Without a strong economy, there can be no strong defence.
Without a strong defence, there will be no Singapore.
It will become a satellite cowed and intimidated by its neighbours.
To maintain a strong economy and a strong defence all on a narrow base of a small island with over four million people, the government must be led by the ablest, most dedicated and toughest.
The task will become more complex as a more educated and confident electorate believe that Singapore has created a sturdy base and need not be as vulnerable as before.
What will never change is that only the best can lead and secure such a Singapore.
We need a sturdy, strong and capable SAF, not only to defend Singapore but return blow for blow when necessary.
If we do not have this strong SAF, we are vulnerable to all kinds of pressure, from both Malaysia and Indonesia.
To have such an SAF, we need a robust economy that is not easily put off-course by external shocks.
The economy needs constant renewal of its structure and of the type of industries and services it attracts, those that require higher skills to manage a better-educated population.
We have been successful for the present in attracting investments.
So we have had to bring in immigrants and foreign workers from Malaysia, China, India and the region.
If we do not have these immigrants and foreign workers, the economic opportunities will pass us by.
To miss these investments would be stupid. Every major investment strengthens and expands the base of our economy and makes it less likely that we will be badly affected by a downturn in any particular sector.
The economy and defence are closely interlinked.
Without strong economic growth, we cannot keep up the kind of 3G SAF, one that every few years has to renew its equipment with new-generation missiles, ships, aircraft and submarines.
We need the sea lanes to Singapore to be open; hence a capable navy is crucial.
- Lee Kwan Yew, 2011; Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going
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