Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore Prime Minister) – S’pore’s Perspectives on Asia & Europe (Mar 2014)


Chapters

00:00:00 Singapore Prime Minister on Asian Century and Regional Issues
00:09:59 ASEAN's Stance on Diplomacy and Trade
00:15:26 Challenges and Prospects for Democratic Transition in Myanmar and Singapore's Unique Selling Point
00:20:11 How Singapore Maintains Political Stability and Low Corruption
00:25:34 First-Past-the-Post Voting System in Singapore

Abstract

Asia’s Evolving Dynamics: Balancing Growth, Power, and Challenges

In the rapidly transforming landscape of Asia, marked by economic growth, shifting power dynamics, and evolving geopolitical relationships, the region stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenges. This comprehensive analysis delves into the diverse aspects of Asia’s rise, highlighting the nuanced perspectives of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on key issues ranging from China’s growing influence, the role of the United States, the future of ASEAN, to Singapore’s unique positioning and internal political dynamics.

Asia’s Economic Growth and Diversity: A Beacon of Global Stability

Asia’s economic ascension is a positive development, contributing to global stability and prosperity. However, it’s essential to consider the potential consequences of poverty and instability in the region. Prime Minister Lee underscores this diversity, stressing that while Asia’s progress is beneficial for global prosperity, it’s essential to consider the potential consequences of poverty and instability in the region.

China’s Rise and Regional Trepidations

China’s rapid growth and military expansion have stirred unease among its neighbors, particularly concerning Taiwan, Japan, and the South China Sea. Lee adopts a nuanced stance, recognizing improvements in China-Taiwan relations but expressing concerns about the South China Sea disputes. Taiwan-China relations have stabilized under the current KMT government, but China-Japan relations have worsened, and China-ASEAN ties vary depending on issues like the South China Sea.

The United States’ Enduring Influence in Asia

Since World War II, the United States has been a pivotal Asia-Pacific power, offering stability and security. The American “pivot to Asia” reaffirms this commitment, although the feasibility of a multilateral defense alliance akin to NATO remains doubtful. America’s continued presence in the Asia-Pacific region is seen as beneficial for stability and security, but multilateral defense alliances in Asia are unlikely due to differing circumstances compared to Europe.

ASEAN’s Path Forward: Pragmatism Over Union

While ASEAN has a history of cooperation, its future direction is evolving. Lee advises against an Asian economic union, akin to the European Union, due to ASEAN’s diverse nature. The focus remains on pragmatic cooperation in trade, security, and social issues, respecting the differences among member states. ASEAN aims to form an ASEAN Community by next year, encompassing economic, political, and social components. The focus is on achieving substantial progress, not perfection in all areas.

ASEAN’s Stance on Cambodia and the South China Sea

In the 1970s and 1980s, ASEAN, then smaller, opposed Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia, despite the Khmer Rouge’s negative reputation. Today, with 10 member states, unified stances on issues like the South China Sea have become more complex. ASEAN’s principled stance against the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in the 1970s and 1980s illustrates its commitment to principles.

ASEAN’s Ambitious Goals and Realistic Outlook

ASEAN aspires to form an economic, political, and social community, encompassing free trade and mutual recognition. However, some goals may extend beyond the immediate future. With the expansion of ASEAN to 10 countries, achieving consensus on foreign policy issues has become more challenging due to diverse interests.

Navigating Trade and Labor in ASEAN

Contrary to the EU’s approach, ASEAN is not considering a completely open trading system with free labor movement. Singapore’s controlled immigration approach, as highlighted by Lee, aims to balance societal harmony with economic needs. Singapore’s unique selling point is its ability to provide a first-world system in a non-first world region.

Singapore’s Approach to Immigration and Societal Balance

Singapore manages its foreign workforce meticulously, balancing numbers and ratios to maintain societal harmony and infrastructure capacity. The country’s approach to permanent residency and citizenship is controlled and selective. PM Lee identifies Singapore’s unique selling point as its ability to provide a first-world system in a non-first world region.

Historical Contexts of Immigration Policies

Drawing parallels between Soviet and Chinese historical stances on immigration and the Western emphasis on free movement, Lee reflects on differing global perspectives on this issue.

Optimism and Caution in Myanmar’s Transition

Myanmar’s transition to democracy, while optimistic, is fraught with challenges, including balancing ethnic and religious groups. Lee expresses cautious optimism but acknowledges the risk of reversal. PM Lee Hsien Loong acknowledges Myanmar’s progress but cautions that the journey toward democracy is long and complex. He emphasizes the challenges of managing diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Singapore’s Unique Position: First-World System in a Non-First World Region

Lee emphasizes Singapore’s stability, efficiency, and incorruptibility as its unique selling points. He credits his father, Lee Kuan Yew, for establishing a legacy of low corruption, which is deeply entrenched but not irreversible.

Maintaining Singapore’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption Legacy

Lee underscores the public’s role in ensuring governmental integrity, highlighting a system of checks and balances for corruption prevention. The success of this system relies on the character and integrity of its leaders. Singapore’s success in combating corruption is attributed to a strong foundation laid by British colonial rule, which was perceived as less oppressive than other colonial regimes. The People’s Action Party (PAP) recognized the importance of preventing corruption and won the first elections in 1959 with a pledge to maintain a clean government.

Singapore’s Anti-Corruption Foundation and Challenges Ahead

The solid foundation laid by the British and the People’s Action Party has been crucial in Singapore’s fight against corruption. However, concerns about complacency and the need for change arise with the longevity of the ruling party.

Electoral Dynamics and Representation in Singapore

The opposition’s strategy in Singapore’s elections, the unique first-past-the-post system, and the role of NCMPs and NMPs reflect the nation’s efforts to ensure fair representation. Despite these measures, challenges in opposition representation persist, prompting calls for electoral reforms. Singapore uses a first-past-the-post electoral system, similar to the United Kingdom. Singapore’s Parliament is smaller and more uniform compared to the UK, leading to a less diverse political landscape.

Balancing Continuity and Change

Asia’s journey, as encapsulated by Lee’s insights, illustrates a region at the nexus of historic growth and emerging challenges. The balance between economic aspirations, political stability, and social integrity is pivotal for Asia’s continued progress. Singapore, with its unique position and governance model, exemplifies the delicate act of balancing continuity with the necessity for change, reflecting the broader dynamics at play in the Asian context.


Notes by: Hephaestus