A Pair of Flowers

Chintan Bhawan, 2nd Week, March 15

Lee Kuan Yew: The Father of Singapore

 Lee Kuan Yew, the maker of Singapore and its longest serving PM for more than thirty years died at Singapore General Hospital at the age of 92 on 23^rd March 2015.  The world renowned founding PM is survived by two sons, including Lee Hsien Loong, the present P.M., a daughter, two daughter- in-laws, seven grand children and two siblings.  

His lasting legacy was a multi-racial nation, having a non-descript area of 716 Sq.kms which got fully developed merely within a decade of getting independence from the British in 1956. The city nation had nothing, no natural resource worth its name, but thanks to this visionary Statesman, managed to utilise the available man power to get basic raw materials from outside and convert or repackage those into value added export items for the overall benefit of the country. To name a few, crude oil, drinking water, mineral products, tapping of man-made tourism potential etc. figured prominently and gave requisite support in bolstering a struggling economy. In no time, its points of interest, namely, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Night Zoo, Singapore Flyer, Jurong Bird Park, Little India,  Universities, Hospitals, Conference Centres  etc. went on to leave an impact.

By his hard work and persistent efforts, Lee made a mark everywhere and became a source of inspiration to many leaders of the developing world. It was evident from the presence of a galaxy of them, when his last rites were performed.  P.M. Modi, who called him “a Lion among leaders” represented India. While the US President Obama declared him a visionary leader and a true giant, Ban Ki-Moon, the U.N. Secretary General adjudged him as a legendary figure of Asia.

Lee’s views and perspectives on economic management were respected by many all over the globe and the world leaders would often seek his guidance on governance and growth. He was also considered a great strategist of Asian affairs, according to the current US President. His understanding and grip of economic and political integration was marvellous, so much so that even the Indians born or settled in Singapore would normally not divulge their Indian connection to begin with and would call themselves Singaporean first.  Same has been personally experienced by this author during an official visit to Singapore in May-June 2006.

The practice of having an Indian as President and a Chinese as P.M. has continued for more than four decades. Similar is the unflinching loyalty of the Chinese and the Malaysians to this great island country of South East Asia. No wonder, its economy has thrived beyond imagination making it as one of the most prosperous countries. An average Singaporean continues to be candid, pragmatist and free from the usual menace of corruption or religious intolerance.

Somebody has rightly said – “When Lee became P.M. in 1959,Singapore was a newly independent nation with an uncertain future. By the time, he demitted office after 31 years the Island nation had been transformed. ”   

Singapore is probably Asia’s smallest country but having Institutions with extremely solid foundations.  What Lee achieved could be termed as an economic miracle which got transformed into a clean and green Oasis.  He was focused from the day one with a clear mind or intention resulting into the mammoth growth of per capita GDP from $ 14,000/- to $ 55,000/- at present.   

Even though the new country was eased out of the Malaysian Federation in 1965, it is due to Lee’s noble intensions, high degree of sincerity and dedicated approach that he could manage to get blessing and support of one and all, probably instrumental in ensuring his long life of 91 years.

Though its neighbours, such as, China, Indonesia, Philipines & Burma led by Mao-Tse-Tung, Suharto, Marcos and Ne Win respectively (who demitted office with hardly any capable successor) were apparently hostile, it began with caution and care and soon inculcated the art of exporting high- end goods to the advanced countries. So to say, emphasis was laid on encouraging both savings and investments in the formative years, keeping inflation under control while ensuring low taxes and the currency as stable as possible. Side by side, quality education, health care and basic social benefits to the diverse ethnic groups were not ignored or undermined.

Way back in 1959, by putting his heart and soul together, Lee is reported to have identified priorities or indomitable tasks, such as, housing the shattered citizens (Chinese, Malaysians and Indians), building minimum infrastructure, growth of English as a common link language, passion for planting trees and lifting an economy shaken by a tension generating recession. Common man was called upon to have a strong heart and not to fear anything while performing tasks/duties.  A new country was, therefore, built brick by brick out of mud flats in a terrain, which was once a swamp.  On the political side, Lee’s People’s Action Party unleashed a struggle for the self Government upon being thrust independence on 9^th August 1965. 

It could be stated that Lee could manage his country well, while not being affected by the Leftist ideology either of Mao or Russia or India kind and he maintained a safe distance from western style democracy, at the same time.  It is an irony, however, that a strong Chinese leader of post –Mao era, by the name of Deng-Xiao-Ping became an admirer of Lee. 

Though Lee accomplished a great deal in a relatively short period, according to some economic and political thinkers, creativity, free expression and political dissidence were not encouraged in Singapore.  Both Communists and Communalists are reported to have suffered a setback whenever they made an attempt to raise their voice.  In the recent years, especially ever since his son, Lee Hsien Loong has been at the helm of affairs, the total share of ruling party in popular votes has been recording a decline.  But a counter argument may be – such a trend could be witnessed in any country or political system, irrespective of size. 

All said and done, in the words of David Cameroon, the P.M. of U.K. “Singapore has been a great success story of modern world.  It is prosperous, secure and successful.”

 With the cremation of Lee on 29.3.15 at Mandai Crematorium, an important era has come to a sad end.  His impact was so much that thousands of people began rushing to his ancestral home in Guangzhou province in China to get an idea of his childhood days getting evolved into a grass root level individual, ultimately being instrumental in laying the strong foundations of institutions, having a potential to last for centuries. It is something which could be or needs to be replicated among the people who still believe in ”Where there is a will, there is a way”. The Singapore growth model, being sustainable, is worth emulating.