An investigative interview: Singapore 50 years after independence - 45th St. Gallen Symposium

[@benlee5830]

Tharman literally DESTROYED the rude and disruptive BBC interviewer by being calm, polite, yet firm and confident.

[@yiwang5250]

You Singaporean are so lucky to have such a wise leader.....

[@teerificbitch]

He is not a leader. But a minister! But we are indeed super lucky to not only have great leaders, but even more humble and talented ministers.

[@NewmaticKe]

I look at my daughter, student in a very school in Singapore and compared our domestic helper, a young girl from Myanmar. I ponder how difference in their lives...what is it due. I can to the conclusion, its our leaders.

[@cfloh2092]

.@@NewmaticKe It's CULTURE that determine a society and nation. Chinese are more focus on education and getting ahead, so Singapore leaders should not claim too much credit, for Singapore success. Anyway, technology is a great leveller, information is just a click away, so their time of BS the people will be over soon.

[@dkj6946]

Which one ?

[@vivienwong7917]

@@cfloh2092 0

[@john-tr8jy]

how Tharman kept his cool while the interview was constantly interrupting is a case study of its own

[@niahma3494]

I know right

[@yuliang816]

The interviewer is just so annoying so noisy. He should know that the audience is not here to listen to him!

[@stormtrooper159]

The interviewer is just another example of the uber arrogant and condescending British that live in their own bubbles

[@4x4r974]

@@yuliang816 the audience is not there to listen to political speeches. the job of the interviewer is to poke, not to agree like minions do on singapore tv

[@yiming99]

@@4x4r974 sadly most don't understand the roles of the media, and they like to be lectured

[@kylrie]

The liberty of walking in the middle of the night (particularly if you’re a woman or a child, at any time of the night) safely. The liberty of having the opportunity for an education and a job, regardless of your race or social background. The liberty of practising your religion without fear of bigotry or discrimination. THIS!

[@user-yb9dl6ok9r]

this is the kind of President we need in Singapore 🇸🇬

[@aleccheckerfield7100]

I feel like Singapore is one of the few countries with truly intelligent politicians

[@Sc0rpic0m]

Plus a good electorate.. people are smart enough to vote for these people instead of Santa Claus. These great Singaporean leaders would never be elected in western europe because we want the government to bail us out / give us a handout. We would never vote for a politician who says: "Times are tough. Sorry, we can't help you, you have to pull yourself up. If we try to help we'll make it worse." Props to the Singaporean people. They wipe the floor with their former colonial masters.

[@marvelcomiks8078]

If Malaysia had him as Prime Minister, a civil war would break out in Malaysia. The Malay Muslims as historically evidenced, would demand for his head and those who support him would be labelled as traitors to the Bumiputeras and incarcerated if not murdered and poured with concrete in diesel drums or just thrown down high rise buildings. There will be blood shed and PAS would send tens of thousands of protestors to challenge the government in the name of Islam, while Sultans would have to drag themselves out of their homes to attend emergency meetings. All this while singing praises to their allah. To save Malaysia, Malaysians must first eradicate Islam.

[@CKxperience]

Asian leaders smart. Western biz leaders smart

[@JG-qy6fe]

Superb answers by Tharman. He will make a wonderful President of Singapore

[@hanzt468]

he is now

[@sktan784]

@@hanzt468 His intellect is under utilised as President

[@northend441]

"Don't hit hard on the government who have worked hard" Very well said Sir.

[@connotatage1258]

Michael Tan Why not? It is only questioning and challenging, if you have worked hard and you are honest you should be able to take as many of these knocks as you get. Trampoline for the elderly? Trampoline for disabled children? Trampoline for the mentally unwell?

[@zhouxiaojian4044]

Connotatage The government is definitely not rejecting questioning and challenging, as seen from this lecture and many other examples. The problem is people wanted everything to be perfect for everyone, and if the smallest things go against anyone's will, the government has done a terrible job. But there always needs to be compromises, just like how we sacrifices some liberty to achieve greater ones. And there is no reason why disabled children and the mentally unwell cannot bounce back. There are many examples of how they can find jobs that suit them in the society, and they can lead a decent life on their own. The elderly always have their children and only in the worse case, the government. The fundamental belief in Singapore, be it of our political system, or social construct, is that no one owns us a living. Singapore simply cannot afford to be a welfare state. In a philosophical sense, what we want to achieve is positive and not merely negative liberty. Working hard and sustaining ourselves may be more of a true enrichment in life, than merely receiving from the government. However, it is true that there are things that ought to be improved, because it is a dynamic and evolving identity. This is the same for every other country.

[@gorillaofjohn15]

+Connotatage it is not about "questioning" at all. Tharman is there at this forum to answer questions exactly! He said that as a polite way to stop the host from continuously "questioning" while he was still trying a finish an explanation. Tharman sure can handle the "questioning" in a far more gracious way than the host, who is trying very hard to be charming and humorous and of course smart. Taking hard knocks mean that you grind through your work despite the difficulties and may not see immediate gratifications. You do not flaunt it too. The easier way out is to go popular. Much easier.

[@abdulmuhaimin4992]

"worked hard" and "continuing working hard" are two different things. Yes, current crop had worked hard but they need to continue to work hard and not leave the low income group further away from the middle to upper income group with "generalized and stereotypical" policies aimed only at a particular group. Keep the playing field fair or at least strive to. Then and only then i won't hit too hard.

[@azuredrak]

+Connotatage Obviously, since the disabled and mentally unwell account for a much smaller proportion of the population, policies related to government assistance are different. I think that you have mistaken his point, that being that the "trampoline" applies only to those who are fit to work and who have the potential to help themselves up with a different form of assistance from the government (skills upgrading, career opportunities etc). If you are talking about the elderly, then it's a whole different story. There are mandatory saving systems and other mechanisms in place to tackle that issue. When he said "Don't hit so hard....worked hard.", he was referring to the common belief that a weak opposition in the parliament would automatically cause the government to be less committed to good governance. What he meant was that the Singapore government is working hard, contrary to fears of the opposite happening. Since that is the case in Singapore, there isn't the need to criticize (hit) the government as hard over the particular subject. He wasn't asking to be judged with more leniency with regards to the effectiveness of policies.

