Lee Kuan Yew on "interfering" in the private lives of Singaporeans | From the archives

[@Stringfreak]

"A democracy is as good as its people. A dictatorship is as good as its dictator". If I ever had to choose a dictator, I'd choose Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

[@lemon12010]

Blind

[@aniksamiurrahman6365]

He wasn't a dictator.

[@arnold-fx]

​@@aniksamiurrahman6365 He is Singapore's George Washington who believed in strong government.

[@aniksamiurrahman6365]

@@arnold-fx G. Washington stabilized a war torned nation and build a systematic republic. Lee Kuan Ywe, he accomplishment even more. He transformed a pirate hub with extremely marginaluzed population to a modern, developed nation. I want to know, what did all those who advocates small govt accomplished? Ragan was one of the most staunch supporter of small govt. Where does his and subsequent policies left US into? Strong govt with goodwill brought Singapore from 3rd world to 1st world. Populist govt advocating small govt. has brought a 1st world to many place resembling 3rd world.

[@CattleFarmer667]

@@aniksamiurrahman6365 Being a king, emperor or dictator is the same. A dictator isnt a bad thing. Just some stupid western spin.

[@hongmama1245]

In western culture, the last statement is ALWAYS omitted, "you pay the price". Paying the price meant the responsibilities and consequences of your choice

[@keiththomas1180]

I think they omitte that because Westerners already know that, it's common knowledge and politicians over there know that. In Asia, politicians treat voters like children and place fear in their hearts so that the public will comply with whatever they want to do

[@ramieskola7845]

It was obvious to all for a long time. Then came the traitors and ideological subversion. What we have now in the west is not indigenous but alien. An ideological poison imposed on us by a hostile force. Yes. You may call this conspiracy theory. I however would not promote this to the status of theory yet. It is just a plausible hypothesis before all evidence is organized and chronology of events is discovered and documented.

[@hongmama1245]

@@keiththomas1180 I'm not sure man, if the people know who/what they're voting for, seeing how dumb the western leaders are these days.

[@CT-cl9wi]

Not really, recently the West choices made me question whether if they knew about consequences

[@Pan_Z]

​@CT-cl9wi Recently, the West hasn't just not understood the consequences. It feels like most Westerners barely understand anything. They recognise their systems are broken, but have not a clue as to why, or provide some very basic, oversimplified reason. The West falls apart in ignorance and apathy.

[@aarontennyson2102]

One of the greatest policies Lee kuan Yew introduced was zero tolerance towards narcotics. You crack down on narcotics like nobody's business, you keep half of the societal problems including organized drug crimes away.

[@jonathanmatthew1263]

1. The prohibition of narcotics is only possible because it's a very small island. 2. organized drug cartels launder their money in Singapore so.... They aren't actually keeping out organized criminals.

[@Drippinonyou]

launder money in singapore is different from selling drugs in singapore. Its so difficult to keep money launderers out due to the many tactical ways to get money into singapore banks. Also due to the stability of the economic, criminals see properties as a way to wash money. No government can stop them unless a trail of money is present. Thats the reason compliance officers are in high demand in singapore banks/institutes. @@jonathanmatthew1263

[@larss4119]

Or just decriminalize drugs, provide better public services that deal with inherent characteristics of addiction, mental health, poverty, etc. Then you don’t have a punitive society and you deal with the root issues.

[@nostalgicmelancholy5606]

Drugs don’t get into Singapore largely due to the zero tolerance policy so there aren’t drug dealers to arrest or addicts that require treatment, or the poverty and large scale social issues that other countries deal with as a result.

[@FafTheMan]

​@larss4119 how's that working out for Portland USA and San Francisco 😂

[@IronFoot-n1q]

The man understood that it's more important for a leader to be EFFECTIVE than to be popular. This man became popular by doing the right thing whether people wanted it or not. He was right about literally everything.

[@keifer7813]

Even his eugenics programs and his opposition to free press? Was he literally right about those too?

[@dominiquegagnon5264]

There are some things he got wrong but he was able to see he was wrong to change his mind accordingly

[@MS113MS]

He is a brave man, and guided by wisdom. He dare to be different in his approach, and stand up for the needs of Singapore when it is uniquely suited to the social economical environment of the nation. My salute to you, sir!

