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which has become one of the showplaces of Asia–
thanks in no small part to Lee Kuan Yew, who has
firmly guided his island nation for 25 years. Critics of
Lee Kuan Yew say that he has produced a mecbanical,
stereotyped and soulless society that is killing the
human spirit. (The writers of this article strongly
disagree, knowing personally dozens of Singaporeans.
Disciplined, they may be- but "soulless"-never!)
Malaysia, Promlse and Potential
Malaysia began its history asan independent nation
severa) years before Singapore. Malaya (known today
as West Malaysia) became independent in 1957 in very
trying circumstances. Communist insurgency had
become a serious menace after the Second World War,
and a state of emergency had been declared in 1948.
lt
!asted until 1960. After independence, the new
government asked thc British forces to stay on to
continue to fight against the guerillas.
Sarawak and Sabah also became independent, and
joincd Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.
(Singapore was also a member for two years, but left to
Malaysia inherited a terri–
tory rich in natural re–
sources. The country is a
leading producer of rub–
ber, tin and palm oil. The
country is largely agricul–
tura!. Tapioca grows abun–
dantly in the wild. Tt has
ruling sultans and a king
but the nation is ruled by a
parliament and courageous
prime minister.
pursue its own course
after a disagreement with
the central government.)
The Federation of
The population of 13 million is a mixture of
Malays (53 percent), Chincsc (34 percent) and
l ndians
(JO
percent). There are also Dyak and other
indigenous tribes in Sabah and Sarawak.
This rich cultural diversity is also the nation's
Achilles' heel. Serious racial violence broke out in
1969, and to this day rhere is an underlying tension
between the urban Chinese and the Jargely rural
Malay population. Fortunately, Malaysia has had a
succession of pragmatic leaders who steered a careful
course between extremist positions.
Over half the population are Moslems, but the
·government has resisted pressure to make Malaysia an
16
Islamic state. They realize that this would alienate the
Chinese and Indians.
When Malaysia's fourth prime minister, Dr.
Mahathir Mohomad, was voted into office, journalists
asked him, "What about corruption in
government?"
lt
is
reported he said, " [f there is any corruption in my
government it's your job to expose it."
Malaysia has traditionally depended upon the port
of Singapore for supplies and is working hard to
develop port facilities on its east coast.
Singapore is an island without significant natural
resources, space or raw materials- just people.
Singapore must import much of its food. Water
reservoirs are adequate for drinking purposes in good
seasons, but water for industrial use must come from
Malaysia. A population explosion is being tightly
controlled by a "stop at two" policy.
Singapore's 20-story-high apartments have Jimited
The PLAIN TRUTH