[@yushidong7712]

Observe these two men, you know which country is going down, and which is going up.

[@DonYang73]

Yes. Its very clear. Just look at the body language. One sits respecfully. The other like a lounging hooligan with slanted shoulders and slouch.

[@100-q8v]

The Britain accumulated their wealth through invasions and colonizations and now has fallen and become a watch dog of the US. BBC has lost their credibility long ago for their fabricated “ news” to serve the ultimate political purposes. Shameless hypocrites indeed.

[@TheCoolRukawa]

totally agree, one is humble and the other reflect arrogance based on his ignorance

[@mm8693]

So true. An arrogant country is used to accusing and scorning others, never introspect themselves.

[@liang306]

When did BBC EVER had credibility?

[@frannylicuous5650]

Revisiting this as a reminder as to why our next president is Mr Shanmugaratnam.

[@TheLtkkboo]

Absolutely...the alternatives would be "faint"...can't think of it even...

[@eudorac91]

@@TheLtkkboo if we got the alternative as a president, he might tell you its because the posts he made flattered the pretty girls who all decided to vote for him hehehehe. NOFREAKINGWAY, he turned this individual project (this is presidency, not group constituency!) into a group project - one does not simply change the rules like that (ps, apparently those posters with his "vote 1 get 3 pax" things were ACTUAL posters? I thought it was a meme but apparently later heard it was real. I didn't see that version around though) 🍍 huat! Must chope this good Sir first. Cos if we don't chope, I'm quite sure other countries and other organizations will come flocking. Heh. Chopeee.

[@dtang3288]

​@@eudorac91the "pretty girl" fellow can start a Pretty Girls Club and install himself as the club president.

[@induchopra3014]

Very smart

[@curifries]

why does Stephen Sackur (and maybe many more Westerners) insist and impose the western definition of political democracy would be the best way to run a country? each and every country has an entirely different demographics, beliefs, social norms, environment, history, challenges, problems and goals. Singapore makes references but does not copy and paste solutions. we do not want to be deceived into believing that there is no better system than the western definition of political democracy. anyone can challenge us with constructive questions/responses but we request the slightest mutual respect. well done Tharman! we are all behind you.

[@azzazel80]

Jace Ching Ethnocentrism?

[@amywong1951]

华語

[@kriskum3650]

Amy Wong ... go home

[@SilentMover95]

The old habit dies hard. Colonialism and racial superiority still deeply planted in their minds and they think everyone has to follow their ways.

[@jasonsalz7185]

western leaders think their system are "the best". When their countries r falling apart.

[@chief2410]

The West needs to learn humility

[@connotatage1258]

Chief Do you mean compliance with power, or the willingness to accept that what you think you know might be wrong and to test ones assumptions? If you mean compliance with power and obedience, the West knows in its heart this is stupid. If you mean the willingness to accept that what you know might be wrong, where do you think all of the moral cultural scientific and technological advancement of the past five hundred years has come from?

[@mjourdan]

Chief The western civilisation certainly is superior in many other aspects but not their aspect of governance in recent times due to inability to meet current challenges - good or bad we don't know because it is entirely perception of the people that counts. They may feel low income but stress free is better for example. Even then, they are already entrenched in their old system that had worked tremendously well for them previously. Connotatage's reply sounds uncomfortable with your generalisation of making your comment without any context. I am speak s Singaporean Chinese but on a more reconciliatory note, I suggest none of us will benefit from any name callings but rather times are different, its no longer race, religion or eastern/western - its a digital age, talent driven society now - whether you choose to be bittersweet about it or accept it as a norm

[@zq1698]

At least people can't go out at night without concerning their own safety in any countries in western countries. What a democracy!

[@teerificbitch]

@Connotatage I'm pretty sure that humility is a mixture of both. Humility allows you to understand the views of others. Humility allows you to accept that you may not always have the answer, or have the best choice. Humility also subjects you to believing that the greater good shall be placed ahead of individualism. The reason why humility is both a mixture of compliance to power and the willingness to accept that you might be wrong or to test assumptions, is because if you do not comply to a higher authority of governance, you will not have the resilience in society to be humble in the first place. Your argument's basis literally falls upon a circumstance that accepting one's inadequacies is enough to for progress. When clearly, a lack of leadership would mean nothing gets done either. And if nobody respects the leadership, nothing will get done. And then you bring up a straw man argument regarding our cultural, scientific, technological advancements of the past 5 centuries as if it was all based upon a 'willingness to accept', which is straw manning, because it is not false, but yet not entirely true. FYI: you were the one who segregated the word humility into your 2 definitions. It was on you to prove it, yet you fell short.

[@teerificbitch]

@杨健 Why are you pointing fingers at me? What moral high ground do you come from?

[@samdan87]

No grass on a well-worn path, no hair on a well-used head! Brilliant answers

[@TheNeoKeleLims]

daniel ling haha!

[@keithng5249]

Lol~!!! Yah, I LOVE him too :)

[@kevinliao1701]

hhhhhh

[@CrystallizeJelly]

He faltered, he answered questions he shouldn't and said things that made him and Singapore look worse..

[@teerificbitch]

Pretty sure that was an interview done very well. In no certain point did Tharman answer a question he shouldn't have nor made Singapore look worse. In an interview, if you choose to avoid the speaker's question, you are basically allowing the audience to infer, rather than allowing yourself to guide their thoughts. Quote a single thing he said that made Singapore look worse?

[@huangec]

THIS was the interview that eventually led me to vote him as president yesterday. I would have loved to have him as prime minister, even if just for a single term.

