ruptibility — among other factors not become a Eu- TO BE FLEXIBLE AND answers. After contributions and experience. such as eiciency — has attracted ropean-style wel- RESPONSIVE TO THE all, the key chal- The SkillsFuture movement foreign enterprises to set up their fare state, the NEEDS OF ITS PEOPLE. lenge for Singa- was born out of this, encouraging businesses here, instead of neigh- current Govern- pore remains Singaporeans aged 25 and above bouring countries with more natu- ment has made a concerted leftward unchanged: Surviving without to pick up new skills by tapping on ral resources and larger populations. shift over the past decade. any natural resources, except for the S$500 SkillsFuture credit they “The eforts have reaped real re- “(There’s) greater focus on social its citizens. are entitled to. sults for Singapore and its people welfare policy, minority groups, el- The nation is in a strong posi- Musing over the relevance of — the country has achieved stabil- derly ... 20 years ago, we would not tion today because of the “system- Mr Lee’s values today, National ity and a thriving economy over the have moved in this direction,” said atic and consistent” policies put in University of Singapore political years, and created a more fair and Asst Prof Woo. place over the past five decades, scientist Bilveer Singh felt that the just society,” said Ms Irene Ng, a for- Besides foresight, an openness to said Ms Ng. She urged the Govern- late leader was right about certain mer Tampines GRC MP. the world — and to create new op- ment to take the same long-term “eternal hard truths”, such as meri- The Aside from his zero-tolerance for portunities for Singapore — was also view in its policies, adding that tocracy, racial fairness and equality. change in the corruption, realism, idealism and part of Mr Lee’s governance style. current leaders — and the people Citizens today are more in- Government’s foresight also featured heavily in Giving the example of his spear- — must be willing to make tough formed and daring, and are also attitude Mr Lee’s governance mantra. heading of early eforts to claim a but necessary decisions. quick to compare their country with stemmed He was realistic about Singa- slice of China’s economic pie for The basic principles, such as others. “Today, Singapore’s success from a pore’s position in the world, and the Singapore, Ms Ng said: “By the ear- meritocracy, are evergreen, said will be measured with others not greater steps it had to take to succeed way ly 1980s, he clearly saw that China Mr Singh. “The day certain people just economically, but also on other recognition of the need to beyond the island’s shores. was going to grow ... To build the are given more privileges than oth- indices such as democracy, human take into “Paradoxically, he was quite ide- Suzhou Industrial Park, Singapore ers, we will see a serious decline in rights ... (Beyond) economic growth, account alistic as well. Because he wouldn’t trained over a thousand officers Singapore’s prosperity and peace.” we may not always look good,” said public have implemented so many policies (from China) in Singapore, running However, with a more mature Prof Singh. “Something may have perception. if he didn’t believe that we could courses in Mandarin.” and educated population, the old to give.” 21 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

KELLY NG [email protected] An updated party playbook, T for more sophisticated voters he presence of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, a no-nonsense and charismatic lead- er, will be missed in the People’s Action Party (PAP). But with the leadership style of the party hav- ing evolved over the years — very much a result of Mr Lee’s succes- sion planning — the impact of his death on the ruling party is likely to be minimal, analysts told TODAY. Still, some experts felt that the absence of a dominant igure could give rise to some splintering, al- though others disagreed — pointing to how the party has successfully navigated two leadership transi- tions after Mr Lee stood down and as it approaches the third. The late Mr Lee — who led the PAP from 1954 to 1992 as its secre- tary-general — was much revered within the party, and well known internationally for his approach to politics. “Between being loved and being feared, I have always believed Machiavelli was right. If nobody is afraid of me, I’m meaningless,” Mr Lee wrote in Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew. He once said, memorably: “If you are a troublemaker ... it’s our job to politically destroy you ... Everybody knows that in my bag I have a hatch- et, and a very sharp one. You take Former PAP MP for Changi Teo Chong Tee penning a tribute at the Remembering Lee Kuan Yew event at PAP Headquarters last week. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG me on, I take my hatchet, we meet in the cul-de-sac.” With changing times and demog- raphy, this knuckleduster approach static and the PAP has adapted to technocratic,” he said. cialism and meritocracy — have — which was arguably efective in the times, including by attracting an Nevertheless, Mr Goh and also been entrenched within the a diferent era — is best left in the increasingly diverse range of mem- Mr Lee Hsien Loong were popular party, just as they have been in the past, said analysts and party mem- bers. Party leaders recognise that a in their own right, well-liked as na- country. bers interviewed by TODAY. cookie-cutter approach can no long- tional leaders by Singaporeans. Dr Lam surmised that one of The “Lee Kuan Yew playbook of er succeed in today’s environment, Mr Lee’s death, said National Mr Lee’s greatest gifts to the PAP politics”, as Nanyang Technological he added. University of Sin- and Singapore is how he paved the University Assistant Professor Woo After Mr Lee gapore political way for party and country to thrive Jun Jie put it, took a tough stance stepped down scientist Bilveer without a leader like him. “The very towards the Opposition. “He was as Prime Min- Singh, cost the success of Mr Lee’s leadership mod- not averse to using harder meas- ister in 1990, MR LEE’S ‘NO NONSENSE’ party a father ig- el is that it is unnecessary for some- ures against people who strayed he relinquished ure. one to be a clone of Mr Lee … Singa- away from the straight and narrow,” leadership of the APPROACH WAS NOT I n c o n t r a s t pore can survive and prosper even if said Asst Prof Woo. PAP shortly af- UNIVERSALLY EMBRACED, to the “strong it does not produce a guy like him in Dr Lam Peng Er, from the East ter, passing the BUT IT TURNED OUT TO and centralised” the next three or four generations,” Asian Institute, cited the covert baton to Mr Goh BE GOOD FOR THE COUNTRY. leadership that he said. security operation codenamed Op- Chok Tong — Mr Kahar Hassan Mr Lee displayed, Assoc Prof Singh reiterated that eration Coldstore in 1963, where currently the PAP PARTY ACTIVIST the PAP’s present Mr Lee had already started prepar- Mr Lee’s government detained Emeritus Sen- leadership is dis- ing future generations of PAP lead- more than 100 people without trial, ior Minister — who subsequently persed, said Asst Prof Woo. ers to “run their own show” back in including Mr Lim Chin Siong, who handed over the reins to Mr Lee Singapore Management Univer- November 1990, when he stepped co-founded the PAP with Mr Lee in Hsien Loong in 2004, who is the cur- sity law don Eugene Tan noted that down as Prime Minister after lead- 1954. Oicials at that time had said rent party chief and the country’s “there will not be another Lee Kuan ing the PAP to victory in seven Gen- the big round-up was aimed at crip- Prime Minister. Yew for a long while”. Nevertheless, eral Elections. pling the Communist open front or- Assoc Prof Singh pointed out that “He was around physically, but in ganisation. ‘ONE OF A KIND’ as early as 1990, the PAP has been terms of policies, he let his succes- Mr Lee’s “no nonsense” approach preparing for life after Mr Lee. sors run the show, interfering once was not universally embraced, but it No other individual in the PAP Old Under the leadership of his suc- in a while. But Singapore has been turned out to be good for the coun- Guard nor any of its current leaders cessors, the party has become less in post-LKY mode since 1990 … (His try, PAP party activist Kahar Has- exuded the same level of charisma authoritarian and more engaging, death) is no real shock (to the sys- san argued. as the late Mr Lee, said Dr Lam. although it retains its paternalistic tem), except that his physical pres- Nevertheless, Mr Kahar, who “LKY was the charismatic guy. streak, said Assoc Prof Tan. ence and inspiration will be greatly joined the party two years ago, The leaders after him, Mr Goh, Values that Mr Lee stood for — missed,” said Assoc Prof Singh. pointed out that politics is never Mr Lee Hsien Loong, they are more including incorruptibility, multira- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 22 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION Members of the PAP Central Executive Committee and former MPs at a memorial event last week at PAP HQ, where an artillery shell casing from the 21-gun salute at Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s State Funeral was unveiled. The shell casings were also given to 20 other organisations and individuals closely associated with Mr Lee. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG

