How Singapore turned improbable into reality
August 17th, 2010 | 
Author: Dear MM Lee,
I refer to your speech at the Tanjong Pagar National Day celebrations last night as reported by Straits Times on 16 Aug 2010.
You said, as you often say, that a strong government underpinned Singapore’s survival and progress over 45 years. Many third world nations like Myanmar, North Korea and Zimbabwe are helmed by strong men, strong government. Yet, their strong governments didn’t result in progress like that of Singapore’s over 45 years. The prevalence of strong governments helming poor countries suggests that a strong government is not what underpins a country’s success.
Using examples closer to home, both Malaysia and Indonesia have had similarly strong governments like ours over decades, yet both countries did not achieve the level of progress that we did. Strong government is not what distinguished us from Malaysia and Indonesia.
You said moving forward, we continue to need exceptionally strong government with the ablest and toughest leaders to keep the economy growing and to create jobs. But Hong Kong has shown that it is not necessary to have a strong government to grow the economy or to create jobs. Taiwan and South Korea, the other two East Asian economic miracles, have also shown that even when a strong government isreplaced by one that is not as strong, the country doesn’t simply collapse but continues to grow from strength to strength.
You spoke of Singapore as the most improbable story over the last 45 years. It is a story you have been telling for the last 45 years but which you have never once proven. Singapore may not have had resources but it is strategically located at the shipping crossroads between the East and the West. That strategic location is as valuable as any resource.
The ‘hostility’ of our neighbour lasted a mere two years until Suharto’s rise to power in 1967. So it wasn’t a ‘hostility’ that continued to plague us for 45 years.
Finally, you said that our casinos helped the tourist industry grow by 30%. But the 30% growth is over the recession year last year. If we were to similarly compare our tourist arrivals in 2004 against those of the SARS year of 2003, we would similarly find a spectacular rebound in tourist numbers.
NG KOK LIM
Posted in Letters
Strong does not mean dictatorship or authoritative.
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Ahhhhh,the old fart is doing his usual again….farting his pearls of wisdom….and of course plucking numbers from the air and forecasting the future……again…..
Some 3 million we are spending for his “pearls”.
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Moderator, I am starhub subsciber and saw a message stated restriction to Singtel and Starhub users. What going on man?
Reading Temasek Review is a must for me like addicted to coffee or caffeine. I have so much trouble accessing TR website and there are still messages showing “warning: blah blah …..
There are probably more than 70 pct of readers using Singtel & Starhub
for internet services.
Could you be kind enough to explain.
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well, MM Lee – you still dont get it. Strategically located hub is what brings Spore to success!
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[Quote: “How Singapore turned improbable into reality. You said moving forward, we continue to need exceptionally strong government with the ablest and toughest leaders to keep the economy growing and to create jobs.]
This old fart, aged 87 years old, is talking cock and bullshit. At this age, he is still clinged to his power without letting go. I still cannot understand why the 66.6% of pro-PAP voted him into high office. In fact, he is more liability to the public rather than be at asset. He is just an talker only where the young generation has not given the chance to move forward, and he is talking the same old grandfathers’ story and forecasting who is earning million of dollars per year from the taxpayer money. A idiot can do a better job than him. Watch out of him as he is looking for a chance to sue anybody who has offence him untentionally because he is a lawyer by training, and he is still thinking that he is a honourable reputation and world famour leader . He uses the laws to do a wicked things without hesitation. His son, like his father, has the intention to fix the political opposition party if there is chance arise.
The good economic growth on the last 45-years in Singapore is a hard work done by the collective of able, talent locals when Singapore was built from the strive since it gains independence. The way this old fart is saying that without him our country cannot progress. Any he is still too boastful and arrogance in his stupid speech.
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The Dear Leeder is doing a case of new wine in old skin! Actually SIN practices quanxi, nepotism and cronynism glaringly. Without quanxi Teo CH & Lim HK from ex-NOL would never join GCT also from NOL. And look at the annual reports of most of the public listed companies in SIN; you will discover all so-called independent directors are ‘All in White’ personnel infilrated so much so that there was this case of ‘What Chandra Does(pun) you do” you would be rich! Each directorship earns an average of $20K and with Chandra Das(or did) holding over 50(x$20K) he would be an ‘extra’ millionaire! There is no quanxi for alternative(not opposition) party members to be inclusive, period.
Nepotism is in practise too; look at the personnel in the GIC(or sic!) and Temasek Holdings; controlled by the famiLee! The fact remains that no matter how smart or clever, if you are not within the inner cicle and able to be obedient, you can never get into the GIC or TH; ie no outsiders only insiders! Look at the top personnel of GIC and TH – the explanation is glaringly nepotism and cronysim!Even that Cheap Goodyear got to get out because he is not an insider not obedient enough to be CEO!