[@eudorac91]

​@@SubaruImpreza-dy2ulOMG YES I HOPE SO if it ain't spoilt donch fix it!!! And he's only 66 - Mr 🍍 can serve 2 terms and still not even be 80, how's that. Sounds awesome to meeee. (SR Nathan was elected at 75 and lived long enough for both terms although he didn't feel up to a 3rd, during which he would have died in office if he okayed himself for it -- so tbvh the "75 yr old men" rhetoric didn't cut it for me. But it was more cos TKL was a shit and NKS was relative unknown+cui Mandarin+narrower in scope and only talked 90% abt finance and meditation, simi)

[@mabasanhekairo4713]

As a Black man Who has travelled extensively around the globe, I feel more “at home” in Singapore than any where else including the UK, America and the rest of Europe. Societies around the world can learn from the Singapore model being discussed.

[@psys.1217]

@Tan Tan wtf is wrong with you? Singaporean here. Disgusting comment

[@noitiksamaj2020]

We have a lot to learn about the political concept & practice of Meritocracy in Singapore.

[@CKxperience]

Sg good for africans

[@murallivengadasalam1300]

Bro...I am a Singaporean. Our society really don't care of once skin colour. We care about what you can do for each other and society. If we can make money together and have fun conversations and healthy relationships is enough for us. The world is tough enough. So we don't bother about unnecessary politics and petty thought processes. Just be happy, make money, progress and evolve. 👌

[@erchguyj1234]

If you work hard and contribute to society, you will do well regardless of skin colour

[@o00o00o00]

Mr.Tharman totally nails it.

[@amywong1951]

7

[@PrimeV88]

He is such an intelligent man..

[@PaulProfile]

Excellent response by our deputy prime minister. Thank God for raising leaders like him for Singapore.

[@zanrahmanali]

Here to remind that u left this comment 8 years ago. 😊

[@genghispan4209]

As a Singaporean, I am so happy to have Tharman in our government. I believe he could very easily be our Prime Minister and he would get the support easily, if he wanted to be. Beyond big policies which he is brilliant at, he’s a very nice person and tries his best to help underprivileged people in his constituency. Overall a great leader and person 🇸🇬

[@AlphaeusNg]

this comment has aged well to some degree.

[@鲁焚化炉]

@franciscody9622 Sad to see that you are so behind! What Swiss standard do you want? What is Swiss standard of living? 36.3% home ownership rate? 1/3 income go into rental? Personal income tax rate @ 40%? 😝

[@Cysecsg]

@@鲁焚化炉nah he is blaming government for not providing him a bungalow and high pay.

[@peaceful1658]

@franciscody9622🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Cysecsg]

@franciscody9622 by most is how many? Every 1 in 2? Any stats to back your claim? I am born with extremely average if not below average family but I’m doing alright. Not the best but can’t complain. The thing is opportunities are everywhere if people are smart (not brain smart), resourceful and hardworking enough, we can live by fairly comfortably. Surely there are some who would fall through the cracks, but many are just doing enough to live by and complain not enough. I have seen a lot around me like this. Compared to others, I dare say we are fortunate enough.

[@jaideepbilla4518]

A very unapologetic interview that showcases the clarity of thought of the Singapore leadership. Such lucidity of the responses can only happen if these are topics that had already been deeply debated within the government. The most important of these was the debate on what is the hierarchy of liberties and whether one liberty (of expression) can trump all other liberties. Equally convincing was the thinking behind why housing ownership is promoted as a tool for encouraging pride and self-responsibility. Also great insight into why Singapore does not believe in a safety net but rather believes in a Trampoline. The Trampoline analogy is brilliant and clearly had sackur on the ropes. This one 50 minute interview can help get a deeper understanding of singapore that hours of readings may not. My favourite takeaway though was a simple comment "History shapes choices". That thought is in the mold of Lee Kuan Yew thinking where he had a few foundational perspectives that he used very successfully to interpret the world around him.

[@weihui2737]

That is some insightful summary. Having lived in Singapore for 6 years, I can speak from personal experience he is the embodiement of the governmental principles and aspirations of the state. And you know why he communicates with such aplomb? Because behind his words are the cold hard accomplishments fought and earned by him and his fellow colleagues, that in turn make him bulletproof to the twisting insinuations the host keeps firing.

[@jaideepbilla4518]

⁠@@weihui2737absolutely Wei , this is a team that has the practical experience of walking these paths of which sackur has at best theoretical knowledge. And as you implied/stated that knowledge of “what works / what doesn’t “ gives them the confidence to be able to stand their ground calmly in the face of any provocative questions.

[@ScarletCamelia]

So so proud of Tharman - OUR PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE 🇸🇬 ❤

[@mocha8232]

Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam. I am so glad that we have you as our leader.

[@niconiconii5266]

@ What a loser mind. Let's tax rich to 30% and starve together

[@ChristianSu]

Why is this Sackur always trying to interrupt when the other person is still talking? If he's so proud of his own country, don't they teach him manner in there?

[@timgoocha]

they have no manner that's why

[@bchungdmd]

no they dont. they think they have the right of way.....because they used to be the master of these people

[@hongyizheng2632]

@Graham Clarke The HARD TALK, as this Sackur said in this video, is “Tough, chanllenging questions of people in power”. So if this show is about questions, then the audience is obviously expecting answers from the person being asked, not interruption from the questioner.

[@Despamifier]

@Graham Clarke I'm sorry but I don't. Could you explain what it is supposed to imply by default?

[@BohanLi]

Graham Clarke Is every person in the world expected to know what a particular British state funded TV program is?

[@thegreenmattress]

He is sharp, concise, eloquent, charismatic and intelligent. If there is true meritocracy, he would have been prime minister.

[@Huntd6r]

thegreenmattress he just might. You are seeing him today, not 15 years ago. Let's see what happens.

[@thegreenmattress]

hycdpv Sadly he will be too old for pm when the time comes. We need someone who has leadership qualities and can command respect.

[@Huntd6r]

thegreenmattress I don't think our PMs will assume office any younger, especially now when this person has to prove his qualities and gain respect. He is 5 years younger than LHL, so who knows. How long more you think LHL can remain as PM, and who will be ready by then?

