Lutfan Jaes and Azizi Basar (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia) Abstract

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1 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March SEAJ-SPI ISSN Vol. 1, No. 3 (March 2013): Ruling Ideas and Leadership Styles of Mahathir-Suharto in Developing Their Nations and Creating Mutual Regional Understandings from the Eyes of Lee Kuan Yew Lutfan Jaes and Azizi Basar (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia) Abstract The purpose of this writing is about the development discourse involving the idea of effective ruling ideas and leadership style in the development process of a country. Lee Kuan Yew (LKY), Suharto and Mahathir successfully mobilize pragmatic actions to achieve their mission and vision. They took upon the democratic spirit of the west in accordance to their cultures. Their leadership ability led the community to grow from one level to another level is an achievement unparalleled neither by any contemporary leader nor at the present time. By looking at the ruling ideas and leadership style of Mahathir- Suharto in the eyes of LKY is considered as a unique approach. This is because LKY has the political experience of nearly 60 years ( ) to make it a political figure "to skip age and across the centuries". LKY has its own opinion on every world leader. Mahathir in Tom Plate (2012; p 110) cynically stated that "People look at him (LKY) as an intellectual, as something more than just an ordinary politician, so he s always invited to give his views on things, and to that extend he is something bigger than Singapore. He guided Singapore into a developed nation after Singapore separated by Malaysia. Indeed, the history of Malaysia and Indonesia cannot be separated with LKY. He continued relevance in the local and international political arena when he was appointed as Senior Minister ( ) and Minister Mentor ( ). Michael Vatikiotis (1994) in his book, Indonesian Politics Under Suharto described these three great figures; Suharto greatest service is to create stability in Indonesia which lead to and increased Singapore and Malaysia. This stability had increase economic growth whereby Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are called the East Asia Miracle. Hopefully through LKY unique view, a new perspective related to the ruling ideas and leadership styles can be acquired by next generation. Keywords: Ruling Ideas, Leadership Style, Lee Kuan Yew, Mahathir, Suharto

2 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March A. INTRODUCTION Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) is one of South East Asia s greatest nationalist. He is able to mobilise pragmatic actions along with his effective leadership style and ideas in order to fulfill a vision within the context of a developed Singapore. With a track record of 60 years 1 in politics, no one would be at par with his credibility and achievements as a nationalist 2 of Singapore in particular and South East Asia in general. Under his great leadership, the people of Singapore are able to progress and stepped up into a significant level of their own. He guided Singapore to progress 3 succesfully; within the situation of Singapore separated from its rurality 4 in the form of Malaysia. The history of Malaysia in particular and Indonesia in general could not be detached with this towering character. He is the frequent menace when he was in the Malaysian Parliament ( ). His concept of Malaysian Malaysia has caused anxiety among the leaders of the ruling Alliance 5 ; party especially Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak at that time. Mahathir, being a Member of Parliament ( ) in his first term himself, unofficially being the fighting cock of the Government to debate LKY excellent and didactic arguments. Even though he stepped down as Prime Minister in 1990, LKY continues to be relevant in Singapore and the international political arena. He was elected as Senior Minister ( ) and as a Mentor Minister ( ). His perspectives of other world leaders, in retrospect of his formal role and his personal views, indirectly have shed many lights throughout the years. Until now, his ever popular ideology and concept of Malaysian Malaysia is widely spoken and debated even though Singapore is no longer part of Malaysia. The idealism is inherited upon by a select group of political parties in Malaysia until now. Mahathir in Tom Plate (2010; p. 87) stated; People look at him as an intellectual, as something more than just an ordinary politician, so he s always invited to give his views on things, and to that extent he is something bigger than Singapore. The fact remains that he is the mayor of Singapore. This writing is looking into two (2) matters namely a) the basis of LKY s stance and ruling ideas of governance and leadership in a country and also b) LKY s perspectives on governance and leadership styles and ideas of Mahathir and Suharto. Through his diverse views, a conclusion of Mahathir-Suharto ruling ideas may be 1 LKY was born on 16 September 1923 and started his political career in April 1955 as Tanjung Pagar MP under People s Action Party (PAP) ticket. He became the first Prime Minister of Singapore (5 June November 1990), Senior Minister (28 November August 2004) dan Mentor Minister (12 August May 2011). 2 Writer thinks Tun Mahathir of Malaysia and Presiden Suharto of Indonesia are the ones who are able to be of equals with him in South East Asia. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand also has his own great abilities in his constitution. 3 Further reading : - Lee, K. Y. (2000). From Third World To First- The Singapore Story : Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore : Marshall Cavendish Edition 4 On the 9th August 1965, Parliament of Malaysia officially voted Singapore off the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore became an independent and sovereign Republic state. 5 The Alliance Party is a coalition of political parties that represent multiracial demography of Malaysia. It is a dominant party and maintained its majority support from the people with its fight towards independence of Malaya and Malaysia from British colonialism. It is now known as the National Front (Barisan Nasional).