An updated party playbook, for more sophisticated voters

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 people of their generation. These ty won the 1959 elections, the votes political party, for the matter. But After stepping down as Prime leaders will have their own styles were split between Mr Lee Kuan differences today have not hard- Minister, Mr Lee held the post of and preference. Our party activists Yew and Mr Ong Eng Guan, who ened into factions, unlike in the ear- Senior Minister until 2004, and should expect that,” he said. was Singapore’s irst mayor. Then- ly 1960s, he said. “I’d be worried if Minister Mentor until he left the PAP chairman Toh Chin Chye cast there are no diferences among the Cabinet in 2011. ABSENCE OF A STRONGMAN the deciding vote in favour of Mr Lee. ruling elites. Contest is healthy and PAP Member of Parliament More recently, before he handed the key is whether there are robust- (Chua Chu Kang GRC) Zaqy Mo- But while leadership has to evolve over the prime ministership, Mr Lee enough mechanisms within the par- hamad noted that changes within with the times, some analysts felt himself had publicly backed Mr To- ty and the Government for diferent the party would have taken place there is still a need for a dominant ny Tan — currently the President views,” he said. The party must ind regardless of whether Mr Lee was figure. The absence of a strong- — as his irst choice as successor, ways to arrive at a consensus after around. The party must adapt to man like Mr Lee — who was part although he made clear that Mr Goh matters are “robustly discussed changing demographics and ex- of the group that founded the PAP had the support of the Cabinet. and debated”, he added. pectations, he said. “We need to — could potentially make the party Dr Lam said the question to pon- Assoc Prof Singh also noted nurture leaders who are connect- more prone to internal issures, in- der is not what is next for the PAP that past diferences have not led ed, (who) understand and can adapt cluding in terms of ideology. without Mr Lee but rather, what is to leadership breakdowns with- to the people … The playbook will NUS political scientist Associ- in store for the ruling party when in the party. “The talk about con- evolve, but many values will en- ate Professor Hussin Mutalib said: Mr Lee Hsien Loong steps down. servatives versus liberals is very dure,” he said. “The plausibility of such cleavages The Singapore governance model old-fashioned. (Diferences today) Agreeing, Speaker of Parliament are real, looking at how the pre- is limited by its hegemonic leader- often tend to be based on personali- Halimah Yacob, who sits on the par- sent Cabinet comprises younger ship, he said. ties,” he added. ty’s Central Executive Committee, PAP ministers who have veered Despite more diverse person- Agreeing, Asst Prof Woo said the added: “While the economic chal- towards a ‘left-of-centre’ bent over alities, the country still practises a PAP has witnessed a proliferation lenges have remained throughout, the years.” “concentrated and top-down” sys- of various positions and views over what is diferent is that the current As a party known for its disci- tem. Publicly, there is no team B in the years from its leaders but these leadership has to deal with a better pline, the PAP leadership would the PAP, he noted. “After Lee Hsien should not cause polarisation with- educated and more demanding pop- nevertheless try its utmost not to let Loong, I don’t know if there will be in the party. With party members ulace compared with Mr Lee’s time.” any divisions “spill over to the pub- a team B ... but who knows, we don’t coming from diverse ields — from PAP activist Murali Pillai, who lic domain”, said Assoc Prof Hussin. have a crystal ball,” Dr Lam said. public service to civil society — so- will contest the Bukit Batok by-elec- With the identity of the next He added: “If the PAP were to fail, lutions can be more rigorously de- tion, said that it is key for the party Prime Minister still up in the air, what are the institutional alterna- bated and considered, he said. to continue to uphold Mr Lee’s val- Assoc Prof Hussin said succession tives? We don’t have that.” “The downside is how decision- ues. It is not about unearthing an- could be a test, citing past instances. Assoc Prof Tan pointed out that making is slower, and there is a other Lee Kuan Yew, he added. When the PAP central executive differences in ideology, approach risk of fragmentation, even though “Each generation produces its committee held a vote to pick a Prime and policy have been and always it has not yet occurred,” said Asst own set of leaders in tune with the Minister for Singapore after the par- would be part of the PAP, or any Prof Woo. 23 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