[@Hs5687]

Yes , effective & Pragmatic Leader …Not sure about the “ Brave “ part though … In 2010 , LKY was caught Red Handed and Paraded like a Common Street Criminal at Sikh Police Temple in Singapore… RIP Buddy, KARMA rdy at Work ❤😊

[@ShreyDoshi2]

​@@Hs5687yeah he's still brave. Everyone has their momments

[@Hs5687]

Maybe “ Brave “ in early years … … an Undiagnosed OCD Nut Case After 2000s … Coincidentally Died After Allegations that Criminally Incriminate him Filed SG High Court… RIP Buddy, KARMA rdy at Work ❤️

[@alfaeco15]

If I have to choose a dictator, chairman or dear leader, I choose Lee Kuan Yew.

[@Hs5687]

We didn’t have to … He Choose Us … The Ram Singh Family…

[@itzdcx]

till he forces you to do something

[@Hs5687]

Very Strange, Both Lee Kuan Yew & Goh Yong Hong ( Ex Comm of Police) passed away within weeks in 2015 After Allegations that Criminally Incriminate Both were Filed in SG High Court… RIP Buddy, KARMA rdy at Work 😊

[@Hs5687]

@@itzdcx He Failed Miserably & Died Trying… 😊

[@SriPerkasa]

he is lucky bcos all the malay leaders r corrupted.. if not... had

[@RudraS-p9u]

LKY was a visionary. World need more statesman like him.

[@tedtan2754]

He's pretty narcissistic by today's standards.

[@mohammedsarker5756]

@@tedtan2754 when you turn a country from a third world cesspool into one of the wealthiest over the course of a few decades, I think you get to be a little "narcissistic"

[@PleaseGetReal]

Not so visionary with his "Two is enough" policy. How are you guys enjoying your Swiss standard of living, kid ? Have you guys visited the one room or two rooms HDB flats ????

[@Vladimirputin11111]

​@@tedtan2754 Cause Today's standards are made by Clowns....

[@laylaminrir]

​@@tedtan2754i could care less abt my country leader's character if he is effective and confident like lky 😂

[@AshutoshSingh-on8zt]

Greatest leader mankind has seen in modern era. I can't recall anyone who matches this man.

[@GLTMS]

Park Jung Hee in Korea

[@elingrome5853]

Teresa May? Joe Biden? 😊

[@72vince27]

@@elingrome5853Lol, no. They didn’t flip who countries with all due respect.

[@theodorsebastian4272]

@@GLTMSPark Jung hee allowed some terrible human rights violations under his rule.

[@GLTMS]

@@theodorsebastian4272 Perhaps. However, the benefit was incomparable to the cost.

[@jagadheeshvk3915]

"You decide....You make up your mind....You exercise the choice.....You pay the price - LKY" wow every time he speaks we can make a life worthy poster out of it ❤

[@Hs5687]

Not Only Accused But in 2010 was Caught Red Handed and Paraded just like a Common Street Criminal at Sikh Police Temple In Singapore. The Singapore Sikh Leadership was Quick to Cover Up his Criminal Wrongdoing in exchange for Benefits, Concessions and Recognition… RIP Buddy, KARMA rdy at Work ❤

[@arjunratnadev]

One of the Greatest of personalities to ever exist on this planet, Rest in Great memories

[@Hs5687]

Imaginative Conclusion

[@AotO_DJ]

@@Hs5687What?

[@Hs5687]

@@AotO_DJ Surprised or Upset Dear ? … Either Way, Sneaky Tyrannical SG Government also reads Social Media … 😊

[@andy764]

He had vision, skill, ambition, passion and support. Singapore is where it is today thanks to his brave start.

[@chenyinmei6466]

Love you LKY...! Love the Singapore you created..togather with your comrades! Yes..we can understand each other pretty well in Singapore..different races..indeed..pretty get togather..thank you..by now..my family is multi racially intergrated!

[@jonnyboy2128]

A great man and that is an understatement. No leader achieved as much as Mr Lee.

[@sketchbabu]

True

[@rittervonsport-zl1df]

A man with a clear vision A Truly great leader

[@PleaseGetReal]

If he had a clear vision then he would not have endorsed a two child policy !

