Preface

the state must not over-provide, but must always have policies that keep the competitive edge keen.

Foreword

• The economy needs constant renewal of its structure and of the type of industries and services it attracts, those that require higher skills to match a better-educated population.
• The economy and defence are closely interlinked.
• if we are weak, either in our economy or in our armed forces, we are at risk.
• lived through many economic and political crises in the region and the world.

Part 1: Facing the Hard Truths

• communal peace could never be taken for granted.
• “Yes, we are in the midst of a volatile region but we are in the centre of the world’s fastest-growing region with India and China, and if we don’t grow, we are stupid,”
• While much could be entrenched and institutionalised, certain instincts were difficult to pass on to generations with totally different life experiences.
• no man can judge a person accurately if that person is superior than he is.
• To what extent will they support projects which while they benefit Malaysia, will also help Singapore to prosper? Every Malaysian leader must remember these questions. We should not forget this.
• whether China will be the most powerful nation will depend on whether it can attract foreign talent and retain its own talent.
• Talent does not mean only bright academics. Talent includes football stars, tennis stars, singers, rock stars, whatever. Then we have vibrancy.
• A country grows by building one city at a time. A city grows by building one sector at a time.
• the PAP has left no stone unturned.
• Any credible opposition would not be able to come up with a truly alternative platform because if it were made up of smart people who want to do what is best for Singapore, it would arrive at similar conclusions to that of the PAP’s,
• What does it take to be a politician, we asked. His answer, without a moment’s thought: “You must have convictions. If you don’t have convictions, you are going in for personal glory or honour or publicity or popularity, forget it.”
• Theories should evolve from practice.