SUE-ANN CHIA AND KENNETH CHENG ed in recent years. [email protected] “I think the system can endure. [email protected] Put it this way, it is for us to screw it up — not that it cannot work with- out him,” said Mr Kausikan, who was permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Afairs. Retired diplomat K Kesavapa- F ny noted that Mr Lee was able to bring up a core group of leaders who ounding Prime Minister Lee Kuan shared his ideals. Yew put in place a system here that “Mr Lee took pains to make sure has proven robust and can run ef- that after he’s gone the system will fectively without him, and other still run, (that) Singapore is still countries that deal with Singapore (well) regarded … So long as we re- have had the opportunity to take a main true to what he has taught measure of this system for many us and left behind, then Singapore years after Mr Lee stepped down should be okay,” he said. in 1990. Retired diplomat Tan Seng Chye But following Mr Lee’s death in said Mr Lee has set the tone for Sin- March 2015, some countries have gapore’s foreign policy and put in tried their luck at putting Singapore place a system that his successors in its place, shared Ambassador-at- have further established. Large Bilahari Kausikan. “No country can have just one He did not specify the countries leader and only that leader can do or elaborate on what they did, but things, but he must put in place a the famously frank diplomat said: system, a succession of leaders that “There will be some countries that can continue to build the country,” certainly will probe and test us said Mr Tan, who stepped down to see if there are things they can as Singapore’s ambassador to Vi- get away with now that Mr Lee is etnam in 2005 after a diplomatic no longer with us, and some such career spanning almost four dec- probes have already begun. ades, including stints as the Repub- “Please don’t ask me which coun- lic’s envoy to four other South-east tries. All I will say is that if they per- Asian nations. sist, they will be in for a rude sur- Some of Mr Lee’s ideas and val- prise.” ues that have lived on in Singapore’s When asked to elaborate, he can- foreign policy include putting Sin- didly added: “They think our ability FOLLOW THAT RAINBOW Badges of Mr Lee Kuan Yew at a remembrance gapore’s interests irst, being prin- to stand irm only depends on Lee event held at Marine Parade Community Club last weekend. PHOTO: JASON QUAH cipled and neutral and making Kuan Yew — that’s rubbish. Or if as many friends as possible, said they think that now he’s not around Mr Ho Meng Kit, his former Prin- you can redo things, no, sorry…” cipal Private Secretary. Mr Kausikan was replying to “These values are deeply in- a question on whether a post-Lee grained in the psyche and culture of Kuan Yew Singapore is regarded our leaders and oicials,” he added. diferently by other countries, es- Mr Ong noted that Prime Minis- pecially those in the region. ter Lee Hsien Loong and his senior It is a valid concern, one that Cabinet ministers have been work- many observers and diplomats in- From abroad, ing with their counterparts in other terviewed believe is something to countries for many years. relect on. “Yes, there is some de- “From various international con- gree of shift in other countries’ per- ferences and events, notably the re- ceptions of Singapore,” said Mr Ong tests for a nation cent climate change negotiations Keng Yong, executive deputy chair- in Paris, the other countries have man of the S Rajaratnam School of seen the leadership capability and International Studies (RSIS). efective diplomacy of Singapore. In “The fact is different leaders general, they see a Singapore lead- have diferent styles and personal as others ership which is worldly and task- chemistry among leaders works oriented. This leadership exudes in mysterious ways in internation- Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s visionary intel- al encounters and meetings. Also, lect, practical approach and focus the regional and global situations try their luck on the future.” have undergone rapid changes. While Mr Lee had bequeathed Technological advancement has enduring systems and institutions compressed the space and time to the country, his lasting legacy is for information exchange between building up the Singapore brand countries and events, resulting name, said experts interviewed by in leaders in diferent parts of the TODAY. Video world operating quite differently THERE WILL BE SOME Interview these days in connecting with their MR LEE’S LEGACY with COUNTRIES THAT Ambassa- counterparts elsewhere.” CERTAINLY WILL PROBE AND dor-at-Large But like Mr Kausikan and TEST US TO SEE IF THERE As an influential interlocutor on Bilahari Mr Ong, observers are optimis- the global stage, Mr Lee had ad- Kausikan tic that Singapore’s fundamentals ARE THINGS THEY CAN GET vised every United States President Scan the QR AWAY WITH NOW THAT MR code using in foreign policy — laid down by from Mr Richard Nixon to Mr Ba- the reader Mr Lee — have survived the found- LEE IS NO LONGER WITH US, rack Obama, and across the Pacif- app on your ing Prime Minister. He stepped AND SOME SUCH PROBES ic, he met and counselled every Chi- smartphone, down in 1990 but continued to keep HAVE ALREADY BEGUN. nese leader from Mr Mao Zedong to or you can visit bit. a close watch on global and regional Ambassador-at-Large Mr Xi Jinping. ly/1Vz2VND afairs even as his health deteriorat- Bilahari Kausikan (right) CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 for the video. 24 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

From abroad, tests for a nation as others try their luck

Continued from page 23 civil servant Barry Desker said: “As His insightful and incisive views a realist, he appreciated the need to were also valued by leaders in the maintain good links with the West region, as one of the founding fa- to promote trade and investment at thers of the Association of South- a time when leaders of many new- east Asian Nations (ASEAN) who ly independent countries believed brought together a disparate re- their own rhetoric and thought that gional bloc. they could adopt autarkic policies.” On why his views were sought In 1967, two years after Singa- after, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew pore gained independence, Mr Lee School of Public Policy Kishore started making trips to the US to Mahbubani explained that Mr Lee woo American investors. had incredible experience, gave “Lee did not wait for US inves- wise advice — including on prickly tors to serendipitously discover cross-strait relations between Chi- Singapore as a perfect destination na and Taiwan — and was “remark- for capital. He seized every oppor- ably blunt” in ofering his views. tunity to promote Singapore and Mr Kesavapany added: “He told stressed the eiciency and quality things as they were and he didn’t try of the labour force in the country,” to play games with any of the leaders”. wrote Dr Daniel Chua, research fel- Mr Lee would say things that “they low at the Institute of Defence and themselves would not say,” he noted. Strategic Studies at RSIS. “It’s his inde- Political lead- scribable char- ers in the US ismatic person- also started to ality plus an pay attention to intelligent mind, AT THE HEART OF MR LEE’S this young Asian and he was also OVERSEAS OVERTURES leader. Mr Fran- a realist who ac- WAS SINGAPORE’S cis Galbraith, the cepted the world SECURITY AND SURVIVAL. first US Ambas- as it was and not sador to Singa- as he wanted it to pore, wrote a be.” 16-page report recommending the All this made Mr Lee, and, by US government to engage closely extension, Singapore, relevant to with Mr Lee and Singapore in 1967. the world. This is the legacy that As Mr Lee built a firm friend- he left behind for Singapore, which ship with the US and Europe, he observers say current leaders are also expanded networks in Asia, building on to ensure the little red such as with growing giants India dot continues its outsized role in the and China. global arena. His foresight in engaging China Indeed, Mr Lee’s contributions early in the 1970s, despite its com- go beyond transforming the coun- munist links and even before its try from mudlat to metropolis but opening up and economic reform, SHINING LIGHT A child placing a candle at a Lee Kuan Yew Remembrance event at also turning vulnerability into in- was a game changer. He had astute- vincibility, ensuring that a small is- ly recognised its potential to be an land state will not be trampled on or economic powerhouse that would sidelined by bigger powers. rival the US. He also elevated the island state’s “Who else had the foresight to status to a role model for other de- engage China just at the right time veloping economies in search of when China was amenable to adjust- ed Dr Lam Peng Er, senior research forms of cooperation,” he said. similar success. ments in an evolving world stage,” fellow at the National University of “I can also bet that Singapore “As a small country, we are not said Mr Sajjad Ashraf, Pakistan’s Singapore’s East Asian Institute. would be the irst to invest in North a threat. Many regard his advice high commissioner to Singapore Added Mr Ho: “This role as link Korea if and when that country as neutral and objective. We do not from 2004 to 2008. between US and China crafted a opens up — this is the extent of our have our own agenda,” said Mr Ho, “Mr Lee foresaw the changing niche for Singapore and enhanced lexibility. Because why should we his former aide and now chief execu- global power equation. In addition our own relationship with these two make other people’s mortal enemies tive oicer of the Singapore Busi- to private advice to the American countries.” our mortal enemies?” ness Federation. leadership, he said publicly that This philosophy of being friend- Such pragmatism also shaped At the heart of Mr Lee’s overseas with growing economic and politi- ly to all countries and not making Singapore’s views on geopolitical overtures was Singapore’s security cal clout, ‘China will want to sit as enemies is critical, said Associate shifts and stability. and survival. an equal at the top table’.” Professor Alan Chong from RSIS, “Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a master To this end, he has been de- From his vantage point in the adding that the Republic was lex- of geo-strategic realism and plan- scribed as a pragmatic realist, early years of being close to lead- ible in its foreign policy and did not ning for the future. He believed that hard-nosed and even unsentimen- ers in both US and China, and com- see anyone as a permanent enemy. some issues in international rela- tal in his approach. Yet, he was pre- ing from a “non-threatening” posi- “While Mr Lee appreciated the tions would never be resolved. The pared to change his views as the tion, he was then able to act as a fact that we needed to deter certain best way to deal with these chal- world changed. trusted contact to help both sides unfriendly countries within Asia, lenges would be to manage them Veteran diplomat and former top understand each other better, not- he did not close the door to sincere Continued on page 25 25 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

