Quote

Singapore has been incredibly well-managed. It was created out of the swamp, with a strong emotional idea: a safe place for mostly Chinese, but accepting other cultures and other races.

Singapore is an international city, and it would be a grave mistake to close our doors.

I don't much like Singapore. It's very big, very modern and very urbanised. As a rule, I prefer older places where you get a sense of the history.

It's irrelevant to me what young Singaporeans think of me. I've lived long enough to know that you may be idealised in life and reviled after you're dead.

Singapore is a pretty fantastic place, and the race is always a challenge.

I think there's really strong social stratification in South Asia.

I plan to work my utmost for Singaporeans, whatever be their political affiliation. The presidency is above politics.

Society is better off without certain people.

'Singaporeans first' is different from saying 'Singaporeans only.'

Even in a society as tightly controlled as Singapore's, the market creates certain forces which perhaps in the long run may lead to democracy.