[@mjourdan]

thegreenmattress Totally not making any sense dude, Prime Minister's position is certainly meritocratic. You have to convince everyone to make you one, and any minister has to convince other ministers to elect them as one.. thats meritocracy. You are just trying to poke holes where there is none! lol crazy fellow

[@thegreenmattress]

hycdpv i hope so, itd b cool if we can hv a non majority leader who deserves his place cos it will truly show how we have progressed as a nation. When you take away the title(s) bestowed onto a person and you can still respect and look up to him for his worth then you have a true leader. Tharman is such a person.

[@bluesilk888]

Tharman is a breath of fresh air with his rational approach and humble responses. The interviewer, although it may be his job, comes across as an arrogant person who is looking down on Tharman's country or he maybe 'over-proud' of the UK/US approach

[@Dan-DFD]

As a Singaporean, I'm truly grateful for our leadership. Tharman symbolises the thoughtfulness of the government. As for the interviewer, he was simply rude.

[@Belrivers]

US out of control.

[@reardelt]

LET THARMAN SPEAK.

[@apostropheA]

Loved this insightful interview. Mr Tharman did an excellent job. Love his humility. Something we can be proud of. #SG

[@TheNeoKeleLims]

***** happy he is part of our GOVERNMENT

[@kohyangchi4307]

​@@TheNeoKeleLims Had The Honourable but Most Humble Mr. Tharman Been Singapore's Prime Minister After The Demise Of Lee Kuan Yew , Singapore Would Have Been Light Years Ahead Of What It Is Today 🙏

[@erchguyj1234]

The interviewer is arrogant

[@isorokuyamamoto8423]

Thank you Mr. Tharman... I have more confidence in Singapore's government after listening to you.

[@NewmaticKe]

and before that?

[@kegantan]

On tough days where I can't find a graceful answer, I watch this video. The grace, the poignant elegance of charmed thought, and the ability to quote anecdotal examples of truth, is a joy and peace in this mad world for me. I wish there was more of this around. :D

[@AlgyAlagappan]

Poised, calm, articulate and knowledgeable about Singapores past and shared leadership vision of the future.None of his responses were 'winged'. Comes across as a very authentic leader. He will indeed make a good President of Singapore.

[@worldvistor]

BBC is still living 19 century. that is why UK has been falling down...

[@zq1698]

worldvisitor arrogant interviewer and very rude. Kept avoiding their own problems in uk or western countries.

[@timgoocha]

UK is done.

[@DANGER10101]

Because the BBC?

[@NewmaticKe]

Safety net

[@picknoname3425]

They still think they are the 'Great Britain'

[@dotaass]

I am a Singaporean. And I have to say, I am not really concern about having the types of liberties that the west are enjoying. I wouldn't want to trade the stability (think Baltimore riot, Charlie Hebdo publications that happened in the west) that I am enjoying with the West's liberty. So stop imposing democracy on other Asian nation. (that is undemocratic)

[@kanzteo]

+blahblah, I like the last sentence "That's undemocratic." LOL. That's so true.

[@skychaos87]

Ain't that right? Did the America asked the citizens of the countries they invaded if they wanted democracy? Apparently when you are in power you can do shit and claim yourself to be righteous. They ignored the UN's vote against America's entry to Iraq and they also ignored WTO's guidelines and regulation when they started trade war with China and the rest of the world. Western hypocrisy is unparalleled, perfectly demonstrated by the interviewer and explained by the interviewee in this video.

[@哒标锅]

blahblah so true !

[@cameahgill8464]

blahblah this is not the west imposing democracy. This is the west imposing authoritarianism. Say goodbye to your ability to even teach your family your own values. America is not a riotous and dangerous country. It is extremely safe. I go for walks in so called dangerous cities at night as a woman regularly and have never encountered a problem. Now consider the rest of the low pop cities where people know each other. America is safe and prosperous and we do have social safety nets and regulations. so we are not a completely free market. But this is not about your country’s safety and prosperity this is about politicians and corporate CEOs being able to control as much of the market and the people as possible. Instead of imposing it on you through force they use fluffy phrases to make it sound heavenly and like exactly what we need. Believe me, within a single generation you will not have the safety and wealth they sold you, they will have taken it all... if you let them. You can not relinquish control over the decisions in your life to other people and think it will turn out fine.

[@tigerlily6668]

blahblah they will say we have been brainwashed.

[@crapsai]

I came just to take a look but stayed for the full 48minutes, didnt even realize it. I use to see this minister in the news everytime and now i know he is so brilliant actually

[@therightangle6033]

I think we can be somewhat sympathetic to Mr Sackur; He certainly met more than his match. I've become a fan of this erudite, very intelligent and also caring deputy PM. Brilliant, unassuming (no airs) and very understanding, serious but not stuffy. I've seen Sackur in Hardtalk, and he is very good. But the poor chap can't understand that this isn't Hardtalk, and he forgets that isn't talking to a dishonest and vested politician who needs to be cornered. He also doesn't seem to realise that he is privileged, possibly beyond his station to listen to the D-PM.

[@anciagabe7804]

I have visited Singapore and I can tell you they are proud to be Singaporean first, then comes all other classes and religions.

[@chsccy3120]

"I didn't mean it entirely as a compliment." Well said to an arrogant, provocative, and constantly interrupting host!

[@vkkl6213]

Well said! Tharman is definitely one of my favourite ministers in the PAP. We're fortunate to have such a brilliant finance minister :)

[@smiley061272]

Totally agree. Looks like LW or OYK will be stepping up soon

[@鲁焚化炉]

Does it matter? Any good investment can turn sour over time. When investors making big bucks on the minibonds, did they share some of their gains with MAS? If you were sleeping on your investments, don’t blame others!

[@iFluffyUnicornx]

Very insightful talk by Tharman, some words have to be given to the wrongful westernized thoughts on Singapore. Even as a strong country we should have the right to defend false accusations of our society, and I'm more than delighted that Tharman did just that.

