“If it is not totalitarian to arrest a man and detain him, when you cannot charge him with any offence against any written law – if that is not what we have always cried out against in Fascist states – then what is it?… If we are to survive as a free democracy, then we must be prepared, in principle, to concede to our enemies – even those who do not subscribe to our views – as much constitutional rights as you concede yourself.” – Opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew, Legislative Assembly Debates, Sept 21, 1955
“We have to lock up people, without trial, whether they are communists, whether they are language chauvinists, whether they are religious extremists. If you don’t do that, the country would be in ruins.” – Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, 1986
I just happened to see one of the guys on sgforums post some of MM Lee’s previous speeches. It almost amazing how he spoke with such fervor and inspiration of democratic ideals in 1955. If I had been born back then, I’d be inspired by him as well.
In an almost regretful sentiment, he spoke words in favor of detention without trial in 1986 as the PM of this country. Was it really the harsh realities of extremist activism that caused the reversal of stance?
Perhaps thats really what being a politician is like?
Well done Shotgun for posting your views. It is a significant step on your part. Ordinary citizens at least now know that there are key personnel in the defence force who have an opinion on the political situation in Singapore. LKY and his contemporaries such as Goh Keng Swee, Hon Sui Sen, Toh Chin Chye, S. Rajaratnam, E.W. Barker etc, were part of the leadership that brought great success to Singapore. However these great men left the political scene umpteen years ago and moved on, except for LKY who is still pulling the strings even after 40+ years. What we have in the present cabinet is a mismatch when compared with those men. It is a well known policy in the defence force to have continuous renewal of leadership, and this is also evident in most business organizations and other gov’t agencies. I have the benefit of being around longer than you and I am convinced that there are many men and women with better talent than those in the present leadership. It takes a lot of passion to be a F16 pilot and I have serious doubts about the men running our country having passion. Most likely in it for the money. As for LKY, it is obviously the lust for power.
By: TheOwl on May 27, 2008
at 12:25 pm
Clarification required on my part.
I am not an F-16 pilot with the RSAF. I fly virtual F-16s with VFS27, a squadron of virtual pilots like myself from all over the world. Some of them are indeed active/reserve USAF F-16 pilots.
JUST in case the RSAF starts hounding me on being a posseur. =D
By: Shotgun on May 27, 2008
at 3:47 pm