was Mr Lee who saw beyond the ho- rizon and saw the necessity of a con- tinued US presence in the region,” he said. “He felt that only the US could counterbalance any attempt by an emerging power to dominate the region. It was this reasoning that led Singapore to establish its naval base and make clear that the US Navy could make use of it.” Mr Lee reiterated his position several times. In his keynote address after receiving a lifetime achieve- ment award from the US-ASEAN Business Council in Washington, DC, in 2009, Mr Lee said: “The size of China makes it impossible for the rest of Asia, including Japan and In- dia, to match it in weight and capaci- ty in about 20 to 30 years. So we need America to strike a balance.” His comments drew the ire of Chinese netizens and media com- mentators then, but Chinese leaders continued to welcome him as they understood his position of seeking stability in the region, which was also in China’s interest. Mr Lee’s neutrality was also appreciated, said Dr Paul Evans, visiting professor in International and Asian Studies at the Singapore Management University. “He steadfastly emphasised that Singapore was independent of both China and the US. The abil- ity to have a strong economic and political relationship with China… and to do that while also speaking to Americans bluntly about their strengths and limitations, those were deining features of Mr Lee,” said Prof Evans. For all his deft diplomacy, Mr Lee did not fancy himself a statesman. In the book, One Man’s View of the World, when asked how he wished to be remembered, he said: “I do not want to be remembered as a statesman ... I do not classify myself as a statesman. I put myself down as determined, consistent, persistent. I set out to do something, I keep on Duxton Plain Park last weekend. PHOTO: JASON QUAH chasing it until it succeeds. That is all ... Anybody who thinks he is a states- man ought to see a psychiatrist.” No matter how Mr Lee viewed his contributions, his pragmatic and prescient advice was clearly valued. Will his legacy and values that CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 NO MATTER HOW MR LEE VIEWED have shaped Singapore linger on coherently, keeping in mind the big HIS CONTRIBUTIONS, HIS PRAGMATIC AND without him? picture and looking for the balance PRESCIENT ADVICE WAS CLEARLY VALUED. “Obviously, there won’t be anoth- needed to prevent upheaval,” said er Mr Lee ... but there is certainly RSIS’ Mr Ong, who is also an Am- a need for the clinical, cold-blood- bassador-at-Large at foreign afairs ed analysis that was his style,” said Mr Lee’s ministry. how to reshape security architec- as Singapore’s High Commissioner Mr Kausikan. foresight in “This would require longer-term ture in the Asia Paciic. to Malaysia in 2002 after spending “No system can last forever. engaging thinking and decisive leadership at “Recently, I attended a confer- three decades in the Foreign Ser- Every system is prone to error and China early the key levels of government. The ence in China where a prominent vice, shared an example of how mistake or sometimes just sheer in the 1970s, problem today is often short-term Chinese scholar of international Mr Lee’s belief in continued Amer- bad luck. But what you have is a despite its political expediency and inconsist- studies openly yearned for Mr Lee’s ican presence in Asia has led to sta- fairly adaptable, fairly robust and communist ent management of the complexities exceptional principled approach in bility in this region. fairly resilient system,” he added. links and involved.” managing the competition and ri- “Twenty years ago, there was a “You can still screw it up com- even before its opening Mr Ong added that Mr Lee’s valry of big powers in our region.” feeling that after the Vietnam War, pletely — the factor that can screw up and mindset was all the more relevant the American presence should di- it up completely is politics, if the pol- economic today given the tensions over com- BALANCE OF POWER minish. The Philippines asked them itics goes wrong or if somebody be- reform, was peting territorial claims in the to leave Subic Bay and Clark Air comes soft-headed … But it does not a game South China Sea and debate about Mr Kesavapany, who stepped down Base in a fit of nationalism, but it need him (for the system) to work.” changer. 26 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

