Talk about the person that I admire so much, a lot of names run through my mind. My mother, sister and some good friends. I even wanted to write about Gal gadot, the lady that made my eyes pop out and she is my love at first sight among the hollywood celebrities. But then , I was surprised the name that came to mind was Mr Lee Kuan Yew - a political leader.
It then dawned on me that Mr Lee Kuan Yew had a bigger impact on me than I had thought.
 |
| source: The Strait Times |
The truth is… Lee Kuan Yew is a rare leader that Singapore was fortunate to have. More than the achievements, he’s won our hearts because he’s so genuine. He is who he is, and he stands by what he says. His no-nonsense style of governing and speech may have attracted both fans and haters, but I admire his guts for saying what he thinks is right.
Some of LKY’s quotes:
- “What are our priorities? First, the welfare, the survival of the people. Then, democratic norms and processes which from time to time we have to suspend.” – 1986 National Day Rally
- “Please remember we do not pretend to be virtuous. Hypocrisy is not a feature of Singapore’s leadership.” – 1971 closing speech to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
- “If you can’t think because you can’t chew, try a banana.” LKY’s retort to a BBC article in 2000 about how the ban on chewing gums will take a toll on creativity.
- “I always tried to be correct, not politically correct.”, The Wit and Wisdom of Lee Kuan Yew
- “I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.” - LKY
1. His clear vision. He planned and led with deep conviction.
 | |
|
Since Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965 — an event Mr. Lee called his “moment of anguish” — he had seen himself in a never-ending struggle to overcome the nation’s lack of natural resources, a potentially hostile international environment and a volatile ethnic mix of Chinese, Malays and Indians.
“To begin with, we don’t have the ingredients of a nation, the elementary factors: a homogeneous population, common language, common culture and common destiny. So, history is a long time. I’ve done my bit.
2. His resilience and tenacity. This helped him persist through some of the toughest days.
 | |
|
Lee had gone through his toughest period when Malaysia chose to separate itself from Singapore. Him shedding tears on public television marked one of the most historic moments in Singapore history.
However, he never gave up, strengthened his resolve and continued to believe that he could develop Singapore into what he envisioned it to be.
3. His innovative approach. It transformed Singapore into a first world country which it is today.
 | |
|
Zainuddin pays tribute to Lee’s strength of character, saying he did not waste his time moping over the separation but instead drew strength from it to create his vision of a Singapore that is “better and stronger” than Malaysia. He says Lee realised that vision by making sure that Singapore achieved developed-nation status before Malaysia would. He credits this to Lee’s creativity and innovative spirit.
4. His strict "iron first" governing. It earned him the position of a feared but respected leader.
 | |
|
He was criticised for his iron-fisted rule, forcing several opposition politicians into bankruptcy or exile, and once invoked Machiavelli in declaring: "If nobody is afraid of me, I'm meaningless."
Lee led Singapore from a colonial backwater under British control to one of the world’s most thriving financial centers, and he did so with a tight grip on power.
Lee was both admired for Singapore’s efficient government, economic growth and safe streets — and feared for having jailed political rivals for decades without trial and for cracking down on protests and the press.
5. His incorrupt nature. This played a big part in shaping Singapore into one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
 | |
|
“He presented to the world a Singapore that is bersih, cekap dan amanah (clean, efficient and trustworthy) under an administration that is tough against corruption and scandal.”
In a policy intended to remove the temptation for corruption, Singapore linked the salaries of ministers, judges and top civil servants to those of leading professionals in the private sector, making them some of the highest-paid government officials in the world.
6. His honesty. He was known for a sharp tongue and he was
fearless when speaking his mind.
 | |
|
Lee Kuan Yew had a strong opinion about most anything. As he
once said, “I have been accused of many things in my life, but not even my
worst enemy has ever accused me of being afraid to speak my mind.”
This was one of his key strengths.
“The disciplined clarity
of his thought and expression was one of the primary sources of the influence
Lee wielded, disproportionate for the leader of a small country like Singapore.
His views were valued because they were unvarnished and gave a fresh and unique
perspective. He said things that leaders of much larger and more powerful
countries may well have thought and may have liked to say, but for one reason
or another, could not themselves prudently say. And so he made Singapore
relevant.”
7. His loyalty and devotion to his wife, a charming contrast
to his strict demeanor
 | |
|
The love story between Lee Kuan Yew and his late wife Kwa
Geok Choo is a beautiful and touching one. Their marriage of 63 years was
steadfast, and the late Ms Kwa’s sickness towards the end of her life brought
out the softer side of Lee Kuan Yew that not many have seen before.
~Today, we bid goodbye to a great leader, a visionary and a wise man who but left a great legacy
behind~
amazing person
ReplyDelete