[@ShreyDoshi2]

​@@PleaseGetRealnobody is 100 percent perfect

[@PleaseGetReal]

@@ShreyDoshi2 But some people thinks he is god though. LKY made very serious mistake. Two is enough ????

[@ShreyDoshi2]

@@PleaseGetReal "but some people think hes a god tho" are you pedantic ? over that you think hes a bad leader your a hater thats all

[@testacals]

@@PleaseGetReal For a stable population, two is enough if everyone have kids.

[@bishan2281]

This man speaks the truth.

[@chuaenghua]

Let's be fair, there are no perfect leaders, government and system in this world. But if it brings peace, stability, progress and prosperity, it is a good system, leader and government

[@alangrant5684]

Agree.

[@KuyaArbee]

Damn and see how Singapore 🇸🇬 is now! Bloody successful and very very rich! Economically rich!

[@RadwynAlthor]

A benovolent dictator or monarch can do marvels the hard thing is finding a benevolent and competent man

[@HughJass-313]

And keeping him Alive because _THE WEST_ likes to Depose these generational leaders

[@HughJass-313]

Keeping him *A•LIVE* is the other half of the equation ❤

[@sambhavnath6668]

Although he has taken some harsh steps but I will still say that he is the real father of the nation Singapore is really lucky that they have got such a great leader long live Singapore ✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻

[@Lu-MingPan-b5w]

A man with a vision. One of the true greatest leaders ever.

[@murallivengadasalam1300]

I am so blessed to live and seen him during his time.

[@teyhoonboon5853]

The founding father of Singapore put much hardship to unit the people with one language of English and preserved the mother tangue for all races.

[@sonnymak6707]

Hello. What do mean preserve mother toungue. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese were shamed into giving up their mother toungues.

[@dannicatzer305]

@@sonnymak6707 It worked didn't it... You cant really have a true nation if everybody speaks different languages..

[@sanjon6681]

English is the official language of Singapore

[@dannicatzer305]

@@jessepowellr4Canada? lol You have the french speaking part constantly on the brink of leaving and passing draconian language laws.. Do I consider Belgium a nation no, It's also split along cultural and linguistic lines. Countries where citizens cant communicate are not a nation as far as I'm concerned..

[@dr-wz4gf]

and it didnt work

[@mikeburns6603]

He's kind of the archetype of the benevolent dictator. This doesn't mean that other dictators will be benevolent. Usually they spend nearly all of their time putting down opposition and solidifying power.

[@xhagast]

Success brings power and weakens opposition. THAT was LKY secret to benevolent dictatorship. Hard to be benevolent when the starving masses blame you, your family, your friends and your servants for their misery. And are right.

[@merlijnbell8747]

Very well spoken leader with politics that made his country rise above other nations.

[@VedaVoyager]

A great visionary leader! World needs this kind of leader in every country for world's harmony! 🙏🙏🙏

[@Ahgsb456]

He’s a proof that dictatorship is not always a bad thing

[@RenukaLimbu-n4m]

Not a politician but a true leader... Hats off to u sir

[@Uilenstede48]

This man speaks no bulls*it. Kudos

[@PacoOtis]

I'm a white western octogenarian Anglo-Saxon and this man is a hero of mine. Bravo to him!

[@SenorBastardo1348]

Just learning about this dude and daaaaaaaamn hes ALPHA as hell. What a badass.

[@kaleeswaran368]

Greatest leader world has seen. I wish every country to emulate his foot steps for the quality improvement of the lives of the countrymen

[@heythave]

That will not happen because the ruling people in other countries do not have the interest of the people in mind. All they think of is how to enrich themselves and their own immediate group.

[@sunway1374]

I am a Chinese Malaysian. I don't want a leader like Lee. A greater leader in my mind is Tunku Abdul Rahman, who peacefully let a rebellious state out of a country, without any threat of military action. NO leader in history or at present does that. The resolve of Tunku to keep peace and security for the region is not talked about and not recognised often enough. He should have been given a Nobel Peace Prize.

[@testacals]

@@sunway1374 Malaysia is a terrible country with lot of racism. Being peaceful means nothing if you can't do anything.

[@sunway1374]

@testacals Being peaceful means nothing? Try ask the Israelis, Palestinians and Ukrainians. Peace is a starting point for everything else that's good.

