Policies evolve to suit changing conditions

Government policies are not set in stone and have changed to suit the changing conditions, said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, highlighting that the key to the success of Singapore is the ability to adapt and fundamental values like meritocracy.

“Our policies are not set in stone. We always re-examine old policies and positions, and changed them with changing world circumstances,” said Mr. Lee, who spoke at last night's Tanjong Pagar National Day Celebrations.

“The world changes with new technologies: the computer, the Internet, iPhones and iPads. Our policies must change, adopt and adapt to these new technologies, the new lifestyles they create,” he added.

The government had been against the casinos and the Formula One (F-1) Grand Prix for decades before it finally accepted them, noted Mr. Lee.

“We were against F1 for many decades because we were a crowded city and having cars racing around would encourage people to race along our roads. But recognising that F1 has a jet-set following, and could generate economic spin-offs for our people, we decided to allow F1,” said the senior statesman.

“Similarly, we were against casinos for decades and refused offers of seedy casinos from Macau. But seeing that the casino industry has developed in Las Vegas, a city in a desert, and their casinos have activities such as big convention centres, live performances with successful Broadway hits, food and beverages with famous chefs, we have allowed two integrated resorts.”

The government approved the two integrated resorts to prove that they do not only rely on Singaporean customers, said Mr. Lee, stressing that most visitors come from China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“We used to be derided as just clean, green, safe and orderly, but dull and antiseptic,” added Mr. Lee. However, Singapore has turned into “a lively city” that is now hosting about 3,600 athletes from around the world for the Youth Olympic Games.