Law Minister K Shanmugam said Singapore considered the Rule of Law to
be fundamental to the country's progress because of two reasons - the
nature of Singapore society at the time of self-government and the
country's weak economic conditions at the time.
Speaking at an event attended by the New York State Bar Association, he
explained how Singapore started as a disparate, multi-ethnic,
multi-religious society.
The challenge was to assure citizens that they would have equal opportunity regardless of race, language or religion.
This, Mr Shanmugam said, could only be achieved through the Rule of Law.
And as Singapore needed foreign investment, the country's value
proposition he said, was to offer laws which businesses would trust and
ensure that courts were independent.
Mr Shanmugam added the other fundamentals which ensured Singapore's
progress was stability in government, a high quality public service and
ensuring external security.
He noted that some quarters may have criticised Singapore for its strict laws.
But he said those who criticise may not be able to see the issues in
their own systems, assume that the values of Singapore society are
exactly the same as theirs or don't understand the need for a different
approach in a different society.
--938Live