[@sketchbabu]

He is the greatest leader to ever rule a country

[@bappyhasanjahid4985]

A leader who try to be correct, not politically correct.

[@skylineXpert]

If he didnt do like he did then singapore could have ended like yugoslavia. Yet for all his actions he isnt perfect yet nobody is perfect...

[@CT-cl9wi]

I'll take an imperfect Mr Lee over anyone else tbh, at the least even til his passing he lives frugally which already show his life goals doesn't lies on extreme self luxury in comparison.

[@amitpratap7551]

He is my Hero 🙏🙏

[@avbhinaya]

A leader leads the crowd, doesn't follow them. Lee Kuan Yew is arguably the greatest leader of 20th century, unlike present ones like Trump, Modi and Erdogan, he didn't fool the masses. Now Singaporeans are wisest bunch of lots who doesn't jump into seas to beg for mercy in corners of Western cities.

[@rravisankar3355]

@abhi. Why did you tag the Prime Minister Narendra Modi? What did you find in him common with Erdogan and Trump?

[@Thekidisalright]

@@rravisankar3355you mean what’s the difference between modi and trump? Anyone who is not Indian could see they are the same just different color

[@Sanjhi_Mitti]

Ya try telling Indians to speak in one language

[@gelinrefira]

@@rravisankar3355 modi is a right wing neoliberal capitalist fascist. That's why.

[@pacifront83]

@@Thekidisalrightyou’re holding Modi to higher standards than his congress predecessors.

[@balventray]

We need more leaders like him . Not the amoral toads we currently have.

[@jessiejames7492]

😅😅😅👍

[@jessiejames7492]

Unfortunately a person like him comes our way once in a lifetime. Maybe never again! We wont be so lucky

[@dannySG61]

He is the leader that Malaysia needed, and sadly let go of.

[@sonnymak6707]

You dunno what yr talking about my friend. If he was our leader . There would not be any opposition leader . He would have jailed or exiled or jail them all.

[@degreeskelvin3025]

​@@sonnymak6707i know little about rhe history and politics of both nations, but it seems to me Singapor is doing very well as a result of this man. I doubt it would have been much different for malaysian if he was their leader instead

[@sonnymak6707]

@@degreeskelvin3025 Singapore can have him. I thank my lucky star he was not our leader for 2 and half decadeds.

[@issac7787]

​@sonnymak6707 and look where Malaysia is at... Nah bro...our past prime Minister can learn a thing or two from LKY

[@sonnymak6707]

@@issac7787 learn from what? Our per capita income in 1965 was 300 USD today its 11k USD and in the cusp of becoming High Income nation in 5 to 7 years. When I was small boy in the 70s going to down to JB from KL we had to cross 3 rivers on Barges there were no bridges. Ive seen Jungles around Kuala Lumpur turning into Residential Industrial and commercial estates of Kota Damansara, Mont Kiara , Bukit Damansara Subang Jaya USJ. Even the sleepy Kanpungs Puchong and Sepang are transform in 25 years. And its not just the Klang Valley. Every Sunday its a traffic jam going from KL to Bentong and Raub once sleepy towns turning into busling market place in the weekend. All these whilst we git rid of ISA and mandatory Death Sentences. Today oir media lampooned our Govt leaders constantly. Try that in Sgpore.

[@flowmather7964]

lowkey he was a dictator but a good one and I respect that.

[@snowfrosty1]

He was a dictator yet NEVER a tyrant

[@akshaysharma3809]

​@@snowfrosty1 dictator ain't a bad word..Julius caeser was called dictator..only stalin,mao , hitler, ruined the word..

[@ShreyDoshi2]

​@akshaysharma3809 your wrong stalin and mao were not dictators the west is exaggerating the death count too Hitler yes was a dictator

[@ShreyDoshi2]

Benevolent dictator

[@TrophyGuide101]

People complain about dictatorships being authoritarian but most people under a democracy are happy to vote for the most authoritarian measures imaginable. People hate true freedom and will give it away for the smallest reason, give them the right target and they will cheer that persons rights being trampled without realising they are giving up their own in the process.

[@xhagast]

LKY was a soft dictator. What he demanded of you wasn't THAT hard to do.

