Regret that Malaysians didn't support Mr Lee

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said Singapore has no racial issue ("Lee Kuan Yew was 'kiasu', says Mahathir"; Sunday). Yes, it is under control now. Mr Lee Kuan Yew was determined to solve it with a country-first approach.

After Singapore's independence, the Singapore Chinese business chamber approached him to ask that he make Chinese the national language and official medium of instruction.

Mr Lee could have agreed, to gain the support of the 75 per cent of Singaporeans who were Chinese.

But he turned it down for Singapore's competitiveness. He implemented meritocracy, regardless of race.

Malaysia's bumiputera policies have cost the country losses.

Even the bumiputera in Malaysia are questioning why the country should be helping rich bumiputera gain from government contracts.

Malaysia should learn from Singapore to help only the needy, regardless of race.

As a Malaysian, my regret is that my relatives did not support Mr Lee when he entered Malaysian politics.

This article was first published on April 7, 2015.
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