What I fear is complacency. When things always become better, people tend to want more for less work.
Lee Kuan YewThe big nest was in Afghanistan, thats not quite cleared, then there are nests in the Philippines, there are nests in Indonesia, the Malaysians are clearing up their nests.
Lee Kuan YewAt the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.
Lee Kuan YewIf I were in authority in Singapore indefinitely without having to ask those who are governed whether they like what is being done, then I would not have the slightest doubt that I could govern much more effectively in their interests.
Lee Kuan YewA leader without the vision, to strive to improve things, is no good. Then you will just stay put, you won't progress.
Lee Kuan YewI am often accused of interfering in the private lives of citizens. Yes, if I did not, had I not done that, we wouldn't be here today. And I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn't be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervened on very personal matters - who your neighbour is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think.
Lee Kuan Yew