pected, the former Chief of Defence Force said. However, the number of people paying their inal respects to Mr Lee was “way of the charts”. Thus, he said, even if policies have been planned, there will be a need to assess and change. “If things are of, admit that you are wrong, if need be, say sorry. We plan and set the assumptions, but if need be, let’s try again,” said Mr Ng. This was also the case with Mr Lee, who made several adjust- ments along the way, such as propos- ing the Elected Presidency and Non- Constituency Member of Parliament schemes during his time. “(Mr Lee) had done it (assessing and making adjustments) very well, but without losing sight of what are the fundamental principles that will keep Singapore successful,” said Mr Ng. The current generation of lead- ers will have to maintain the trust between the Government and the people, and ensure that Singapore- ans remain at the heart of all poli- cies, which are the legacies left be- hind by the founding fathers. Acting Education Minister Ng Chee Meng at Frontier Primary School last October. Mr Ng said Singapore is changing, and policies will have to shift Singaporeans will then be able to accordingly. PHOTO: JASON QUAH assess and come to their own rea- sonable conclusions, Mr Ng added. And while the Government will do its part to pass on Mr Lee’s val- ues through education in schools and future policies, Mr Ng stressed that it is for Singaporeans to decide An anchor for whether his principles are worth holding on to. “They will be able to judge for themselves what would be the best generations to come way forward for Singapore,” he said, as he recalled some of the scenes he saw during Mr Lee’s lying-in-state. These included Singaporeans waiting patiently in the sun, with NG JING YNG held dear by Mr Lee, and whether some, has proven to be right along queues snaking out all the way from [email protected] Mr Ng is worried that the younger with the rise of China, Mr Ng said. Parliament House to Hong Lim Park; generation will no longer hold on to Nevertheless, he agrees the elderly bowing at Mr Lee’s coin; them as society changes, he point- that Singapore is changing and and ive sisters coming in the early ed to the late leader’s “context-inde- policies have to shift along with so- morning to pay their respects. pendent” principles, such as clean ciety’s needs. “We are not very expressive peo- government and meritocracy. The nation’s fourth-generation ple, day to day, we have our gripes T He said Mr leaders, in to- ... (but when) it came to what mat- Lee and the day’s “collab- tered ... it comes back to the unity he next generation of Singaporeans other founding orative lead- of people. This is something that I will have to decide whether they fathers had put ership”, will really cherish,” Mr Ng said. want to hold on to the values and in place these THE CURRENT GENERATION have to be far- He drew a parallel between the principles that the late Mr Lee Kuan values to pro- OF LEADERS WILL HAVE TO sighted a nd State Funeral and the aftermath Yew cherished, such as meritocracy mote harmony MAINTAIN THE TRUST BETWEEN convince the of the nuclear reactor meltdown in and clean government, but Acting and peace in majority that Fukushima, Japan, in March 2011, Minister for Education (Schools) Ng a multiracial THE GOVERNMENT AND THE their policy de- when Japanese rallied behind their Chee Meng is confident that they and multi-reli- PEOPLE, AND ENSURE THAT cisions will set afected countrymen. will be able to make the right call. gious society. SINGAPOREANS REMAIN AT the right direc- “I think Singapore will evolve In an interview with TODAY to Such princi- THE HEART OF ALL POLICIES. tion for Singa- again but I think this (the State Fu- mark the death of the late found- ples have also pore. neral) is really one anchor of our his- ing Prime Minister on March 23 helped to ensure equal opportuni- At the same time, the Govern- tory that will actually guide quite a last year at the age of 91, Mr Ng ac- ties for all Singaporeans. ment will have to be flexible and few generations ahead,” Mr Ng said. knowledged that society is changing, And along with the diversity in adapt to change, Mr Ng added, as Harking back at the question bringing with it an increasing range today’s Singapore society — prov- he drew an analogy with last year’s about whether he is concerned of voices clamouring to be heard. ing the importance of these funda- State Funeral to illustrate his point. that younger Singaporeans may However, he added that his ex- mental values — “Mr Lee was really As its chief organiser, Mr Ng had not hold on to Mr Lee’s principles, perience in helming the organising ahead of his time”, Mr Ng added. to make decisions on the go, such as Mr Ng said: “Let me put it the other committee for Mr Lee’s State Fu- He believes that many Singapo- extending the hours for people to pay way around. I am conident that the neral showed him that Singaporeans reans will cherish these principles their respects during Mr Lee’s lying- younger generation, having lived would be able to rally together for the as they will provide people with an in-state at Parliament House, as the through this period, having seen good of the country when the need equal opportunity to succeed in life, turnout was larger than expected. this (the State Funeral), and given arises. “When we come to it, we will among other beneits. Based on planning parameters the values system we have in Sin- have the wherewithal. I have the con- Even bilingualism, which was of past state funerals, the planning gapore, given the education, I think idence in that in our young people.” strongly backed by Mr Lee but committee had catered for three they will be able to make the right When asked about the values might have been challenging for times more than the numbers ex- decisions and calls”. 27 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016 On March 23, 2015, a strange mix of feelings

NG JING YNG vated him to swop his military uni- [email protected] form for the People’s Action Party’s all-white garb. One year on since Mr Lee’s death, Mr Ng remembers the exact details — down to the minute: At 3.29am on March 23, the organis- A ing committee was alerted and told to wait for doctor’s confirmation s the head of the organising com- before activating Operation White mittee for Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s State Light — the codename for the State “In this journey, we need to stay something that “not many people” Mr Ng Chee Funeral, Acting Education Minister Funeral. Mr Lee’s death was certi- the course, but we also need to be in his shoes would have done — Meng said (Schools) Ng Chee Meng witnessed ied at 3.54am. At 6am sharp, the able to sense, adapt and move again Mr Ng said: “We had two success- the display irst-hand Singaporeans’ outpour- State Funeral swung into place. ... it might not be a straight line. This ful changeovers … (Mr Lee) has pre- of public ing of grief as the nation united to Mr Ng’s eyes reddened as he re- will not change for any generation pared for it (new leadership).” unity after mourn the death of its founding called the many Singaporeans he of leaders,” Mr Ng said. On his education portfolio, the death of Mr Lee Kuan Prime Minister. met during the seven days of nation- He reiterated the need for nation- Mr Ng said he shared Mr Lee’s em- Yew gave Looking back, Mr Ng said the ex- al mourning, including an 84-year- al leaders to keep in mind the big pic- phasis on education. “It is a heavy him great perience was personally uplifting, old lady who declined to join the pri- ture and core governing principles, responsibility. To prepare our chil- optimism after he was saddened by what he ority queue for the elderly, and young such as having a clean government dren to be future-ready and the fu- about felt was a divided society post-2011 students who turned up in the wee and maintaining the trust between ture is fast-changing, uncertain and Singapore’s General Election. “This affirma- hours before heading of to school. the Government and Singaporeans. complex,” he said. future. tion of Singaporeans’ unity (during “It was a very strange cauldron The leaders would also have to be During his time in Government, TODAY FILE PHOTO the national mourning) ... gave me of feelings ... you are facing the re- close to the ground, in order to “de- Mr Lee was steadfast in pursuing great optimism about Singapore’s alities that the founding Prime Min- velop the judgment and instinct and a bilingualism policy, which has be- way forward,” he told TODAY dur- ister has passed on, but you’re also the wherewithal to understand the come institutionalised in the educa- ing a recent interview. happy that Singaporeans are com- direction to go, to get the right things tional system — much to the chagrin “When asked (to join politics), I ing out in large numbers (to pay done to getting things done right”. of some parents. Mr Ng said that by was quite ready to step forward,” their respects),” he said. As the next generation of leaders and large, the policy has served Sin- said the former Chief of Defence As he begins his own journey as takes over the mantle of steering the gapore well. He noted that Singa- Force, who added that he felt the part of the country’s fourth genera- country forward, Mr Ng paid tribute poreans’ proiciency in English has need to play a part in Singapore pol- tion leadership, Mr Ng said he would to Mr Lee’s part in the smooth lead- allowed the country to plug into itics after the 2011 General Election. draw inspiration and strength from ership transitions over the decades. the world economy while the use of A sense of responsibility and a Mr Lee’s political career, which saw Noting that Mr Lee did not cling mother tongues has helped citizens desire to give back to society, he him adapting seamlessly to chang- on to the prime ministership and strengthen their cultural identities. said, were also factors which moti- ing circumstances. instead relinquished it in 1990 — A vulnerability that will not go away

