Lee Kuan Yew asserted that Singapore's diverse ethnic composition was an unchangeable and defining characteristic. This quote underscores his pragmatic approach to nation-building, prioritizing racial harmony for stability.
Quote by Lee Kuan Yew: “We are a multiracial society. This is a fundamental fact of our existence.”
We are a multiracial society. This is a fundamental fact of our existence.
Insight
Historical Context
From Singapore's early days, Lee Kuan Yew consistently emphasized multiracialism as a cornerstone of national policy, striving to forge a unified identity despite potential ethnic divisions in the region. This quote appears in his memoirs.
About the Author
First Prime Minister of Singapore, serving from 1959 to 1990, widely credited with transforming Singapore from a developing city-state into one of the world's wealthiest nations. His governance style was pragmatic and authoritarian, combining economic development with strict social controls. His 2011 memoir Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going was among his last major works.
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