(Interview was given before Senior Minister’s visit to Iran from 11-14 Mar 2007)

1          Though a very small country, Singapore is universally considered a success story.  How much of this can be attributed to the foresight of its leaders.  Are you satisfied with you contributions to Singapore as Prime Minister from 1990 to 2004?

Ans:   I would say that without the foresight of our post-independence leaders, Singapore would not have become a developed country in so short a time and built such a harmonious society.  Mr Lee Kuan Yew, my predecessor and our first Prime Minister, laid the framework for Singapore's development. This framework encompasses his philosophy of government and the desired core values of a society.  He believed that good, honest and able people must be brought into government, both at the political and civil service levels.  The government must be clean and fair, upholding the rules of law.  Corrupt officials must be punished.

            Meritocracy is practised in Singapore.  Every Singapore citizen has the same opportunity to a good education, housing, and jobs.  We have zero tolerance for nepotism and cronyism.  Even the Prime Minister's son must perform National Service in the armed forces like everyone else. 

            Singapore is a multiracial society.  We have a population of 4.2 million packed into a small island of only 600 square kilometres.  Policies and the practice of tolerance have enabled our people to work, play and live together in harmony.

            As Singapore's second Prime Minister, I pledged to keep Singapore growing and strong.  I built on Mr Lee's philosophy and values framework.  But I also adapted Singapore to a changing global and domestic environment.  Globalisation required Singapore to restructure its economy to remain competitive and attractive to foreign investors.  A generation of better educated younger Singaporeans also expected a different style of government. 

            How much I have contributed as Prime Minister is for Singaporeans to judge.  One indicator of their satisfaction is the re-election of my party to form the government with significant majorities over and over again.  Singapore has continued to do well.   I have done my best for Singapore.  I am satisfied.

2          In 2004, as Prime Minister, you said that Singapore's biggest challenge was to sustain the high standard of living of its people.  Does that still hold true today?  Where do Singaporeans draw the line when it comes to economic and political development?  What is your Government's strategy going forward?

Ans:   It is, in fact, even more true today.  Singapore has open borders.  Singaporeans are well-educated.  They can easily work, live and even migrate to other countries, especially English-speaking countries. Many students who study overseas are offered jobs by companies there upon their graduation.  Hence, to attract them back, and also not to lose those educated in Singapore, we must offer our people the best possible living environment.  This includes providing challenging jobs with good salaries. As a small and young country, we lack the magnetic pull of bigger countries. 

            Singaporeans are practical people.  We have to be, given our lack of natural resources, our neighbourhood and competitive global environment.  We value economic development, good jobs and a safe and secure environment above political liberalisation.  This is not to say that we are apolitical. Singaporeans will throw the government out in a General Election if it does not meet their expectations of good performance, honesty and fairness.

            Moving forward, our strategy is to build an inclusive society.  We will try to involve Singaporeans more in shaping and building their future for themselves and their children.  An inclusive society also means leaving no one behind.  All Singaporeans must share the fruits of our prosperity.

            Economically, we will continue to make Singapore a knowledge-based economy, one that is driven by enterprise, innovation, creativity and cutting edge research and development.  We will make efforts to retain our talent while attracting new talent to Singapore.  Talent is the key ingredient for sustaining Singapore's growth and prosperity.

3          What has the Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) achieved since inception?  How do you think this forum can be effective?

Ans:   The inaugural AMED held in Singapore in June 2005 was in itself an achievement.  It brought together, for the first time, participants from Middle East and Asian countries to discuss issues of common interest.  This has promoted mutual understanding.  Since then, we have established a regional vocational training centre in Jordan and a regional training institute for public administration in Qatar.  We emphasise human resource development because we wish to help countries in their economic development.

            Later this year, Egypt will be hosting the second AMED.  For AMED to be effective, the participants must set a strategic vision for AMED, identify the challenges which stand in its way and work together for a brighter common future.