[@iFluffyUnicornx]

Small* not strong*

[@iFluffyUnicornx]

iFluffyUnicornx GamingX not to be so hard on a ruling government that has done its job effectively and with a good record 😂

[@jkjkjk100]

Singaporean leader's are always very smart well spoken. From LKY, Rajaratnam, Mahbubani, LHL, and TS. Thank you LKY for mentoring so many great minds.

[@killermachine6454]

🔥

[@ruohaochen]

He is such a wise man in a very calm, clear-minded and to-the-point manner. Every question he answered shed light on my understanding of the situation or the question being answered. No doubt that Singapore is a fast-growing and dynamic country. Obviously, he is working in a genuinely open culture, from the way he addressed issues related to the Lee's family and their continuity in power in the government. He won't fear of being accused or blamed by addressing such issues, which is not the cases in many other countries. We saw a top official from Singapore, but what we actually see is a representation of the governing philosophy of the Singaporean Government: a learning and humble government. To be honest, I assume that more governmental top officers from different countries should watch this video if they really want to make their work more effective and strategic.

[@kennethncb]

24:53 "Do you believe in the notion of a safety net?" "I believe in a notion of a trampoline" Fucking brilliant.

[@jtx8848]

"So the Singaporeans are just bouncing up and down..." Trying to save some face but you made a fool of yourself Sackur

[@lilylow1297]

kennethncb 1Qmml

[@dolag8282]

@@jtx8848 這人真的北7 還在說這句 都不會覺得不妥嗎

[@nileshbelhe]

That was a bloody good response. Unfortunately most could not figure it out.

[@cancanjaker1620]

@@nileshbelhe they do. There is a cheer from the audience.

[@victoriam2811]

At 10:39 Mr Shanmugaratnam : I don't mean it entirely as a compliment. I salute you Sir! Three cheers for Singapore!

[@connotatage1258]

victoriaM Have you read Singaporean newspapers? Saccharin tepid pap full of homilies and bad news about all the countries it secretly envies. Debates about whether people should be permitted to drink water on public transport. Angry old men say no! Water is a gateway drink! If you allow water they'll be drinking tea next, which might leave a mark on the floor, and before you know you'll have people mainlining sprite on the escalators. Extreme danger. Responsible Mothers would always make sure their babies are fully hydrated before taking them on public transport! That kind of crap.

[@ahjingteo7497]

@Connotatage , it may come as a surprise to you but in ADDITION to local newspapers, we Singaporeans read publications both from the West and Asia. That was what Tharman was trying to say when he pointed out that we have about 5000 publications in circulation and as a society we are very broad band penetrated. That we as a society are educated. And to your point about local newspapers, your choose to highlight only the “worst” aspects of it but not the “best” eg that our local newspaper tried to report international events even-handedly as best as they can. And. “Worst” aspects only appeared in home section of the newspaper, and in actual fact there is nothing wrong with such reporting because people who LIVE in our society do care about such matters and that is why it appears in the home section. Your very action of only highlighting the very “worst” of newspaper and totally ignoring the rest just shows up your biases and prejudices. And your comment is totally irrelevant to VictoriaM’s comment

[@bastogne97]

Once again, a westerner judging an eastern nation based on western values and through a western optic, assuming the western way must be universally good and true for everyone. What a pompous and arrogantly myopic perspective.

[@vincenttom3851]

Leonardo's Truth not for everyone, deal with it

[@icytadbull]

@Leonardo's Truth Only Siths deal in absolutes

[@LIDYAEIL]

Tom Q. That reflects the fact that UK has always been proud that they did people a favour by colonizing their places

[@BohanLi]

Leonardo's Truth According to the universal standard you would be a shameless white supremacist LMAO

[@fellowcitizen]

I wouldn't regard them as Western values; merely mafia values

[@MCFoh]

Sackur was arrogant, simple minded and living in the past. Mr Tharman was graceful, eloquent and intelligent.

[@ExileRicochet13]

Who is here after Tharman is elected as the President of Singapore?

[@TheLtkkboo]

that is why we need to make sure we have solid credible people not just "haters"

[@eudorac91]

ME. Intrigued by the trampoline comment (the heck this guy thinks superbly quickly!) and wna watch the whole thing. And YES I voted along 🍍 lines lol. Must chope TS for Singapore firstttt. Hahaha

[@syafsmith5085]

Power of the silent majority strikes again. ⚡️🍍

[@innerlight10]

Watched this just prior to Presidential election. Didn’t need this to guide my vote - he is obvious the best choice but a shame to take him out of ministerial team, he would be an apt PM

[@ExileRicochet13]

@innerlight10 Unfortunately the system doesn't allow him to run as PM since only Chinese can be PM. The government is worried that if Tharman becomes PM he will put CECA first before the interest of Singaporeans.

[@weihui2737]

Extremely practical. I recall having running to Mr. Shanmugaratnam at the MOE building at buona vista in 2009 as I went to get endorsmentfor gap-year (between junior college and university) work visa, and he asked me two questions: 1. what are you here for; 2. are you planning to stay afterwards. Congratulations for winning the election Mr. Shanmugaratnam and Congratualtions to my Singaporean friends. He is a poised, intelligent and true people-serving leader!

[@scouringmilk8000]

Part of what makes Singapore so great is that they have top politicians, like Tharman for example.

[@ditsygirl5409]

if it's Lee Kuan Yew who is sitting there in his prime, I tell you this interviewer will get slapped even harder with Lee Kuan Yew's sharp words.

[@weiwenli4467]

He will not get a chance to talk.

[@passer2by]

Oh I'm crying already, I miss the great man.

[@vincenttheo8841]

Lee Kuan Yew was such a great mind. His legacy lives on.

[@jinijinxer97]

This comment was what I needed. Wah legit, Thank You sia!!

[@ddonlee]

If its LKY speaking, the interviewer will pee in his seat .