[@johntaylor1030]

What a visionary Lee Kuan Yew was. The world would be a much better place had there been more statesmen like him.

[@Bennevisie]

Interesting. As someone who puts an extremely high value on personal freedom and responsibility, studying LKY is probably the best case scenario to build a steel man argument from. I wonder if such an authoritarian approach will be successful over multiple generations of leadership, seeing as so much of the success of this approach depends on the virtues and personal integrity of the leader. No doubt, Singapore is better off due to this man, and I hope it remains that way.

[@xhagast]

And yet, how bad an attack on personal freedom is to make you learn another language, live next door to a person of a different race, NOT spit on the floor? Giving the Nazi salute and saying, "Hail Hitler!" is a FAR simpler thing to do than not spit on the floor when you are used to it.

[@vedantbindlish6051]

Mr LKY , a great visionary leader who had an extreme clarity of thought. Who knew what he was doing . Under his leadership singapore rose from being a garbage dump yard to become one of the most prosperous nations out there, even surpassing some of the so called “first world” countries.

[@thepalebluedot4171]

The greatest element which gives strong cohesiveness in human collective is MECHANICAL SOLIDARITY !

[@Bangtang_Aje]

Americans should learn from this gentleman

[@montegrifo]

America doesn't grow people like that and doesn't learn from anyone. They are exceptional by definition. At least that's what they believe.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@montegrifo Anglos are largely the same in all 5 nations.

[@teletubies5872]

A 26 y/o Malaysian here. After learning the history of Singapore, I can only say that Singaporeans are lucky to have LKY as their leader. Probably one of the greatest leaders of modern times that Asia has ever had. Malaysia would be very different if he had been our PM.

[@nickraoyj]

Indeed, if only Malaya back then actually shared the same foresight and allowed him to continue spreading his political will throughout the country, I think he would have governed it brilliantly. The challenge in Malaya has been and continues to be, how to overcome the innate insecurities of the Bumiputera and build a collaborative, cohesive society across all races that at least ensures the main minority groups feel represented and included.

[@kitosh]

With LKY at the helm and his vision of a Malaysia for Malaysians, it's conceivable that the Federation of Malaysia could potentially evolve into a regional superpower.

[@Dinoyt48]

But you had & still have Mahatir.

[@teletubies5872]

​@@Dinoyt48 I'm not trying to trigger any 3R arguments here but I just want to share my thoughts. He is the most racist PM that we ever had. All he has done was to protect & prioritize his own race. He was the PM from 1981 to 2003 but there were barely any efforts from him to fight against corruption. (We know why, the infamous bank Bumiputra scandal case) That is why Malaysia will never be as successful as Singapore.

[@Dinoyt48]

@@teletubies5872 that's ok but what we percieve here in Pakistan is that the reason why Malaysia is called truely Asia is the Mahatir's trade agreements with Japan & to refrain from octopus of world bank & imf.

[@souya20]

He's so wise 🙇🏻‍♀️❤

[@jasonlim4193]

A truly great man and once in a generation leader, made Singapore a great nation

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Lee Kuan Yew aka the most feared dictator of Southeast Asia. And look how mighty SG is today. We need more dictators like LKY, the iron fist leader. "Smart dictatorship" is what developing countries need. LKY mastered this craft. The greatest dictator that got away with alleged crimes = LEE KUAN YEW

[@oldnwise8123]

A great man.. he fully understood human nature and division ... he engineered peace and prosperity..

[@TheNthPeterLEE]

Wise sage indeed.

[@mrr5358]

We all love u sir... You stood like wall to protect your nation

[@ewmbr1164]

Just imagine LKZ would have governed the USA for a decade or so. It would be a far, far more decent country than the fraying one it is now... He is the giant of the 20th century, a wise and courageous politician of the kind none is left anywhere today.

[@kennethSG1965]

can’t apply. White won’t listen to him

[@petelowson5481]

Made Singapore the great state it is today. ❤️

[@Sllee93]

Powerful leader

[@jessiejames7492]

He knew. If one is not disciplined, everything will collapse

[@lathatampi]

Awesome leader

[@Far736]

He was a great man,

[@peterchew4018]

Singaporeans are very fortunate to have a leader LKY. Yes yes nobody is perfect..

