Lest we forget - Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Team

"No man is an island." John Donne.

Singapore's first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew was a very successful man. He has been closely linked to the success of Singapore, turning a third world nation to a first world nation.

As a health management professional, my work experience has shown me that good leadership can bring great achievements. But good leadership alone is not enough, you need a great team.

For example, when a patient comes to hospital with a serious fracture, the doctor alone can't treat the patient successfully. Yes, he can lead the team to treat the patient, but he needs the whole team to work with him. He needs the anesthetist to administer the general anesthetic; he needs the nurse to care for the patient while in the ward; he needs the physiotherapist to help rehabilitate the patient to full movement; he needs the clerks to help fill in the administrative paperwork; he needs the nurse manager to make sure the hospital is well stocked. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

Singapore's First Cabinet (Source: NLB)

Whilst we remember Mr Lee's achievements, we should also remember all the men and women who worked as Cabinet Ministers, Ministers and Members of Parliament, the thousands of civil servants and whole pioneer generation. Everyone played a part in making Singapore the country she is today.

Here are some of the key people.


Ong Pang Boon

Mr Ong was the first Minister for Home Affairs. He reorganised the police force, making it more honest, trustworthy and efficient. In doing so, he tackled the problems due to secret societies, gangs and organised crime. He also started the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to tackle corruption particularly within the civil service. As part of his role, he also tackled "immorality" such as prostitution, pornography, gambling dens and imposed censorship on immoral media.
Later as the Minster for Education, Mr Ong made learning a second language compulsory in 1968.


Goh Keng Swee

As the Minister for Finance Dr Goh started the Economic Development Board (EDB) in 1961 to further economic growth by attracting foreign investments.

Next as the Minister for Defence, he started mandatory conscription, National Service, in order to rapidly build a strong defence force.

Then as the Minister for Education, in order to decrease school drop out rates, he implemented streaming so that students can learn at their own pace.


Toh Chin Chye

Dr Toh was the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 - 1968. He led the committee which created the Singapore Flag, National Anthem and Crest.

He also established the faculty of Engineering, Architecture and introduced professional courses such as accounting and business administration to support the industrial growth in Singapore.


Yong Nyuk Lin

Mr Yong was the first Minister of Education. He massively increased enrolments into school by creating schools in 2 sessions - morning session and afternoon session. He also increased the number of teachers over by 30%.

Later on as the Minister of Health, he greatly improved public cleanliness through the implementation of the hawker's code and improved the way rubbish was removed. Public health was improved by means of vaccination of school children and school health and dental checks.

Finally as the Minister of Communications, he took part in the creation of Singapore Airlines, reorganising public bus services through the formation of Singapore Bus Services (SBS), and reducing congestion through the Area Licencing Scheme (ALS) - which is the predecessor of today's Electronic Road Pricing (ERP).


Sinnathamby Rajaratnam (aka S. Rajaratnam)

Mr Rajaratnam  was Singapore's first Minister for Culture. He was responsible for the development of Singapore's Pledge - focusing on the key values.

Later, he was the Minister for Foreign affairs from 1965 - 1985. His achievements include Singapore gaining entry to the United Nations. He is also one of the founding fathers of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).


Lim Kim San 

Mr Lim brought Singapore the Housing Development Board (HDB). In the 1950s, Singapore's housing situation was dire. People were living in overcrowded housing with no sewage system. This public housing endeavour brought widespread home ownership. Today, 80% of Singaporeans live in a HDB flat.


While we walk in the footsteps of these giants, let us not forget that it takes hard work, selflessness, perseverance and courage to make our country grow and prosper.


References
Singapore Infopedia
Wikipedia: S. Rajaratnam
Pictures from Wikipedia, Singaporepioneers.blogspot, Asiaone, National Library Board Singapore

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