Even corruption is legalised; look at the blank cheque they draw right under the people’s noses! Millionaires ministers ruling the majority poor Singaporeans; we voted them in to control and thump us down and enriched themselves! Do we really need so many ministers like 2DPMs, SM, MM, and ministers without portfolios(or jobs) coupled with a plethora of bodyguards, etc…
And of course; there is no level playing field because any alternative voice would be bankrupted or hurdle into questioning. With the mainstream media only report the negative aspects of the alternative parties never the alternative voices save from the ruling party’s organ the Petir! Is this level playing field? BS!
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Just like to use family as an analogy. Does strong family means strong father?
In my humble view, strong family means strongly knitted father, mother, children and extended family support. If one fall, somebody will take over. The father loves the mother, and the mother respect the father. The children enjoy the presence of their parents, even thought their parents may not be scholarly.
As such, if I take MM Lee word-for-word. Strong government means, we must have strong ruling party and opposition party, so that the government can remain strong, whatever may fall upon Singapore.
Also, strong government means strong government for Singapore. It does not automatically means one single strong political party.
Thank you MM Lee for supporting the grooming of strong opposition party.
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[Quote: Nepotism is in practise too; look at the personnel in the GIC(or sic!) and Temasek Holdings; controlled by the famiLee! ]
Be careful! This old fart is still holding the title, “MM” and his son is still holding the title “PM” who has many agents’ support at the top. The old fart Who is a lawyer by training is not an ordinary person like you and me. He can sue you until your underpant drops into the floor without mercy. I think you have forgotten the past history that many local political opposition members are sued until they got bankruptcy and their families were break-up; some ran away into other countries to escape the harsh punishment; some were locked up inside the jail as they could not paid the fine; I still remember one article where a doctor who turned into politician was locked by the ISD for 35-years in prison without a court trial. His bright, whole future was destroy by the old fart, aged 87-years old and was released from the prison at his old age. The PAP Governmnet is very wicked. The father and son have no mercy at all and have no heart. They think that they are honourable, reputation and famous world leaders. Even, his father said that we, our native Singaporeans are stupid, ignorant and lesser mortals. Shit!.
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Very nice post, thank you Mr. Ng.
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That’s why the so-damn-smart Dinosaur-Age Old Man has earned the Internet nickname of “Forecaster EXTRAORDINAIRE” for his typical talk-cock statements to make his lovey-dovey Dragon Prince Son look good, ahead of the coming General Elections.
While his smart-aleck Trauma-sick Princess has the most-apt Internet nickname of “Investor EXTRAORDINAIRE” (for her daft “Buy HIGH, Sell LOW” investment strategy!!!!!)
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@Mai-hum,
MM Lee – you still dont get it. Strategically located hub is what brings Spore to success! Coupled with the hard work of our grandparents and parents!
At times, we choose to understand or not to understand certain issues. At this juncture, there is only one conclusion I can draw from LKY’s speech, he chose not to understand, not only then but also in future!
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oh pls my dear leaders, its time to enjoy ur retirement, leave it to younger leaders to run the show, if we still hv to rely on the older ones, where will we be when these elders are no longer around?
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Many leaders readily believe in the words of politicians.
Yet they don’t believe that the Unseen truly exits.
This is the basic contradiction in the lives of humans.
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Strong has many meanings. In this case, i believe that he was not referring to a dictatorship, as is the case in North Korea etc. More of foresight and ability. In which both the government of malaysia and indonesia seemed to chronically lack in that era.
As for your point that ’singapore is an improbable story’ has never been proven, i would like to ask: Is there any other country quite like Singapore in the world? With our racial mix, lack of resources (material), quick rise in social economic status, low crime rates etc etc? I doubt there is. Hence, does that not prove the point? Also, before you point out the examples of Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, let me remind you that they had one thing that singapore sorely lacked in the beginnings. Unity. Taiwan was nunited against China. South Korea was united against North Korea. And Hong Kong is not really a country at all. And Singapore was rioting over who got whose baby.
Regarding your point that Singapore is strategically located etc etc. That is indeed a valid point, but remember that Malaysia or indeed even Thailand could have usurped our position as the prime trading port in the region. And as i recall, they tried.
Also, regarding the ‘hostility’ issue. Hostility is not only about open attacks. Small things, like threatening to cut off our water supply, not selling us sand, dragging their feet over discussions, all these constitute hostility. Even Malaysia sending a mere 13 atheletes to the YOG when austrailia sent 100 could, from one perspective, be seen as hostile. With that new defination, you would agree that hostility has been quite a thorn in our side for the past few decades.
As for your last point, about the tourism ratings, i would like to point out that indeed, as you said, by comparing it with a bad control, the results will definiately seem more positive than it would. I would also like to point out that the factors affecting tourism arrivals are effectively limitless, and hence definitely cannot be attributed solely to the casinos.
