China is a vast, disparate country; there is no alternative to strong central power.
Lee Kuan YewRead
If it is not totalitarian to arrest a man and detain him, when you cannot charge him with any offence against any written law – if that is not what we have always cried out against in Fascist states – then what is it?… If we are to survive as a free democracy, then we must be prepared, in principle, to concede to our enemies – even those who do not subscribe to our views – as much constitutional rights as you concede yourself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of upholding constitutional rights for all individuals, even those with opposing views, in a democratic society.
Lee Kuan Yew's quote highlights the fundamental principle that in a democracy, the protection of rights should extend to everyone, including those who disagree with us. He reflects on the dangers of authoritarianism and contends that arbitrary detention without lawful charges undermines the foundational principles of freedom and justice that should be upheld in a democratic society. In order to maintain democracy, it is necessary to affirm and protect the rights of even our adversaries, rather than allowing fear or prejudice to dictate our values.
Themes
DemocracyRightsFreedomJusticeTotalitarianism
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civil liberties during a political rally.
More from Lee Kuan Yew
All quotes →I can feel the gradual decline of energy and vitality. And I mean generally, every year, when you know you are not on the same level as last year. But that's life.
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Political reform need not go hand in hand with economic liberalization.. I hold unconventional views about this.. I do not believe if you are a libertarian, full of diverse opinions, full of competing ideas in the market place, full of sound and fury, therefore you will succeed.
Lee Kuan YewRead
The human being is an unequal creature. That is a fact. And we start off with the proposition. All the great religions, all the great movements, all the great political ideology, say let us make the human being as equal as possible. In fact, he is not equal, never will be.
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They say, oh, let’s have multiparty politics. Let’s have different parties change and be in charge of the Government. Is it that simple? You vote in a Division Three government, not a Division One government, and the whole economy will just subside within three, four years. Finished.
Lee Kuan YewRead
America's greatest long-term influence on China comes from playing host to the thousands of students who come from China each year, some of the ablest Chinese scholars and scientists. They will be the most powerful agents for change in China.
Lee Kuan YewRead
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