3 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March achieved and can be a guide in the future. It is also important to read and look into the leadership capability in Malaysia and in Indonesia from the perspective of a Singaporean leader. It is more satisfying to know our own leader according to a viewpoint of friend and enemy so that it could bring something good for the future. B. DEFINITION OF RULING IDEAS Governance ideas or known as ruling ideas ; is used by Karl Marx in The German Ideology (1945). According to Marx, 6 ruling ideas belongs to the select group of bourgeoisie of which they would influence and be in control of the proletariat s ways of thinking until as if all forms of oppression carried out by them will look permissible through certain rationales. The original concept championed by Marx as follows: The ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas, i.e. the class which is the ruling material force of soceity, is at the same time its ruling intellectual force. The class which has the means of material production at its disposal has control at the same time over the means of mental production, so that thereby, generally speaking, the ideas of those who lack the means of mental production are subject to it. The ruling ideas are noting more then the ideal expression of the dominant material relationships, the dominant material relationships grasped as ideas; hence of the relationships which make the one class the ruling one, therefore, the ideas of its dominance. Karl Marx s arguments are based on materialism dialectics, conflict between the uppertier of society, the owner class and the labour class, which sits in the middle and often bottom half of the society. This owner class with their material power would exhibit and exploit the labour class, only to fulfill their material and intellectual wealth (Abdul Rahman, 2009; p. 3). The ruling ideas concept by Karl Marx is held tight and firmly understood by LKY in his views and actions when he was in the Federation of Malaysia and also after Singapore became an independent country. LKY purposely failed to see the ruling ideas that must be adjusted and adapted to the historical background, development and demographic of the Malay Archipelago. He only wanted to view Singapore as part of British colonialism 7 and wanted the application of his ruling ideas to be spread throughout the Malay archipelago especially in Malaysia. In relation to this, the situation of the Malay community in Malaysia and Indonesian was not as tight and precise as what Marx has analyzed because the leaders whom appeared during the Sultanate reign or even after independence, were strongly influenced by Malay culture and practices and teachings of the religion (Hindhu, Buddha, Islam). They lead the community in order to provide comfortable living and better opportunities in the future. Thus, the ruling ideas in Malaysia and Indonesian should be 6 -ruling-are-in-every.html 7 Around the 14th century, the island of Singapore is part of the Srivijaya kingdom and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town")

4 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March seen in their own mould with political and historical background, economy, social and styles and the values of the Malay civilization, Malay-Islam and The Country Principles / Pancasila. Religion guidance and values of the civilization become an instrumental control to direct the leaders and their leaderships in Malaysia and Indonesia 8 since the beginning of time. Hence, the ruling ideas could be viewed as a borrowed term (from West) only for the leaders to dissect and understand the major ideas of an authority. This is because the ideas of the lead players that set the tone for the rules of governance. C. LKY AND RULING IDEAS It is important to understand LKY S stance and ideology of which form his ruling ideas in Singapore and also through his views to see the ruling ideas of Mahathir-Suharto. The basic ideas of his political opinion can be traced back as early as when Singapore was still part of the Malaysian Federation in Basic variations in terms of ruling ideas in nation building between LKY and Tunku Abdul Rahman had resulted to Singapore's removal from Malaysian Federation. LKY in his biography, Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truth To Keep Singapore Going (2011) emphasized; My fundamental belief is that whatever your background, you should have an equal chance in life, in education, in helth, in nutrition. So you may not be as well-fed with all the meat and vitamins as a wealthier person, but you should have enough to make sure that you re not stunted, so you can perform and achieve your best in life. That s the only way a soceity can grow. I am against a soceity which has no sense of nurturing its best to rise to the top. I m against a feudal soceity where your birth decides where you stay in the pecking order. (Han Fook Kwang et. al, 2011; p. 50) LKY sees the political hegemony and Malay rule as something which is racist and unfair. He sees justice within the context perfect competition between the races. LKY do not want to understand concept The Sovereignty of Malay Rulers which already cemented its place as part of a great civilization and culture dated since the 2nd Century. 9 He failed to understand majority concept and that some race should be given special assistance because they are seen as being left behind from other race in the trend of colonisation development. Role, existence, effort and contribution LKY, his father (Lee Chin Koon) 10 and his grandfather (Lee Hoon Leong) 11 in Singapore gave him sense and meaning that there should be no difference between him and other races especially the Malays. It is clearly indicated in the memoir, recorded after Singapore was voted out of the Malaysian Federation as follows: 8 especially Mahathir (the Malays) and Suharto (the Javanese) 9 just saying some ancient Malay kingdom like; Minanga, Kedah, Srivijaya, Dharmasraya, Singhasari, Majapahit, Pagaruyung and Malacca 10 born in Semarang 11 Lee Hoon Leong is LKY paternal grandfather who was born in Singapore. While the maternal grandfather of Kin Chua Teng also born in Singapore (chronology of the family in Malacca) and married Neo Ah Soon from Pontianak

