I feel sanguine enough to say that there has never been a better set of conditions for open democratic politics because there is no need for unified front politics.
Lee Kuan YewEven from my sick bed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel something is going wrong, I will get up.
Lee Kuan YewYouโre talking about Rwanda or Bangladesh, or Cambodia, or the Philippines. Theyโve got democracy, according to Freedom House. But have you got a civilised life to lead? People want economic development first and foremost. The leaders may talk something else. You take a poll of any people. What is it they want? The right to write an editorial as you like? They want homes, medicine, jobs, schools.
Lee Kuan YewI have never been over concerned or obsessed with opinion polls or popularity polls. I think a leader who is, is a weak leader. Between being loved and being feared, I have always believed Machiavelli was right. If nobody is afraid of me, I'm meaningless.
Lee Kuan Yew