Having risen through the ranks — the need to ensure unity in society Air Force while Mr Lee was Min- nerabilities. “Singapore is vulnera- all the way to the pinnacle — in the and forge deep bonds of kinship in ister Mentor. He recalled Mr Lee’s ble and there are no two ways about military, it was perhaps no surprise order to preserve Singapore’s inner curiosity and inquisitiveness about it,” he said. that Acting Education Minister strength and core. the operational details of the Repub- Another astute decision in the (Schools) Ng Chee Meng identiied a During the interview with lic of Singapore Air Force. nascent years, in Mr Ng’s opinion, robust national defence, apart from TODAY, Mr Ng noted that protect- “You see that ... his core princi- was the move to invite multination- a strong economy, as the foundation ing Singapore’s security and having ple remains that Singapore needs al corporations to come to the Re- envisaged by Mr Lee Kuan Yew and a robust economy go hand in hand a strong defence, but (Mr Lee) at- public, instead of pursuing import the other founding fathers to under- in keeping Singapore successful. tempts to keep (himself) updated — substitution, which was commonly pin Singapore’s success. While some might have doubted from the changing context of tech- adopted by developing countries at And as the country enters its the importance of national defence nology to (military) relationships, that time. next phase, a third ingredient, a to a strong and prospering country, to help him understand how to do Decades on, Singaporeans from “strong Singapore heartbeat”, is the former Chief of Defence Force things right.” all economic strata are enjoying needed to propel the nation for- noted that the current security cli- Citing the decision by Mr Lee the fruits of the country’s success. ward, said Mr Ng, returning to a mate has brought a realisation that and former Deputy Prime Minister “Without a strong economy, how do topic he had brought up during his Mr Lee had “never lost sight of”. Goh Keng Swee to establish the Sin- you do social transfers? Without a maiden Parliamentary speech in Mr Ng recalled a meeting with gapore Armed Forces in 1965, Mr strong defence, how do you have a January. Mr Lee in 2010 at the Singapore Air Ng said the founding fathers were robust economy?” Mr Ng said. Mr Ng had stressed in the House Show. Mr Ng was then the Chief of aware of Singapore’s strategic vul- NG JING YNG 28 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

REMEMBERING AN MP OF SIX DECADES Tea lights at a Lee Kuan Yew Remembrance event at Duxton Plain Park last week. PHOTO: JASON QUAH

in many jobs for all of us. It was dii- cult for us to ind a job then,” said Mr Chew, citing the instability in the af- At Tanjong Pagar, termath of the Japanese Occupation. On the irst death anniversary of their MP of six decades, the mood among Tanjong Pagar residents personal accounts was anything but sombre. Instead, they shared personal stories of how their lives were changed by policies shaped by Mr Lee. Mr Chew, for instance, remem- of a leader’s impact bers the inluence of secret societies in the 1950s and 60s, which Mr Lee dealt with. “Wherever you go, if you have no money to pay the secret so- CLIFFORD LEE the irst death anniversary of the For the 76-year-old, it was a cieties for protection, you can get [email protected] constituency’s long-time Mem- small gesture for the man who had beaten up. It used to be very danger- ber of Parliament Lee Kuan Yew, changed their town, their country ous leaving the house and roaming who planted the and their lives. the streets, and Mr Lee managed to seeds for the na- “I am very clamp down on the secret societies tion’s Garden City grateful to in Singapore,” he said. fame, amid his Mr Lee, for his On top of that, he remembered W nation-building HE MADE A LOT OF CHANGES pains (in building how Mr Lee got people to live to- eforts. TO THE COUNTRY, AND IT the country). In gether harmoniously, no matter ith Pinnacle@Duxton, the crown Mr Chew Kok 1964, I managed their race or dialect group. Refer- jewel in Singapore’s public hous- Leong, who has HAPPENED SO RAPIDLY ... to take up a job ring to the conlicts that used to ex- ing policy, towering over them, lived in Tiong THE MINUTE HE WANTS as a parking at- ist between the various Chinese dia- residents of Tanjong Pagar GRC Bahru for most TO DO SOMETHING, tendant through lects, Mr Chew said: “When I lived gathered at a park last Saturday, of his life, was IT WILL BE DONE. new job openings in Hokkien Street during my young- partaking in a “green ingers” ex- among the 1,500 Chew Kok Leong created by him,” er days, if I went to Tofu Street, I ercise — from planting seven Mem- residents there Mr Chew told would have been beaten up by the pat trees and numerous seedlings, that day. The following day, he was TODAY, in Mandarin. He worked Cantonese people because we were to learning how to cultivate vegeta- back again to place a bouquet of his way up subsequently, working diferent from them and could not bles in used plastic bottles. white flowers among the bundles for the police within two years, and speak their language.” It was, noted Minister in the of sunlowers and brightly-coloured staying in the Traic Police depart- He added: “Our Prime Minis- Prime Minister’s Oice Chan Chun gerberas left at the base of panels ment until he retired. ter managed to unite the Teochew, Sing that day, an apt way to mark commemorating Mr Lee’s legacy. “It’s because of him — he brought CONTINUED ON PAGE 29 29 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

