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What an expensive fortune teller we have.
Let the younger politicians step up: MM Lee
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 December 2009 0731 hrs
SINGAPORE: A system where younger politicians are allowed to take office can create better results for the country, said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Mr Lee was speaking at a dialogue organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on its 40th anniversary on Friday.
Noting that the economic and political system in Japan is still based on seniority, he said leaders there could learn from China, which requires its political leaders to step down when they turn 65. This allows a younger, more dynamic generation of leaders to step up.
"The Chinese watch other countries including us, and now they have an age rule: In the centre, in Beijing, at 65, you retire. Whether you're good or no good, 65 is the cut-off date ... They still use you as adviser in the back row, that is in the centre," observed Mr Lee.
However in the provinces and small towns, the leaders are younger, he said. Mayors, for instance, are in their 40s, and many come armed with PhDs.
Mr Lee said this was what Singapore practised: "We also have a rule – I'm the exception to the rule: I'm 86. But I'm not doing the work, I'm just forecasting, I'm the radar over the horizon.
"The work is being done by younger people in their late 40s and 50s. So there's an energy and a drive and an understanding of the contemporary world, and they're also linked up with the younger generation of voters."
Noting that senior leaders in Japan may be concerned about letting younger leaders run the country, Mr Lee had this to say: "Don't stop them; point out the dangers and let them go, and you might have better results. We have done that."
Mr Lee also covered a wide range of topics during the dialogue, including Japan's immigration policy, the global economic recovery and challenges faced by the Hatoyama government.
Let the younger politicians step up: MM Lee
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 December 2009 0731 hrs
SINGAPORE: A system where younger politicians are allowed to take office can create better results for the country, said Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Mr Lee was speaking at a dialogue organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on its 40th anniversary on Friday.
Noting that the economic and political system in Japan is still based on seniority, he said leaders there could learn from China, which requires its political leaders to step down when they turn 65. This allows a younger, more dynamic generation of leaders to step up.
"The Chinese watch other countries including us, and now they have an age rule: In the centre, in Beijing, at 65, you retire. Whether you're good or no good, 65 is the cut-off date ... They still use you as adviser in the back row, that is in the centre," observed Mr Lee.
However in the provinces and small towns, the leaders are younger, he said. Mayors, for instance, are in their 40s, and many come armed with PhDs.
Mr Lee said this was what Singapore practised: "We also have a rule – I'm the exception to the rule: I'm 86. But I'm not doing the work, I'm just forecasting, I'm the radar over the horizon.
"The work is being done by younger people in their late 40s and 50s. So there's an energy and a drive and an understanding of the contemporary world, and they're also linked up with the younger generation of voters."
Noting that senior leaders in Japan may be concerned about letting younger leaders run the country, Mr Lee had this to say: "Don't stop them; point out the dangers and let them go, and you might have better results. We have done that."
Mr Lee also covered a wide range of topics during the dialogue, including Japan's immigration policy, the global economic recovery and challenges faced by the Hatoyama government.
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