|
Ive concentrated most of the history on early Singapore (good read). Perhaps with an intention, on the side, to 1) lay down guidelines that other asian countries could follow, and 2) further promote Singapore to foreign investors. Sometimes one can also see how money is used in Singapore to discipline, and as a only parameter in decision. (He has tons of advise and lay downs on neigbors in southeast asia--taiwan, philippines, malaysia). The book is very thick. But not everyone can agree with Lee Kwan Yew's setting-aside, for example, of a free press. The reader cannot miss the pride on every passage that highlights the successes of Singapore as a small state-country.
Freedom of expression is a right; the fruits of progress is not complete without it. An authoritarian government cannot hide, as well, the hypocrisy that is probably vital to compromise certain liberties, in exchange for a 'highway' towards progress. The book is very good in its sincere attempt to delivery the story on how Singapore was built. And what with the Geylang red-light district that the government has to acknowledge quasi-legally. Is the rationale for both of these is that they are still business ventures that Singapore will still profit from in the end.Lee's omission of his own compromises/hypocrisy in fact weakens the book's commentary and criticism of other countries' priorities. Singapore is known as a good place to work at, but not to live in. Still a good buy, but 3 stars only for not being as in-your face that I would have personally wanted. I think this book could have used a good editor before publishing.
His emphasis on discipline and strict public policies--that may be deemed oppressive in other countries--to jumpstart progress could be well-intentioned points as well. and some opinions on the state of asian countries today. One case in point: a young professional Singaporean shared a story that Lee Kwan Yew once pompously said that as long as he is alive, there will be no casino in Singapore. Well, yes, he is still right, there are two casinoes now being built simultaneously in the Marina area. There are some repetitions and convolutions as well. Hypocrisies that he should still acknowledge (and explain).
Through this he created thousands of jobs and gave the Singaporeans adequate livings.He knows the importance of human resources given that's the only resource Singapore has, he stresses on education and the English language to effectively connect Singapore to the world. This book is a detailed account of Singapore's history beginning from its independence and its development to a first world country under Lee Kuan Yew's leadership, and the second part is Lee's diplomatic relationships with different nations and his dealings and views on their leaders.It is a very entertaining and insightful read, Lee goes deep into details in problems looming over Singapore in its infancy and in developing the nation to feed its population. He had to close down the Chinese-speaking Nanyang University because most graduates had a hard time finding job.He also gave explanations on some of his rather controversial actions in suing newspapers and political opponents, which seem reasonable.Overall, he has done a remarkable job in creating an honest and efficient government, a sound legal system with the rule of law, excellent infrastructure and he was able to provide jobs and a good living to his people. How he tried to persuade the British to maintain its military base there to protect Singapore from its two dangerous neighbours and communism from China and in within, and when failed how he placed utmost importance in building a working army to defend itself.Lee realizes the importance of a clean and competent government, whereby he believes a good paycheck would help curb corruption and an anti-corruption agency with a high degree of power was formed to further prevent it. He was able to gather a group of honest and able people to form an efficient government, which was vital in building any nation.He created a safe and secure environment through the rule of law and honest public administration to attract foreign direct investment to build up factories in Singapore, this was essentially the main driver behind Singapore's phenomenal growth. All these are the factors to Singapore's miraculous transformation. And on top of that, he retired from his prime ministerial post and passed on the baton, albeit still holding a senior minister post.All in all, Lee has done a spectacular job in transforming Singapore to the only other first world country in Asia aside from Japan, heads off to him.
great book. lee is the most impressive character i've ever read in history book.
Funny this is coming from a guy known for getting rid of all Chinese-language universities in Singapore. I loved this book. He spoke about ensuring he brought Malays along in his trip to China, and conducting meetings in English, to ensure China recognizes Singapore's unique identity.Also funny was Lee KY's attributing Lee Teng-hui's provocative behavior to Lee TH's Japanophilia and being "powered" by the spirit of the Bushido warrior." Yet throughout the book Lee KY talks about how British he is, e.g., his habit of drinking tea in the morning. Lee is insightful and a great writer.His chapter on Taiwan, however, was mad hypocrisy. He critices Taiwan for "pulling away" by teaching in schools primarily the history/geography of the island instead of China, as before. Furthermore, he spoke of the great sentiments associated with attaining British knighthood, which according to him, was the greatest honor he had ever received. I couldn't help laugh when reading the British knight accuse the Bushido warrior of Japanophilia, when he himself is brimming with Anglophilia.
The book is full of information for those, like me, that were curious about how this gentleman, along with his associates, pulled out the feat of transforming an underdeveloped society into a model society. I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Lee Kuan Yew. Besides being a genious at governing the man is a gifted writer. He, almost singlehandedly, achieved what other countries and societies with far more resources only dream of. Pick this book if you wish to learn and, at the same time, be entertained.
|