[@michaeltai9214]

Mr.Tharman may not have used the word Trust at St Gallen, but we trust the elected members of Parliment. We trust the government. We trust him. Today's the 2Sept23 . The people of Spore has voted Mr Tharman overwhelmingly as our next President.

[@TheLtkkboo]

Remember that Tharman himself is a product of the values and ideals laid out by our founding fathers, LKY and his peers...values of incorruptibility, accountability and honesty...we pray that these remain core in next generation of leaders...and expose those who are not up to scratch...so far PAP has shown they have found most of these (no party can ever be 100%, not humanly possible),,,but we must never accept those who are dishonest, out to destroy without better alternatives, simple minded in their strategic outlook and worst, aping the "models" of liberal western societies either due to their education experience or worst, being funded by such groups. Always be on watch...the SG model is precious.

[@BumbleFun-v3b]

well-said! i completely agree.@@TheLtkkboo

[@zy5992]

@@TheLtkkbooincorruptibility is most important. Glad they uphold that

[@SeriouslyWhy000]

What an impressive presentation by a charismatic leader, Tharman! It's hard to envision Tan Kin Lian and NG Kok Song achieving the same level of composure and excellence. The potential for embarrassment, especially with Tan Kin Lian's focus on his fantasy about pretty girls, would be a concern for Singapore.

[@chilliwatski]

My favorite interview of all time… I can watch this over and over again and feel really proud of him!

[@emperor270353]

The future Prime Minister of Singapore.!!!

[@jonathanharry-balls3546]

Not any more.

[@asadfami7623]

Jonathan- why not?

[@MrQvideo]

Mr Tharman really carried himself well and his replies highlighted our right to rule our own nation and not follow others view of what is the right system....

[@SujithChandrasekharan]

wow ! Singaporeans must be so proud to have such intellectuals and visionaries as their leaders. May be Stephen should listen more than frequently interrupting the man if needs answers

[@rapsokoi]

Mr Tharman is a very well respected leader in Singapore, he could have been the next PM.

[@vickneswarinadarajah6476]

Very insightful talk by DPM, Mr Tharman Very brilliant way of addressing adverse questions into optimistic answers. Great leader!

[@terwandersingh3605]

Singapore had the continuous stream of good leaders. Lee Kuan Yew, set the approach and the others followed suit. The way the President answered the questions speaks volumes of their sight and vision.

[@jianingwu4267]

That British host looks as snobbish as hell. What a clown. Let me say this: the U.K. is no longer the "Great" Britain- and it has not been for a long time, and it would not be any time soon.

[@brendakayyy]

Yeah like literally no other country in the world bestows themselves the term "Great" before the country's name

[@zohaibs761]

@@brendakayyy As a Brit, I assure you it's nothing short of a deep insecurity in our society

[@seaskyguy]

This joker British is one reason why it's going down the shit hole day by day.

[@ditsygirl5409]

@俊介しゅんすけ 葵 いつき Great Britain was the first country to industralise during the 1700s and in 1819, they founded Singapore with Sir Stamford raffles. They also managed to nick Hong Kong from China after the first opium war. The British empire spread far and wide for around a century and is at its peak in 1913. Read some history!

[@ditsygirl5409]

I agree that Great Britain is on the decline and they even play with the idea of a Singapore on Thames over brexit! To think they used to lord over us, Singapore, their colonial subjects, now they want to be like us? What a joke!

[@MsWencai]

What A wonderful Singapore leader is who has earned my respect with his intelligence and confidence and correctness.

[@virginiaseow1338]

Salute to you Sir, the only speaker that can be comparable to LKY. This is the quality of a President we need to take Singapore to the next level.

[@fartingrabbit-d7v]

Is this the guy who advocates CECAsians imports to Singapore? Well done. Singaporeans, please take care of your jobs before its gone to CECasians. Thank you

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

@virginiaseow1338 Nonsense..

[@Kabler4]

​@Stallion8881 nay... you're the nonsense

[@benjalee4014]

Thank you, Mr Tharman, PAP is moving in the right direction. We don't have to worry about what the rest of the world thinks, we have to adhere to what works for ourselves.

[@hardwaysun]

In Sackur's mind, EU or US political module is universal absolute correct. No matter how Singapore success in socially and economically, it is an exception and eventually you need evolution to a system exactly same as what we have, regardless of your culture, geographic and social structure. All government format not as west "free" model is dysfunctional. I don't know what interesting thing he is smoking, but look at the past several decade of development of Singapore and China, how safe the place it is, how vibrant the economy is and how people think about future, compare with almost all major developed country, I don't understand where his confidence and feeling of superiority came from. He still live in his own dream.

[@ElBandito]

Not EU or US module, but British.

[@ganjichan932]

Yup the interviewer is living in his own world. He living in the past and feeling cocky and ignorant without know the world has evolved. He still love his dysfunctional western government.

[@yut576]

The strength and intelligence of DPM Tharman's argument for Singapore's' record and a clear understanding of running a country ( mindful there is more work to be done) is a testament , he is ready for the big job. Hopefully Singaporean will vote him for this and not based on race . To Stephen Sackur, please show some decency and respect when conducting an interview, especially with leaders. Try running a country and achieve the same level success. As the DPM succinctly said (with hint of annoyance) ,"Don't hit too hard a government that works very hard to do what is in the interest of the people and have a good track record..don't hit it too hard ".

[@connotatage1258]

Hanafi Hameed Hanafi you are absolutely right about Tharman's intelligence. British people argue and challenge and debate. They have a free press, which Tharman attacked without actually specifying why, which was sly audience manipulation, but anyway, normally the basic idea of a free press is that there are institutions who are free to challenge and question those in power. You rush to Tharman's defence as if he were a little rabbit. The guy is tremendously powerful and rich. If he isn't capable of defending himself from Sackur he isn't fit to do any of his jobs, he needs to be put to the test. Is it any wonder that Asia has such a long and wide history of viciously cruel leaders? Challenge your leaders or remain children in their arms at their mercy.

