We all know LHL had a very regimented upbringing and a childhood crafted by his strict parents who ensured he had no social intercourse with ordinary folks. Nothing wrong with that since it is their prerogative. So what does LHL know about kampung spirit, especially when kampungs have been relegated to history and only remains a faint memory among greying Singaporeans approaching their graves?
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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-says-singapore/798372.html
PM Lee says Singapore needs "gotong royong" spirit to do well
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said the strong community spirit present in kampongs should still be maintained today for Singapore to do well.
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said the strong community spirit present in kampongs should still be maintained today for Singapore to do well.
Mr Lee made these comments at a book launch, specially held for former residents of Kampong Radin Mas.
Kampong Radin Mas is believed to be among the oldest villages in Singapore.
While it was the birth place to many Malay-Muslim institutions, Mr Lee said it also produced leaders who made important contributions in politics, as well as in arts and culture.
He asked: "How did Radin Mas produce so many talented people? Some people said it's because of the 'air pancur' - the spring water, which flowed from Mount Faber to the kampong. Others said maybe it was the ice ball kacang, or the kuti kuti and the kana. All the sights and sounds and colours and activities of the old kampong.
"But everybody agrees that the 'gotong royong' spirit had a lot to do with it, where people help one another, where everybody knew everyone else and each spurred the other to go on and do their best.
"Even today, when we are in HDB flats - much bigger towns, not a few hundred people, but hundred thousand people perhaps - it's still necessary for us to maintain that strong community spirit for us to do well."
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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/pm-lee-says-singapore/798372.html
PM Lee says Singapore needs "gotong royong" spirit to do well
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said the strong community spirit present in kampongs should still be maintained today for Singapore to do well.
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said the strong community spirit present in kampongs should still be maintained today for Singapore to do well.
Mr Lee made these comments at a book launch, specially held for former residents of Kampong Radin Mas.
Kampong Radin Mas is believed to be among the oldest villages in Singapore.
While it was the birth place to many Malay-Muslim institutions, Mr Lee said it also produced leaders who made important contributions in politics, as well as in arts and culture.
He asked: "How did Radin Mas produce so many talented people? Some people said it's because of the 'air pancur' - the spring water, which flowed from Mount Faber to the kampong. Others said maybe it was the ice ball kacang, or the kuti kuti and the kana. All the sights and sounds and colours and activities of the old kampong.
"But everybody agrees that the 'gotong royong' spirit had a lot to do with it, where people help one another, where everybody knew everyone else and each spurred the other to go on and do their best.
"Even today, when we are in HDB flats - much bigger towns, not a few hundred people, but hundred thousand people perhaps - it's still necessary for us to maintain that strong community spirit for us to do well."