Mr Lee’s harsh policies pay off

Press, 7 September 1976, Page 8

Mr Lee’s harsh policies pay off

By PETER HAZELHURST, of “The Times,” through NZPA Singapore Drug pedlars who possess more than 15 grams of heroin face the death sentence. Smokers who discard cigarette ends on city streets can be fined $175. Known criminals can be detained without trial for two years. Married couples who have more than two children are subjected to punitive maternity fees. These are a few examples of the disciplinary measures that Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's Prime Minister has imposed on the island State in recent years to transform it into one of the safest, cleanest, and richest areas in a developing Asia. Corruption has been stamped out, foreign multinational firms are increas-

ingly investing in Singapore,] the economy is thriving, and unemployment is low. As a result, apart from a few standing relics such t.s the Raffles Hotel and the old cricket club, Somerset Maugham’s Singapore is no longer recognisable. The sprawling congested slums of only six years ago have been replaced by modern low-cost blocks of flats and green parks. More than half of Singapore’s 2,300,000 people are living in an estimated 250,000 flats in hundreds of blocks that have changed the city’s skyline since t : late 19605. The Government plans to tear down the few remaining slums and accommodate 85 per cent of the population in low-rent public-housing flats by 1980. Many of Mr Lee’s critics question some of his methods, but there can be

no doubt that his policies have paid off. Ten years ago the island State, with a total land area of 212 square miles, v’as threatened by a frightening population explosion. Within a decade the number of children in a family has been brought down to an average of 2.2 The Government offers both incentives and punitive measures to encourage family planning — but basically the stick has been used more than the carrot. There is a programme of public education and free distribution of contraceptives. On the other hand, the charges of maternity hospitals increase sharply after two births, in-come-tax deductions decrease after a third birth, and couples who volunteer for sterilisation after having i two children are given priorr

ity in selecting the children's schools. Under new measures against crime, the death sentence is mandatory l , with few exceptions, for armed robbery and crimes of violence. Criminals can also be sentenced to lashing by a supple cane that leaves scars on the back for life.

This year the Government introduced the death penalty for drug addicts or pedlars who possess more than 15 grams of heroin or more than 30 grams of morphine. A Malayan stevedore who tried to smuggle 47 grams of morphine into Singapore earlier this year was sentenced to death last month. Eighteen others are awaiting trial on similar charges. The Government has cleaned up the city streets by threatening litter bugs with a maximum fine of &200. Spitting in public places—a

traditional habit of Singapore’s vast Chinese com-munity-carries similar fines. Measures have been introduced to ease traffic congestion. Cars with less than four passengers are not allowed into the centre during periods of congestion unless motorists pay a daily tax of $1.20. Import taxes on new cars amount to 150 per cent of the initial cost of a landed car.

The annual road tax on a medium-size car can amount to $lOOO. As a result people are setting up car pools or commuting by bus. Traffic congestion has been thus decreased by 50 per cent. Mr Lee is expected to call an early election before the mandatory period expires in September, next year. .. His critics claim that he

has suppressed the Opposition and indirectly muzzled the press because he fears an open contest and free elections. But there can be little doubt that the ruling I People's Action Party, which lat present controls all 65 seats in Parliament, will retain power in a free election without a fight. After 11 years of Mr Lee’s rule, Singapore has the highest income a head in Asia, second only to Japan. Inflation has been held to less than five per cent, and there was a S3O3M surplus in the State’s balance of payments last year.

The Government has also managed to reduce tensions between Singapore's predominant Chinese community and the minority communities of Indians and Malays, providing them all with security and economic progress.