[@mahmudahibrahim4780]

Lucky to be born as Singaporean.

[@indirakrishnan4496]

Sir i miss you so much.We are proud today to becalled Singaporean is because of you.

[@isabellfox2915]

The man had a vision for a better Singapore one that could become what it is today and he was not dissuaded from that path - good for him because look what this has achieved. If only we had more people like this in public office around the world today, people who actually have the best intentions for their country and it's people, he took the responsibility for the vision and the ways to make that vision a reality, that plan to enhance and enrich the lives of the people he was there to SERVE - he was not there for his own gain, greed, personal agenda, status or power, he was there to serve his country and his people with integrity and honour and he did.

[@adamant8435]

Bro literally solved racism

[@Observer-f5k]

No he is talking about attacking personal matters into politics that means if it happens in America the gentrification of white neighborhood can be dissolved and imagine living with black people. redlining is a great thing America did. personal matters of white majority should not be hindered.

[@jamesquinton7070]

@@Observer-f5kare you taking the piss?

On you

[@rally_chronicles]

​@jamesquinton7070 you tried living with them?

[@tradingpsychology2024]

So true... He was a Genius. Lead people in the right direction. India Is the opposite of everything he just said.

[@riyabejoy5158]

India is a sleeping powerhouse. The dynamics are very different that of Singapore. Stop comparing the two nations. India will surpass Singapore one day.

[@bruceparker6142]

India's diversity will not facilitate strength.

[@testacals]

@@riyabejoy5158 surpassing eventually doesn't mean anything.

[@Cupcake0228]

We are too divided unfortunately we can't even decide on a language you want us to decide on economy of country

[@jessicachia8656]

THE GREAT FOUNDER MR. LEE KUAN YEW'S FIRM BELIEVE & SMART VISION OF SINGAPORE THAT HE SHAPE UP WHAT IS SINGAPORE HAD BECOME A RICH & POWERFUL & WELL RESPECTED COUNTRY OF TODAY.......

[@zahirahussain5061]

Thank God for Lee Kwan Yu. That Singapore is what it is today.Im a diehard fan of him...even now.❤

[@Dushyantgiri]

Some comparing Singapore and India, it's is not possible, singapore is equivalent of a giant apartment society.. Where he took drastic efforts, and took him lot of time.. Imagine the same for a big country.. And political system...

[@sandworm9528]

It is not the size of the country. It is the integrity of your leaders

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@sandworm9528 It's not the quality of the argument, it's the cliche.

[@NearShoreLiving]

every country needs a LKY

[@ParashuVisu]

NO ONE REPLACE HIM, HE IS MAN OF PRINCIPAL, WE MISS YOU SIR 🙏

[@user975bg]

Great man. True father of a nation.

[@No-thing-ness]

You cannot have a civilised society if there are not rules. I seen universally there are laws that govern outside earth. Of course those that do not agree will not like it. But those same people who have then fog of youth; once lifted understand and take advantage of the designs made to help society. Freedoms are not free. Nothing in this life is free. Give or give not it does not matter. We are all products on the one source of light and you will learn in this life or the next.

[@krishnanunnimadathil8142]

Freedoms are not free. Spot the irony.

[@No-thing-ness]

@@krishnanunnimadathil8142I searched but couldn’t find it. Could you help me understand?

[@krishnanunnimadathil8142]

@@No-thing-ness I am quoting you.

[@julijakeit]

Do not worry, as soon as those who do not like the rules become victims of any crime or injustice, they are the ones who shout the loudest for justice, rules and laws!

[@joeBX53]

A visionary…i wish we had politicians as smart and courageous as him

[@barthomme6890]

i would listen everytime he talks because its interesting yet pragmatic af

[@shawshank178]

Simply a brilliant mind! 🙏

[@evegoodmon]

Wow this man is brilliant

[@skanthaadsigns]

Thank you for this …

[@WHYIMHERE350]

He is the best

[@brianoneill4910]

He was a great man. In a sense, the father of modern Singapore.

[@Nolangrayson_1000]

Mr Lee is my favorite Supreme leader

[@oriental-jade-inspiration]

Great leader. An excellent role model.

[@kurthandrews6206]

You built , Sir. Thank you for our Nation.