COnTinued frOm Page 28 Cantonese, Hokkien people — we are all Singaporeans after all; be it Malays, Indians and other races — we don’t discriminate and separate them from one another, and he man- aged to eradicate the factionalism. “Now, the Chinese can live with the Malays harmoniously. I have lived with Malays before, and can speak a little Bahasa as well. He united all of our people — we are all one people, as Singaporeans — and this is very important.” Fruit-seller Chen Mei Choo, 53, remembers how Mr Lee cleaned up the streets of illegal hawkers. It landed her mother in prison once — because she could not pay fines for illegal hawking — but from the policy, their business grew to be- come more stable, said the owner of Grandma’s Fruit Store at Tanjong Pagar Plaza market. Recounting the early days of their business, when her mother sold fruits on the streets with a push cart, Mrs Chen said: “We were very poor then, and we had to be on the run when the authorities conduct- ed raids on illegal hawkers ... When surprise raids were conducted, I re- member some of them even had to leave their children behind, just to Mr Muhammad Nur Hakimin took the opportunity of an exhibition on Mr Lee Kuan Yew at Marine Parade Community Club last weekend to teach get away.” his four young children more about Singapore’s founding Prime Minister. ‘Mr Lee was like family to everyone in Singapore,’ he said. PHOTO: JasOn QuaH In hindsight, Mr Lee’s insistence on setting up permanent markets with cheap stall rentals was the right move, said Mrs Chen. wants to pass them on to his grand- Likewise, Mr Chew appreciates son, Aaron, five. how Mr Lee had pushed through Business analyst Cindy Chen, some of his policies, despite resist- Lessons for 33, who has two children, also said ance from the public at times. Mr Lee’s “determination and love “He made a lot of changes to the for the country” was something par- country, and it happened so rapid- ents should teach their kids. ly. He built up a strong foundation the young, Regional sales manager Eugene very quickly, and the development Tan, 36, added: “He stressed the of the country has never stopped importance of family bonds ... He since. The minute he wants to do didn’t talk a lot about his family something, it will be done,” he said. (when he was alive), but it was clear “What our founding Prime Minister from ‘everyone’s in his actions (the) love for his wife did was right and that’s why people and family.” listened to him. He took care of us, School bus driver Dennis Ng, 50, and made sure we worked hard for said he admires Mr Lee’s patience our own living. He had foresight — godfather’ and confidence and hopes for the advising the younger generation on same in his six-year-old daughter, the importance of education; of be- Anthea. ing diligent, and getting a job.” Ms Brenda Ching and Mr Gavin While driving Singapore’s pro- LOuisa Tang help, there would be no home,” said Chan told TODAY that the exhibi- gress, Mr Lee never forgot about [email protected] Mr Hakimin, 26. tion, organised by grassroots or- his constituency and residents, said The late Mr Lee’s emphasis on ganisations in Marine Parade, was Mr Soh Kee Yam, 69, a resident of family ties and resilience has in- meant to showcase values, such as Tanjong Pagar for over 40 years. spired Mr Hakimin, an SMRT tech- filial piety and multi-generation- Mr Soh lives several floors above nician. When he married his wife, al bonding, that were emphasised one of his sons, who is a pilot. Al- Ms Fardiana, 29, about six years by Mr Lee. Marine Parade, Singa- though his children coaxed him to H ago, things were “very hard”. He pore’s first and only housing estate move in with one of them so that he had just completed National Service built entirely on reclaimed land, could rent out his flat, he has de- e was out with his family last Satur- and they were struggling to make could not have been possible with- clined to do so. day and chanced upon an exhibition ends meet. out Mr Lee, said Ms Ching, chair- “My other son invited me to live and community gallery on Mr Lee But Mr Lee’s values spurred him man of the Marine Terrace Breeze with him in West Coast, but I’d rath- Kuan Yew at the Marine Parade to work harder, he said. Mr Hakimin residents’ committee. er stay here. It’s where all my friends Community Club. is now able to support his family, “He had a great vision: That are,” he said. “It’s a wonderful place Mr Muhammad Nur Hakimin and they will move into a Build-to- what was once sea could become to live. The market, hawker centre, took the opportunity to teach his Order flat soon. land. We wanted to show that he train station and other amenities four young children more about “I’ll teach my children Mr Lee built a home for us — how much the are all within five minutes of my Singapore’s founding Prime Min- Kuan Yew’s values. It’s very impor- community touches on the family,” home. The landscape has changed ister, whom he dubbed “everyone’s tant for them to know how much he said Mr Chan, a member of the Ma- and developed a lot over the years.” godfather”. sacrificed for our country,” he said. rine Parade Citizens’ Consultative Mr Soh added: “Mr Lee took “Mr Lee was like family to eve- Another visitor, 75-year-old Committee. very good care of us and our needs, ryone in Singapore. He gave up Mr Tan Kok Ki, called Mr Lee’s The exhibition and community and delivered everything that he his life for us ... he turned noth- values of patriotism and family gallery will run at Marine Parade promised us.” ing into something. Without his the “foundation of the nation” and Community Club until Sunday. 30 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

Payoh 62 years ago, they were un- happy with the arrangement. “When we irst moved, we were For families not happy because there were only two rooms, and my father had eight children, so we had to ight for the room, ight for the bed. Our kam- and others, a gift pung house had 10 bedrooms, up- stairs (and) downstairs. So each of us had our own room. It was a big change to move from the kam- pung house to the small lat,” said ASYRAF KAMIL that is very important, especially lise it myself. It’s a gift.” Mdm Lee, 70, who has lived in Toa [email protected] when we grow old — we don’t have Toa Payoh, Singapore’s second Payoh ever since. to depend on our children,” said satellite town, was the first to be The family moved to Block 25 Madam Nirmala, a retired police of- conceived and built solely by the when Mdm Lee was eight years old. icer. “I think we are the only coun- Housing and Development Board She moved to Block 104 when she try where the percentage (of home (HDB), established in 1960 and the got married, and currently lives in ownership) is very high ... In that successor to Singapore Improve- Block 31. M sense we should be very proud.” ment Trust (SIT), which was the The town has changed over the Said her husband, a police oicer nation’s first public housing pro- years and, in Mdm Lee’s words: “It’s oving to their lat in Toa Payoh who became a Singapore citizen in gramme. all much better now”. in 1992 marked a milestone for 1986: “Moving from a kampung (in Adjusting to multi-storey public The cleaner, who works at Deli- Mr Panneer Selvam, 50, and Mad- Malaysia) to a lat in Singapore, I ap- housing was not easy for everyone, france, was present last Saturday am Nirmala Devi, 54, who were preciate everything the late Mr Lee however. for a commemorative exhibition on living in a rented lat in Whampoa Kuan Yew has done. You (turn) the When Madam Rose Lee’s family founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Drive before that. tap, the water runs, there’s clean was relocated from its village near Yew at Toa Payoh Central Commu- “We have our own homes and drinking water. I don’t need to steri- Kim Keat to a new SIT lat in Toa CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 Four taps and a foresight that won’t let them run dry

