This is the memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew who became prime minister of Singapore in 1959 at 35 years old, Cambridge educated, and third generation of immigrant from China to Singapore. Singapore has been lucky enough to have this man on their country. He is strong, diligent, smart, open minded, reliable leader and a man of vision. I have any doubt Singapore is one of most competitive countries in the world because of him and the people.
He talks about what he had done to Singapore, and then talks about the relation between Singapore and the countries and their leaders. When I read this, I was thinking whether or not I could be prime minister by 35 years old. Most people might say “please wait”, I would say “please wait”, but he did. Of course I am scientist, I don’t need to be a politician but why shouldn’t I learn this attitude how we could contribute our own country. The country which lost this kind of men has to obsolete.
Since I am Japanese, I was interested in the section talking about Japan. I realized that we young generation of Japanese had to take over everything from the older generation of Japanese whatever they had done good or bad.
For the bad side, I was reluctant to believe what Japanese had done to Asian countries. The cruel and brutal Japanese army had threaten to and beaten Asian people. Lee Kuan Yew says we did not apologize. I disagree with this though, at least this book changed something what I had believed.
On the other hand, for the good side, we could take over the richness the older generation left us. And I am proud of Japanese who came back from full of ashes in our country caused by air raid and nuclear bomb. Japanese have complex feeling for American about this. And also Japan has invested a lot to Asian countries to industrialize the country. Lee Kuan Yew was insightful enough to ask Japanese industrialize, not give soft loan to Singapore. Singapore had succeeded, and then Asians realized the value of training and knowledge, and were more likely to cooperate with Singapore and Japan.
Sometimes I say to Asian people, we should see the future of ours, that’s why we are here. We are here to create. That is the only thing we could do for now instead of complaining each other. At least, we are not complaining American anymore. I personally am responsible for the development of Asian physics. I am happy to serve the Asian physics when they need me. I promise I will do my best.
Unfortunately, I found this book at used book store and it was sold at just $1. Do you believe this? If many Japanese don’t read this book, Japanese shouldn’t have right to lead Asian countries. Japanese, please read. Not only this book, we have to read a lot more. I believe the strength of Japanese and the quality of education to survive this global world as Lee Kuan Yew believes us.