5 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March I was weighed down by a heavy sense of guilt. I felt I had let down several million people in Malaysia: immigrant Chinese and Indians, Eurasians, and even some Malays. I had aroused their hopes, and they had joined people in Singapore in resisting Malay hegemony, the root cause of our dispute. I was ashamed that I had left our allies and supporters to fend for themselves, including party leaders from other states of Malaysia Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. (LKY, 1998 ; p ) The most effective platform for LKY to spark his ruling ideas at that time, was at the Malaysian Parliament. LKY stated: I drew a distinction between political equality and the special rights for the economic and social uplift of the Malays. I accepted the special rights, but if the other peoples of Malaysia were denied political equality with the Malays, we would not need Sukarno and Confrontation to crush us. Waving a copy of the Malaysian constitution in my right hand, I said, Once you throw this into the fire and say be done with it, that means you do it for a long time; and history is a long, relentless process. (LKY, 1998 ; p. 610) Through his experience as a lawyer, working with various and multi-racial workers has helped mold his attitude and his own ruling ideas. Not to forget his bold stance of going against Communist s influence in Singapore, whether outside his political party or within PAP itself, can be lauded as a great contribution towards the British, Malaya and the entire South East Asian region. In one of his last words during his time in the Parliament of Malaysia, before Singapore separated from Malaya; If we delude people into believing that they are poor becuse there are no Malay right or because opposition members oppose Malay rights, where are we going to end up? You let people in the kampongs believe that they are poor because we don t speak Malay, because the government does not write in Malay, so he expects a miracle to take place in 1967 (the year Malay would become the national and sole official language). The moment we all start speaking Malay, he is going to have an uplift in the standard of living, and if it doesn t happen, what happens then?...meanwhile, whenever there is a failure of economic, social and educational policies, you come back and say, oh, these wicked Chinese, Indians and others opposing Malay right. They don t oppose Malay rights. They, the Malays, have the right as Malaysian citizens to go up to the level of training and education that the more competitive soceities, the non-malay soceity, has produced. That is what must be done, isn t it? Not to feed them with this obscurantist doctrine that all they have got to do is to get Malay rights for a few special Malays and their problem has been resolved... (LKY, 1998 ; hal )

6 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March D. RULING IDEAS AND MAHATHIR S LEADERSHIP STYLES FROM THE EYES OF LKY As genuine a politician, LKY should know closely the background and what type of political opponent he is facing. This is important to manage the variety of needs especially his political needs. Regarding Mahathir, LKY states; He was different from his predecessors. The Tunku, Razak and Hussein Onn were from the aristocracy or the traditional ruling families associated with the sultans. Like me. Mahathir is a commoner-a trained profesional doctor and self-made politician. I believed I had satisfied him that I was not interested in outmanoeuvring him, that I wanted a businesslike relationship. It was as well I initiated this dialogue and developed a working relationship. Had we carried our old antagonisms into the future, both countries would have suffered. (LKY, 2010; p ) In many ways, Mahathir can be regarded as LKY main political enemy, whether when Singapore was within Malaysia or when Singapore was issued from the Malaysian Federation. LKY got to know Mahathir formally in year 1965 when a debate on Yang Di- Pertuan Agong in the Malaysian Parliament given by Mahathir, LKY recorded;...dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, an UMNO MP (later, prime minister of Malaysia), denounced the PAP in the federal parliment as pro-chinese, communist-oriented and positively anti-malay, saying Singapore had retained multilingualism while paying only lip-service to the national language, and that In some police station, Chinese is the official language, and statements are taken in the Chinese. The national language schools, he said, were the worst-treated on the island, and until very recently had been given only the most primitive facilities. In industry, the PAP policy is to encourage Malays to become labourers only but Malays are not given facilities to invest as well (LKY, 1998 ; p ) LKY stated that Mahathir was very direct and unapologetic in his anti-singapore views. Mahathir was candid about his deep anti-singapore feelings. He recounted how, as a medical student in Singapore, he had directed a Chinese taxi driver to the home of a lady friend, but had taken to the servants quaters of this house. It was an insult he did not forget. Singapore Chinese, he said, looked down upon the Malays. (LKY, 2010 ; p. 276) LKY S getting to know and read Mahathir s thinking, he expected different leadership styles compared to the Malaysian leaders before him but he inherited the same ruling ideas of the Prime Minister of Malaya before. It snarls with idealism to defend the sovereignty of Malay hegemony of which LKY viewed as clear, aggressive and ultra. He records that of a follow up meeting and a positive return visit between Mahathir and him as he hoped to avoid any suspicious feeling. I expected Mahathir to succeed Hussein as Prime Minister and wanted to put our old antagonism behind us. I knew he was a fierce and dogged fighter. I had seen the way he had fought the Tunku when the Tunku was at the height of

