June 23, 2013, 8:34 pm


Lee Kuan Yew


It was heartening indeed to note that at long last a government minister himself has realised the ‘pressing need for a code of ethics for politicians’ (The Island – 20th June 2013). Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhane has said that politicians are fast becoming gangsters at every level and damaging the image of the government. According to the minister as many as 42 politicians elected to local bodies were hauled up before courts last year alone for various offences. (However the ‘gangsters’ at the highest level are still at large, carrying on regardless, as if they were above the law!)


However the idea of formulating a code of ethics for politicians is still merely a thought on the part of the minister.


In this context it would be good for the country if the powers that be emulate the architect of modern Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. He stated in 1979 that "The moment key leaders are less than incorruptible, less than stern in demanding high standards, from that moment the structure of administrative integrity will weaken, and eventually crumble. Singapore can survive only if Ministers and senior officers are incorruptible and efficient…Only when we uphold the integrity of the administration can the economy work in a way which enables Singaporeans to clearly see the nexus between hard work and high rewards."


I believe that the above statement of Lee Kuan Yew speaks volumes about the secret behind the success of modern Singapore, which is nothing but integrity and hard work on the part of the leaders.


At the time of gaining independence from the British, Singapore was a country infested with corruption at every level, and Lee Kuan Yew quite rightly realized that the country could not go forward unless the situation was brought under control. Accordingly, the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) was enacted in Singapore in 1960. Subsequent to the enactment of the act the first step Lee Kuan Yew took was to turn its full glare towards his own People’s Action Party. He believed in putting his own house in order first. He never tried to shield his political buddies from deterrent action against them in line with the PCA.


I believe that if our leaders are genuinely interested in the advancement of Sri Lanka and the well-being of its people, and in achieving the goal of becoming the wonder of Asia they should emulate Lee Kuan Yew.


N.P. Karunadasa,


Kandy

island.lk