[@Singapom888]

+Hanafi Hameed Stephen Sakur was asking direct questions as he would of anyone: that is the Western media way, he was not being rude by his standards, but showing respect by not patronising.

[@NewmaticKe]

I am ready to choose him, but he stated that he does not want the job.

[@caseytang7211]

This minister is well loved by our country. Very respected

[@AbhilashBuzz]

The interviewer is brainwashed about his "free society" that he cannot even fathom what the Singaporean is saying. I live in the US and no, democracy is not what I would brag about to other societies. US and the "west" do not have stuff figured out and I'm not saying Singapore does either, even the Singaporean says that, but there are a lot things he said that I can see benefiting large urban areas here in the US. Yes, they might seem a little odd but that does not make it wrong to consider. The interviewer has a clear goal, to point out the fallacies of the authoritative government of Singapore, he does not care about the advantages, the peace and prosperity it has brought to a nation. I would rather live in a society tightly knit with strong values and morals than a society masquerading their "democracy" as they devolve from their blatant bigotry.

[@reardelt]

"It doesn't matter if the cat is black or white. Only thing that matters if it can catch mice." - Deng Xiaoping on the failure of communism.

[@ashleymistletoe]

well said.

[@NewmaticKe]

@@reardelt Meritocracy

[@skychaos87]

Exactly, the idea of democracy and free speech is for people to have a voice in order to challenge existing ideas. However, democracy today in the west has become so dogmatic that people assume as the absolute righteousness even if it means intervention and invasion of other countries. Little do people know, democracy is not truth or morally superior, it only means majority wins. In the past, slavery was democratically acceptable, it was even acceptable to stone people to death for saying earth is round instead of flat. Democracy can results in both superior or ill morals depending on the level of education and modernization of the people. Lee Kuan Yew once said, democracy works only if you have over 70% of the population educated. Unfortunately education system and media in America has made Americans among the least educated of all other first world countries. Democracy in America is no more than a facade to mask its plutocracy.

[@livesh684]

@@skychaos87 wow. well said with such clarity.

[@abbylady5]

"dont hit hard on a government who works hard for the interest of its people n have good track records..." i love this!!!! MAJULAH SINGAPURA!

[@RachelTan-ID]

abbylady5 MAJULAH SINGAPURA indeed. The more I sing it the more I remember what our leaders have done. Small country but complex system.

[@connotatage1258]

abbylady5 All the more reason to question it. Frankly, he wasn't "hitting" it in any way other than to ask challenging questions. Given the amount of influence Singapore is gaining over myopics like Michael Gove, don't you think we should hit it as hard as we possibly can? See what's really inside it?

[@dlkl66]

Thanks you Sir, for making me proud to be a Singaporean.

[@XDLeadingLady]

"I believe in the notion of a trampoline" oh my goodness that stunned him. Hahahahaha!

[@RachelTan-ID]

Sunny Nicole I agree with Mr Tharman. When people fall, they need help to bounce back.

[@connotatage1258]

Sunny Nicole I sincerely hope he does believe it. But LKY was a self-proclaimed Social Darwinist, and Singapore doesn't provide education for disabled children. Is that helping people who fall through the gaps to bounce back? What does Singapore really believe? Brilliant as TS is, he's there to put the best face on Singapore to a Western audience who don't know about its plan to sterilise uneducated mothers.

[@HeavenQuab]

Connotatage I'm gonna need some source on whatever you said about the handicapped children and uneducated mothers because honestly, they sound like borderline conspiracy theories.

[@connotatage1258]

HeavenQuab www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/did-mr-lee-kuan-yew-create-singapore-his-own-image-20150 - although I first heard of it in a lecture by Jeffrey Sachs. wp.sg/2011/03/how-inclusive-is-our-society/ These things aren't secrets. And I'm not saying they are wrong. I'm only saying that it's not about a trampoline, there is no spirit of Egalitarianism in Singapore.

[@connotatage1258]

Connotatage Actually I am saying these things are wrong.

[@SazalibinkamsirSazali-dm1xk]

Thank you so much to my MR Tharman

[@jeffchew152]

You can get a proper "scolding" by a cleaning lady at a neighborhood coffee shop if you are out of order. Be it you're billionaire or minister. That's my hallmark of societal success in Singapore. Connections and power influence have no mainstay here in SG. Proud of it.

[@janecheung6564]

The interviewer is rude!

[@LMCCasting]

That's the regular style of British talk, you can see people debating in the Palace of Westminster！

[@mrshangpa]

He was interviewing, not debating. Therefore I think he'd been very effective. He was faking and poking, in the boots of the "sensitive flowers of the West".

[@r.a.8618]

He was rude, at least in Asia's sense. You invited the deputy PM all the way to the UK to the symposium and interrupted while he's talking from time to time, that's disrespectful. But let's be generous. The Ugandan in 40:44 was unbelievably rude. 'Singapore today considers itself a developed country...'. What did you mean by 'consider itself'? And I can't believe he rolled his eyes while Mr. Shanmugaratnam was answering.

[@terencetl7390]

Disagree ..... question is not answer on democracy

[@Ytremz]

It's just the British style of interviewing. Time is limited and there are many important topics to discuss, so an effective interviewer must deliberately agitate the flow of conversation to account for this.

[@acajudi100]

I love Singapore! I am retired now, and would leave the genocide of Chicago in a heartbeat! You protect your people, and your people are not being killed in the streets!

[@kohdenny5394]

An amazing insight with wit , poise, knowledge n eloquent reply. He is a Singaporean. What a pride to be a singaporean. In this world how many of them can behave and conduct the way he has.... very few.

[@englianconnietan1931]

Yes ,Singapore is so lucky to have many Brilliant Ministers as you can see. We have trust worthy,brave n courageous leaders. Without social media, we don't even know how brilliant our Ministers are n we will never appreciate them enough. We don't bully and we don't want to be bullied, it is as simple as that.

[@Belrivers]

I visited Singapore recently, and it felt like a comfort zone. A disciplined civil society nation.