7 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March his power. He had been expelled from UMNO but that did not deter him from carrying on the fight. I was not unwilling to clash with him when we were in Malaysia, but feuding between two sovereign states was different. I initiated this dialogue to clear away the debris of the past. (LKY, 2010; p. 275) Mahathir s consistency in his stance championing the Malay hegemony 12 caught LKY s attention in his memoir; In May that year (1999) Malaysian opposition leader, Lim Kit Siang, revived the concept Malaysian Malaysia. Mahathir reacted sharply to say it was a threat to their (Malay) identity, becuse Malaysia was previously called Tanah Melayu (Malay land). (LKY, 2010; p. 286) Meanwhile, LKY in relation to tragedy of the 13th May 1969 racial riot between the Malays and the Chinese in Malaysia; Four month after the riots, I called in the Tunku at his high commissioner s residence in Singapore. He looked depressed, showing the effect of a harrowing experience. He had been openly attacked in a widely circulated letter by Dr Mahathir Mohamad for having sold out the country to the Chinese. (LKY, 2010; p. 265) LKY thinks that Mahathir, at the beginning of his term as a Prime Minister, behaved too direct in his words and actions. Among them, when he asked LKY to remove the SAF (Singapore Arm Forces) from water supply pipelines from Johore to Singapore 13. Mahathir also requested LKY to severe political ties with Chinese leaders in Malaysia especially from DAP (Democratic Action Party). However, LKY admitted that Mahathir suggests more intimate relations between the two countries (Malaysia- Singapore) that commonly share most part of the history. The significant change of policy was the initial step among many by Mahathir. LKY quoted; During our one meeting (Disember 1981), he (Mahathir) said people in Johor were jealous of Singapore. He advised me to lessen the envy by socialising at an official level. I said his foreign ministry, Wisma Putra, had objected to such fraternising. He said he would tell them this was his proposal. (LKY, 2010; p. 277) Bilateral issue between Malaysia and Singapore at the beginning Mahathir s rule (1981) reflected by LKY as going well. The round table discussion approach became the formula to both leaders. Issues involving Pedra Branca 14, Tanjong Pagar 15 train station, Singapore defence system and water supply to Singapore were settled amicably. In fact, 12 Issues related to sovereignty and Malay hegemony in this paper is an abstract. This issue would require a much more specific discourse to be discussed. 13 LKY said that Singapore needs to put soldiers in sewerage water-malaysian Johor contigency for later in the day if Malaysia suddenly dominated by extremists and ultra-malays. 14 also known as Pulau Batu Puteh by Johor government but ultimately owned by Singapore after the island overlapping claims is determined by the International Court. 15 In Dato' Seri Najib era (now Prime Minister), Malaysia agreed to transfer the Malayan Railway station Berhad Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands Train Checkpoint.