4          Do you share the view that China is the next superpower and the US will soon have to take a backseat?

Ans:   Barring any unforseen international or domestic crisis, China will have the world's second largest economy in 50 years' time.  Tension and conflict over the status of Taiwan could be one such crisis.  China's domestic challenges such as urban-rural disparity and unemployment are also daunting.  But China's own goals are modest:  to establish what they term a "moderately well-off society" by 2020.

            The US' overall dominance will remain unchallenged for many years to come.  America has a very creative and resilient society.  It will retain its lead in many areas including technology, university education, finance and business. Its military power will be second to none.  The US may appear distracted by Iraq and other foreign policy issues, including Iran's ambition to develop nuclear capabilties.  But it would be a grave mistake to underestimate the US' resolve to maintain its superpower status.

            China certainly does not underestimate the US.  Nor does it have the ambition to force the US to take a backseat.  China seeks a peaceful external environment to grow and resolve its internal problems.  It has been working closely with the US to build constructive and mutually-beneficial relations.

            In Asia, some countries used to be concerned about China's rise.  But China has shown by words and deeds that its rise as an economic power will be peaceful.  China is positioning itself as a responsible player in international affairs. 

5          It is often reported that Singapore has plans to expand its socio-economic clout in Asia, and China and Vietnam in particular.  If so, why these two countries?

Ans:   As a developed but relatively small economy, Singapore must expand its external economic space in order to sustain high growth.  We embrace globalisation and encourage our companies to venture overseas while maintaining their HQ operations in Singapore.  We are interested in China and Vietnam because these are emerging economies.  We can contribute to their growth and in turn benefit by riding on their growth.

            However, we do not confine ourselves to these countries.  We also invest heavily in the economies of our neighbours and India.  In recent years, we are extending our attention to the Middle East, North Africa and Russia, amongst others.

6          What are the main objectives of your visit?

Ans:   I have visited most of the countries in the Middle East over the last three years.  I am starting my second tour to update myself on developments in the region and stay in touch with old friends. 

            My first visit to Iran was in 2004 when I was Prime Minister.  Since then, Iran and the Middle East have seen many changes, some dramatic.  The nuclear issue has aroused serious international concerns.  I want to have a better understanding of this issue from Iran's point of view.  I want to hear the views of Iranian leaders on this and other issues like the situation in Iraq, Lebanon, and the Palestinian/Israeli peace process.  I will offer my frank views from a Singaporean and Asian perspective on these issues, especially the larger implications of Iran's standoff with the IAEA and international community.  Such exchanges will help us better understand each other's interests and concerns.

7          Could you outline in what specific areas can our two countries cooperate?

Ans:   Iran has a very talented population.  It is also rich in resources. There are many opportunities for cooperation.  However, we have to acknowledge that there are serious impediments to the development of our ties.  Iran is under UN sanctions. Whether Iran agrees with the UN Security Council's decision or not, all UN members are legally obliged to comply with UNSC sanctions. 

            Singaporeans are concerned about Iran's standoff with the international community over its nuclear programme and the risk of further UN sanctions.  Singapore's view is that Iran has the right to develop atomic energy for peaceful purposes.  But, to be frank, there are serious international concerns about Iran's intentions.  Singapore hopes that Iran will comply with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA's safeguards regime.  Iran has explained that its nuclear programme is a peaceful one.  But the IAEA is not fully convinced.  Singapore therefore hopes that Iran will take concrete steps to reassure the international community of its peaceful intentions by complying with its obligations under NPT and abiding by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. 

            As a friend who wants to foster closer bilateral relations with Iran, I hope that the nuclear issue can be amicably resolved very soon.  Then our relations can really move forward.  Iran has a rich history and long civilisation.  Iran has the potential to become an important regional leader in the Middle East.  But to do so, there must be trust between Iran and the rest of the world, especially its neighbours.  Iran can gain this trust by playing a constructive role to help restore peace and stability in Iraq and the Middle East. 

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