[@paragvade]

46:10 Don't hit so hard to the government which is honestly working hard for the people Stephen... Loved it

[@jega1102]

After Mr. Richard Hu, Mr. Tharman is the best Finance Minister we are lucky to have. After the late MM, he is the only one I love to listen - strong n right to the point.

[@fusion2x]

Incredible. Mr Tharman's words in this interview is truly a priceless insights that we can all take lessons from.

[@diorlovemeii1305]

A small country with great wisdom!This shows how lucky Singaporean to have such a " heavyweight " superb intelligent leader!❤Congratulations to Mr Tharman becoming the new president of Singapore! Well done ! Keep it up❤ ❤

[@kohkarweng]

Mr. Tharman's replies were comprehensively concise. He has exceptional wisdom and knowledge to be able to provide these replies. Culture plays an integral role in shaping nation mindset. Freedom with constraints is a check and balance for a socially functioning society. He also mentioned that Singapore will provide adequate education to its people so that functioning adults can differentiate the right from the not right. And, have the aptitude to learn new things and change. Awesome!

[@M.F.Hafizhan]

Glad to have Singapore as a neighbour.

[@owjianbang01]

I believe Sackur DOES NOT understand the notion of having a reasonable level of HUMILITY.

[@YvonneSharingSpace]

You are as always, absolutely amazing DPM Tharman! We are so lucky to have you as our leader and spokesman.

[@wiebl5266]

The govt should make schools in Singapore study Tharman's talk. Extraordinary, the focus, clarity and creative comparisons and redirections!!!

[@Buttercookies0]

Sg does not go along that path of studying one person's ideology. It risks going into idolization. It is not a wise move. Governing a country is a team effort.

[@wiebl5266]

@@Buttercookies0 Point well taken. Team include individuals. Studying individuals does not exclude studying the dynamics of a group of individuals. Does studying the mind of Einstein runs the risk of idolization? Studying the structure of excellence is not the problem, it's a solution that's sorely lacking in our world. The problem is always in the implementation and how we promote it.

[@Buttercookies0]

@@wiebl5266 You can study any individual you like from his speeches and acts but definitely not creating schools for that purpose. Here is not China btw.

[@wiebl5266]

@@Buttercookies0 it's the implementation not the modelingn that is the issue. It's Ok, you don't have to be wrong for me to be right. I value the concerns that you share.

[@Buttercookies0]

@@wiebl5266 I am not wrong btw. This is Sg. Not China.

[@jayli566]

Singapore has lots of leaders with very intelligent mind, No wonder Singapore is successful! Lee Kuan Yew, Lee Hsien Loong, Kishore Mahbubani and Tharman Shanmugaratnam, I have listened to their talk shows and interview, they all have great vision as leader.

[@ravimirchandani1503]

Brilliant interview. I think Mr Tharman eloquently shed light on how Singapore as a tiny nation, learned how to chart its own course by learning from the political, social and cultural pitfalls of developed nations in the West.

[@yf4044]

This BBC guy is annoying.

[@fellowcitizen]

He truly is

[@snoweagle5025]

Annoying is to put it mildly, he is downright irritating!

[@cbcluckyii4042]

It's their job to be critical but he responded in an articulate manner with facts and did not shy away or make excuses. Having said that you can be critical without that air of superiority and not interrupt.

[@alexsolosm]

Haughty without substance is what the right words to describe him.

[@quekvincent5981]

less than 9min into this video, I totally agreed

[@MrBabug1]

Hats off for representing Singapore and putting across the facts that we are truly liberal democracy from its truest sense of what humanity aspires. I watched over and over again and it really makes Singapore proud of its achievements. Great job sir!!

[@eddymohd5282]

Wow, this video was shown 7yrs ago. Thats an amazing an excellent throwback indeed. Now its already 18 October 2022. This means that the video was shown before the World Wide Pandemic 2015. Thanx and congratulations DP Minister Tharman Shamugaratnam as well as others too for sharing this unique video to us all. Yes indeed.. 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬

[@awequayzngs1780]

The collective responsible PAP is Singapore's 🇸🇬 greatest asset. Singapore ❤️ today pride owe it all to the PAP's governance. Had Singapore been as big as England, she will be a great super power.

[@zenipmann]

Thank you Mr Tharman, you represented Singapore and Singaporeans superbly. Should LHL retire, it'll be awesome if you would be our next PM.

[@MZYISME]

After 4 years, this video is still teaching me.

[@jiangcaroline219]

The deputy PM reminds me of the great Greek philosophers - painting a big picture with well-paralleled strokes. The thoughts, ideas, knowledge he has in his mind is absolutely facinating. Such a great figure.

[@-rate6326]

Greek philosophers have so popular because of Philhellenism in western peoples

[@chinsengsim]

Mr Tharman, you made us Sporen very proud. A big THANK YOU to you

[@dennischia6899]

Thank you Mr Tharman , wishing you great health and truly proud of seeing how you contribute to your country .

[@EmeraldQueue]

I didn't realise how good Tharman is until I watched this interview. I have since re-watched this many times as his sharing provides lots of insights! Well done Tharman...Cheers!

[@michaelzeng7096]

SM Tharman is an eloquent speaker n had every right to represent Singapore in International forums n semlnars. It s pity that he should be given a senior minister post to lead the younger generation ministers. Always support all previous ministers who gave us a better living standards in Singapore. All the Cheers.

[@zzzfffccc]

I personally think this video pretty much sums up the difference in wisdom regarding politics and governing between the East and West.

[@amywee747]

No! You are wrong! Look at Taiwanese, they are Chinese, the Philippines, they are Asians, but these countries have been doing badly because the politicians and the presses of these countries manipulate the so-call freedom of speech and the free democracy.

[@janephua2872]

What an inspiring speech. He’s touched on so many important elements which many Singaporeans are unaware / oblivious to. Superbly articulated, certainly a must watch for any aspiring leader

[@KatJade269]

Thumbs up ! Thank you Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam. I'm so very proud to be a Singaporean !