Ten lessons from the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 23, 2015
6. Understanding East and West: A Cambridge-educated lawyer, Lee Kuan Yew was a leader who possessed a deep understanding of the nature of the East and the West. He was a trusted broker who was consulted regularly by multiple United States presidents who sought to understand Asia.
7. Keeping national debt low: While he was a friend to Western leaders, Lee Kuan Yew was not afraid to criticize the West when he saw it proceeding down the wrong path. He was highly critical of the United States’ accumulation of large amounts of debt. Most would agree that this situation is unsustainable because it mortgages the future of succeeding generations and weakens the country.
8. Engagement: While some leaders have followed a course of withdrawal and isolation, Lee Kuan Yew recognized that in an increasingly interdependent and globalized world, one has no choice but to engage with the world and with those who hold opposing views. While Lee Kuan Yew was a tough negotiator and criticized by many, there is no doubt that he was almost universally respected. He spoke candidly and frankly. For example, he advised the U.S. that it had to stay engaged in Asia and could not just come and go depending upon the mood of U.S. domestic politics. He indicated that the U.S. immigration system deserved a failing grade, and he warned the U.S. about trying to impose its system on countries where it is was not suitable. He was also critical of the U.S. system of frequent elections that results in short-term policies and instability caused by constant leadership turnover.
9. China-U.S. relations: Lee Kuan Yew understood that the U.S. had to see the rise of China as a plain and simple fact, viewing China not as an enemy but as an economic and political reality that must be accommodated. China and the U.S. are by necessity interdependent and must work hard to ensure a cooperative and synergistic relationship.
10. Planning for the Long term: Last but not least, Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership exemplified a commitment to thinking and acting with long-term goals in mind. In today’s 24-7 world where everything is short term and instantaneous, many politicians think in the short-term and only care about the next election. It is important for leaders to have the insight, wisdom and courage to also focus upon and meet the less urgent but vital long-term future needs of society.
Strong leadership, sound management, rule of law, absence of corruption, frank dialogue, globalization, education, responsibility, long-term strategy — there is much the world can learn from the leadership of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew.
Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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