But on the other side, he did say ‘helped’. And building a couple of casinos will definitely ‘help’ the tourism industry, if only because there are 2 more attractions on the island. Hence, his point does stand. Though the evidence could have been better. Like the occupation rates, or the increase in tourism compared to the percentage change in our neighboring countries.
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If Singapoor still need this 87 year old man to lead the country then why we all need the ministers and MPs for what huh? Might as well save taxpayers money and let him do “one man show” can already!
Somemore they are not doing anything on their own but depend on this old man to make all decisions.
No wonder rich and smart locals are cashing out and migrating every year to truly democratic countries lor.Ask yourself lor,who want to stay in a “North Korea” type of country and have to listen to the Dear Leeder’s same old nonsense year in year out huh ?
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Now I know this old man start all the claim credits exercise. Do minimum claim maximum. It will only work in an controlled environment.
No wonder we do not have global companies after spending billions.
Yet the local are facing increasing discrimination. Is time to vote them out.
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Strong government, but weak nation.
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If every old men follow his old fart, age 87-years old, to work until they are reached at that age, our new generation workers have to no chance to move up the corporate ladder. Why this old man wants to have so money and power? I still cannot understand his thinking. If it is like this, he does more harm to our country.
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Wicked old man.:
August 18, 2010 at 11:21 am
“Why this old man wants to have so money and power?”
Simple, it is about greed and power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. That’s what the PAP is about.
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@ex-Singaporeans
Are you sure? I’m certain that no matter how ’senile’ many claim that he is, Mr Lee understands that money and power are not exactly the most important things in life. For a person of his status, How He Is Remembered is much more important. Does he want to be remembered as one of the founding fathers of Singapore, leading the PAP to power and subsequently in improving Singapore by leaps and bounds? Or does he want to sacrifice all of that, by being corrupt, and being credited as the person who destroyed Singapore?
Remember that no matter what you may think, the PAP was built on being free of corruption. If its most famous figure was found to be corrupt, the consequences would be dire. You cannot simply cut him off like a cancerous cell if he is so deeply implanted into the consciousness of the populace. If he falls, the PAP will definitely take a beating as well. And when it does, can the opposition take on the mantle of leadership?
Yes, i know that in the unlikely case that that was to happen, the PAP would immediately fragment, probably forming another political party. But by that time the word PAP, instead of being a byword for ‘integrity’, would be a description of ‘lies’. the new party would have its work cut out just gathering enough members.
Also, do not forget the virtual destruction if Singapore’s international image. It is true, that for some foreigners, when you say that you are Singaporean, they will immediately say: ‘Oh. Lee Kuan Yew?’. And no. They are not referring to Mr Lee being the ‘dictator’ of Singapore. I daresay that Mr Lee is a more visible icon of Singapore than the merlion. Hence, if he was to be found corrupt, the international ourcry, condemnation, and subsequent ridicule, would be disastrous. Trust me when i say that you will never be able to say that you are Singaporean when overseas.
And with this international debacle, what would happen to the international investments in Singapore? They would not evaporate. They would vaporise in an instant. And that WILL have a dire effect on your average Singaporean. Unemployment will increase sharply. Couple that with international scruntiny on Temasek Holdings and GIC, possible boycotts on all government linked companies, a public outcry to withraw ALL savings from CPF, and general failure of all ministries. In fact, if there is one thing that might cause Singaporeans to finally stage a mass protest and possibly riot, it would be the proven corruption of Mr Lee. In effect, life is going to be bad. At least for awhile.
If there is one thing bad about out one-party system, it would be that it is risky. We might get high returns, but when it fails, its going to hurt. With it being intertwined with our establishments, ie our police, various ministries, civil service, law etc, it risks bringing all of this down along with it. And when that party is virtually defined by one man, it increases that risk furthur.
In essence, you may deride him as being senile etc etc, but do pray that he is not corrupt. And that he passes with this image intact long into the future. Any hint to the contrary would be devestating to Singapore.
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(apologies, forgot to add a line)
Any hint to the contrary would be devestating to Singapore, his family, and himself. And I believe he knows this. For all our sakes.
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Old man is trying his very best to convince us again PAP is best for singaporean again. North Korea have Kim Jong Il. Philippines have Marcos, Indonesia have Suharto, Malaysia have Dr Mahathir, Myanmar is under military rule In China, they have CCCP. In Singapore we have LKY. All these countries either that they have strong government but are few is really doing well. Without hard work of Singaporean for past decades, we won’t be where we are today. Credits goes to Singaporeans not PAP
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[...] How Singapore turned improbable into reality Dear MM Lee, I refer to your speech at the Tanjong Pagar National Day celebrations last night as reported by Straits Times on 16 Aug 2010. You said, as you often say, that a strong government underpinned Singapore’s survival and progress over 45 years. Many third world nations like Myanmar, North Korea and Zimbabwe are helmed by [...] Read more on The Temasek Review [...]
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Good stuff on How Singapore turned improbable into reality. I even agree with most of it!
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