[@jtstar10]

He was the ultimate Master and Commander!!

[@heythave]

Great man, LKY.

[@61sven]

I have visited Singapore several times. In terms of quality of life it is certainly better than the UK. Safer, cleaner, more efficient and more prosperous. LKY was the father of an incredible country.

[@joeBX53]

I wish the US would make English the official language. It’s the glue that would hold us together

[@CoolGobyFish]

it's a little different. in US it would be picking sides and causing unrest. in Singapore, English was a neutral language since native languages were mandarin, malay, and hindi.

[@qwe2poiu]

It was uncomfortable back then but look where the city state is today compared to many other countries. Not just different but opposite end of the spectrum in many cases.

[@pluckybellhop66]

Wow. A leader who says "Yes I did that" so matter of factly and then explains why they did it as if his people are grown adults that can understand plain words. Its sad how refreshing that is.

[@nrusimha11]

He is a great leader, but efficiency has its place and no more.

[@emilianamonteiro2167]

I could not agree more❤

[@VezVezar]

most of the first generation leaders of any great nation has their merits.. Lee Kuan Yew is just the top of the top.

[@salas121able]

Yess.. you interfiar my father life and it hit us our life too. I am son of Singapore citizen, my father received citizenship in 1958. in my childhood my father died when he visits us. I am living in India. I requested to ICA for help to come Singapore, but they denied. they don't care us. My father loved supported Singapore when Singapore was a mud land. he lived in tuff rules, and it hit our life too. now Singapore is devolved country. The children of Singapore citizen don't have consideration to live in Singapore. Doubt there is humanity in Singapore. The Singapore government is not grateful. They give everything to those who is rich. No consideration is given to those who loves the country and who have lived hard in old days. Still, I can't hate Singapore because its in Genetic related. my grandfather and my father both of them citizen.

[@dessiak3451]

Thank you Sir.

[@hummit]

A great man with vision and foresight.

[@thevoiceoverguy3106]

We need leaders like this ...

[@prosenjitbasu7188]

It was possible because population of Singapore is much much lesser than other multicultural countries in Asia. Indonesia with a population of 200 million created Bahasa which is understood in that country where there are many cultures.

[@StarWhales-w3z]

Truly great man. It's kinda crazy

[@timothyfianyo2959]

I cry listening to this visionary leader. I cry because Kwame Nkrumah would have brought same development to my motherland, GHANA if not for some unscrupulous, miscreants and barbaric individuals used against him from within, supported by the West

[@ervinlima9678]

The only difference between wealthy societies and poor societies is the strength of the social contract. Strong social contracts = wealth Weak social contract = poverty

[@MrStevemur]

Lots of people claim to serve their countries. He really did it.

[@kingseiryu929]

Yes it's true that it was very effective in the past where people weren't as educated or as smart. However sticking to the same strategy in this fast paced world would backfire. The "I'm smarter than you so trust me" approach would only slow down the citizens and Singapore would lose its competitive edge. Instead, it should aim to empower singaporeans now. Sending them out against the best of other countries while telling them "just try, no matter what Singapore will have your back" That's the way to succeed

[@theallseeingeye9388]

U would be surprised how the more things change, the more some things stay the same. The average citizen today are just as clueless as the generation before them.

[@rs5004]

True

[@caiheang]

You are a bright man, many will see the success of the past and duplicate without thought. You should run for presidency.

[@yong9613]

Having Singaporeans educated and enlighten would threaten the powerbase of PAP from it's roots to core. The tiny red dot will fall along with it's single state party

[@aboabdcm6544]

not true.

[@ronnieherrera8830]

A better world....is just momentary.... eternal bliss is better.

[@ms.annthrope415]

When the Chinese leadership call LKY "dai-lo," meaning big brother or elder brother, that's high praise and respect for thr prime minister of a tiny spit of a fishing village that rose to become an international finaicial and trade center. His grasp of foreign relationships, international tensions in the far eqst and souther asian area, was unmatched. HENRY kissinger considered him one of the greatest prime ministers. There is no right to be a criminal. There is no right to vandalize property. There is bo right to spit kn public streets. There is bo right to be disruptive and disturb the peace. Some limitations on psrwonal righrs for the greater good of thr public. It works in Si gapore. It will never work in the US.