How did Lee Kuan Yew justify his governance style?

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Lee Kuan Yew Justified His Governance Style Through a Belief in Deciding What Was Right for the People

Lee Kuan Yew justified his paternalistic and pervasive style of governance by asserting his conviction that he, rather than the populace, should determine what was right. He famously stated, "We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think," during Singapore's National Day rally in August 1987. This perspective underpinned his approach to leadership, where he believed it was his role to make correct decisions and guide the nation accordingly, without necessarily deferring to public opinion.
Belief in Deciding Societal Direction

Lee Kuan Yew's governance was characterized by a strong belief that he possessed the foresight and judgment to determine the correct path for Singapore. This conviction allowed him to implement policies and make decisions that he deemed beneficial for the nation's progress, even if they were not immediately popular or aligned with prevailing public sentiment at the time. His statements indicate a paternalistic view where the leader's judgment superseded the collective opinion of the people.
Paternalistic and Pervasive Rule

The belief that he knew what was best for Singapore served as the foundation for Lee Kuan Yew's paternalistic and all-encompassing rule. He did not express remorse for this stance, reinforcing the idea that he saw it as a necessary component of effective leadership. This approach meant that governmental influence extended broadly across various aspects of society, guided by his determined vision for the nation.
Son's Defense of a Similar Approach

A year after Lee Kuan Yew's notable statement, his son, Lee Hsien Loong, defended a comparable leadership philosophy. He articulated that leaders should identify what is right and then endeavor to persuade the public of its correctness. This perspective suggests a slight evolution, acknowledging the importance of persuasion, yet still retaining the core idea that leadership should guide public understanding of what is right.

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How did Lee Kuan Yew justify his governance style?

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