We should pay recognitions to the contributions that Mr. Lee Kuan Yew has made to Singapore; and do so while he is still conscious enough to appreciate it. We can do it in so many ways:
- Celebrate his birthday.
- Hold exhibitions about him.
- Make films about him.
- Names sites and buildings after him.
- Build statues for him, etc.
Ultimately, there is nothing more lasting than his principles, beliefs and values. They are what we should preserve and propagate. In the last paragraph of one of his books, he wrote:
“That we have succeeded in the last three decades does not ensure our doing so in the future. However, we stand a better chance of not failing if we abide by the basic principles that have helped us progress: social cohesion through sharing the benefits of progress, equal opportunities for all and meritocracy, with the best man or woman for the job, especially as leaders in government.”
Unfortunately, it seems those principles are being overturned even when he is still alive. Meritocracy is being replaced with diversity and inclusiveness.
Different groups are clamoring for positions of authority based, not on merits but on each group’s interest. It is happening so fast and furious that one Minister has to come out to assert that “meritocracy is not a dirty word”.
How pathetic.
Meritocracy is definitely not a dirty word. In fact, it should be one of our undying principles.
Logan
TRS reader