Madam Halimah Salleh, 68, re- The late Mr Lee introduced the members how she had to queue to nation’s irst Water Master Plan in ill a pail of water for her family as a 1972 that outlined long-term plans to child. Running water from a tap at develop sustainable local water re- home was a luxury then, and most sources for Singapore. This was to Singaporeans had to queue with ensure that Singapore did not have pails to get clean to depend on Ma- water from lor- laysia for its sup- ries supplied by ply of fresh wa- the government ter. Singapore’s that went to the current water villages, she said. (Previously), the agreement with “When the singaPore river ... was Malaysia will end lorry came, all of dirty and it smelled bad. in 2061. us had to rush to no fish lived in it. after Besides en- queue and, since the clean-uP (of) suring a sustain- only one pail was the waterway, PeoPle able and diversi- allowed per per- can even swim in it. ied water supply son, we had to for future gen- rush home and Richard Wong erations through come back out the four National again ... I had nine siblings, but only Taps — local catchment water, im- the older ones did the manual work,” ported water, NEWater and desali- The late said the retiree, in Malay. nated water — Mr Lee also saw the Mr Lee Mdm Halimah, a Punggol resident need to clean up the Singapore Riv- A tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew by the Singapore River. Mr Lee saw the need to clean up the introduced in for ive years, was among the visitors er. In 1977, he challenged the Envi- 1972 the to Punggol’s inaugural Waterway ronment Ministry to clean up the nation’s first Day last Sunday, an event that also river over the next 10 years. Water Master commemorated the irst death anni- The Singapore River today, Singapore tend to visit those areas younger generation may not be fully Plan, which versary of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. which locals and tourists can stroll of interest”. prepared to handle the problem of wa- outlined Her childhood experience is along and admire the modern sky- He added: “(Previously), the ter scarcity in future, but one young- long-term vastly diferent from the reality to- line from comfortable river boats, Singapore River had a lot of loat- er Singaporean was more conident. plans to develop day, thanks in part to the foresight is his legacy. ing debris and it was dirty and it Mr Lai Zhenwei, 29, said Singapore sustainable by Singapore’s founding Prime Min- Mr Richard Wong, 61, agreed smelled bad. No ish lived in it. Af- could be a role model for neighbour- local water ister to ensure clean waterways, that the clean-up helped heighten ter the clean-up (of) the waterway, ing countries in overcoming “natural resources for reservoirs and tap water for the Singapore’s profile as a tourism people can even swim in it.” obstacles” such as “not having fresh Singapore. people. hub, as “tourists (who) come to Some older interviewees felt the CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 31 hot news | mr lee, one year on today • Wednesday 23 March 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 nity Club. “Toa Payoh is very small, so I walk around everywhere. There is still a sense of community spirit, but there are also a lot more for- eigners moving into the HDBs,” observed Mdm Lee. Visits by Mr Lee generated buzz in the estate, said residents. Mr Panneer said the late leader visited his block of lats a few years after he and his wife had moved into the neighbourhood. “He wanted to see how all the new flats looked like. He came around to see the development tak- ing place for him to understand the people’s concerns,” he said. The National Day Parade held at Toa Payoh Sports Complex in 1975 was “chaotic”, recalled long-time resident Johnson Foo, 53. “I was a little boy, about 12 years old,” he said. “There were so many people and you could hardly catch a close view of Mr Lee because it was very crowded.”

(From left) Shanice Hedger, R Daminisree, Siti Afiyah Mustapha and Cheong Xuan Yong were some of the youths who spoke on the founding Prime Minister’s legacies at the ‘Remembering Lee Kuan Yew: Coming Together, Achieving Together’ event last week. PHOTO: OOI BOON KEONG A precious reminder for today’s generation

LOUISA TANG for him (after his death), I realised I er, who lived in a village in India [email protected] should talk to them about their ex- where girls were not encouraged periences with Mr Lee, as I never to go to school. “Being a girl of a had the opportu- minority race, nity to meet him there is one thing myself,” he said. that has afected Undergradu- me most among ate R Daminis- Mr Lee’s accom- T Mr Lee Kuan Yew has Left ree, 20, was al- plishments, and o Mr Cheong Xuan Yong, Mr Lee so inspired to us a precious reMinder that is his firm Kuan Yew was little more than a read more of — to create the Life we belief in equal- legendary figure who attracted Mr Lee’s books want to Live, and to ity of opportuni- raucous cheers at National Day Pa- and memoirs af- MaKe the Most of what ty regardless of rades — that is, till his death last ter his death. “We we’ve been bLessed with. gender, class or March. (youths) may have race,” she said. Mr Lee’s demise spurred the not been through Undergraduate Shanice Hedger The youths 27-year-old civil servant to ind out turbulent times, also expounded more about the man behind modern but his books give us an insight in- on the values embodied by Mr Lee Singapore. He read Mr Lee’s mem- to his thought processes ... they are that they hoped young people would oirs, including Hard Truths to Keep a good reminder to keep ourselves adopt — especially discipline, hard Singapore Going, and spoke to his grounded,” she said. work and daring to dream. For ex- Singapore River in 1977. PHOTO: ROBIN CHOO parents about their past days living Mr Cheong and Miss Daminisree ample, National University of Sin- in kampungs until Mr Lee and his were two of the youths who spoke at gapore graduate Siti Aiyah Musta- team moved them to Housing and a remembrance service last Sunday. pha, 23, recounted how Mr Lee was Development Board (HDB) lats. Four youths from each ethnic com- single-minded in his determination CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 The stories Mr Cheong heard munity gave speeches, touching on to clean up the Singapore River. water (sources of our own)”. and read led to a “more in-depth un- themes such as multiculturalism, Undergraduate Shanice Hedger, “I am pretty confident that we derstanding of what (Mr Lee) did”. equal opportunities for all and bilin- 20, said that youths should not let will reach a stage of water sustain- “The only memory of a Prime gualism, which they felt were some their circumstances define them. ability for the whole nation, but I Minister I had was of Goh Chok of the legacies of Mr Lee that reso- “Mr Lee Kuan Yew has left us a think it takes the whole nation to do Tong. I didn’t have much concept of nate with today’s generation. precious reminder — to create the it together, rather than just a small what Mr Lee had done for us. But Miss Daminisree recounted how life we want to live, and to make the party (of people) doing it,” he said. when I saw my parents and relatives she could do “everything in school”, most of what we’ve been blessed ASYRAF KAMIL from the Pioneer Generation crying in stark contrast to her grandmoth- with,” she said.