8 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March LKY also revealed that one of the earliest move carried out by Mahathir was to withdraw the sanction imposed for building materials to be exported to Singapore. This policy change was not publicly announced but Mahathir allegedly told the authorities in Johor about this matter 16. After a while, LKY sees Mahathir as being more pragmatic. Many decisions carried out by Mahathir were seen like a prejudice towards Singapore and helped increase the Malaysian income in an easy way. Malaysia s decision to put a levy of RM100 to all vehicles entering Singapore together with food from Malaysia in January 1984 was seen hurting Singapore. LKY also disputed and claimed that Malaysia under Mahathir took actions that do not encourage the relocation of industries from Singapore to Malaysia by Japanese and American multinational companies 17. In fact in October 1984, Malaysian government has slashed the import duty of various food items which are imported directly to Malaysia. These decisions were deemed impartial towards Singapore, which all this while was very dependent on tertiary industries (banking, port and others) and product reprocessing before becoming finished goods and being marketed. LKY is also interested with Mahathir s effort to tackle graft especially among top party leaders in UMNO. Graft can ruin and destroy the whole nation. In regards of this issue, LKY stated that; In Malaysia, UMNO leaders call it money politics. In his speech to party delegates in October 1996 Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad noted that some cadidates vying for higher positions had been offering bribes and gifts to delegates in exchange for votes. Dr Mahathir deplored the practice of money politics and was moved to tears as he urge party delegates not to let bribery destroy the Malay race, religion and nation. (LKY, 2010; p. 190) When Singapore strives to become developed nation, one of the important things considered by LKY was the cleanliness movement and greenness (clean and green movement) environment. This effort became increasingly exciting when Mahathir was also seen striving to make Kuala Lumpur a clean and green city;. Our biggest divident was when Asian leaders decided to compete in the greening of their cities. Malaysia s Dr Mahathir, who had stayed at the Istana Villa in he 1970s, asked me how I got the Istana lawns to be so green. When he become prime minister, he greened up Kuala Lumpur. (LKY, 2010; p. 204) Although generally LKY tagged Mahathir as a Malay ultra, but from another side, he pictures Mahathir as a dynamic and well-visionary leader. In a perspective which involves Malay people's capability, LKY recorded that; He wrote, Whatever the Malays could do the Chinese could do better and more cheaply, and they resulted from two entirely different sets of hereditary 16 that the affairs of the export jurisdiction of the Federal and State Government has no power connected. Please see LKY, 2010, p 277 and 228 for more information. 17 Japanese and American multinationals have electronic assembly plant in Malaysia. Then the electronic parts are shipped knocked down to Singapore for a more complex process.

9 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March and environmental influences. Years later, in 1997, when he was Malaysia prime minister, Dr Mahathir said he had reversed his stand and no longer believed what he wrote in The Malay Dilemma. (LKY, 1998 ; p. 441) When Mahathir unifies time interval between West Malaysia and East Malaysia, LKY also unified the time in Singapore 18. LKY admires Mahathir, who wants to learn good things from Singapore. LKY recalled the matter by stating; He (Mahathir) had asked his ministers and officers to learn from Singapore. No other Malaysia prime minister or minister had ever publicly said they had anything to learn from Singapore; Mahathir did not suffer from this inhibition. This open minded attitude of learning from anyone whose success he wanted to duplicate in Malaysia distinguished him from his predecessors. (LKY, 2000; p. 277) Shortly after, our high commission in Kuala Lumpur reported a perceptible improvement in attitudes among Malaysian ministers, MPs and civil servant toward Singapore. They were willing to learn from Singapore and were open about it. They praised Changi Airport and hoped that Subang would be half as good. There were increased visits to Singapore to study our productivity, urban planning and other matters. (LKY, 2000; p. 278) The efforts from Mahathir to show the Malays that they need to wake up and strive by applying science and technology and not trapped with religious practices which are vague, that LKY sees as something that is extraordinary; He had pushed the Malays towards science and technology and away from obscurantism. He had the courage to say in public that lady doctor using a pencil to examine a male patient (which the Muslim religious leaders wanted) was not the way to treat patients...he had educated younger Malays, open their minds with the vision of the future based on science and technology, especially computers and the internet...the majority of the Malays and all the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia want this future, not a turn towards extreme Islamic practices. (LKY, 2000; p. 290) Mahathir was ditermined to redress the economic balance between the races...only Mahathir had the courage to tell his Malays... (LKY, 2000; p. 287) LKY also acknowledges it was quite difficult to deal with Malaysia under the Mahathir era in a relationship which involves interests from both sides. Mahathir allegedly was very critical in discussing certain issues especially those snarling with economic field, importance of port and security. Definitely tight situations happened and various considerations were taken into account when dealing these issues. 18 Please refer to LKY, 2000; p. 277

10 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March At the same time, Mahathir's willingness to seek help from his enemy 19 in building the economy of Malays puzzled LKY himself. Mahathir in this matter asked Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia to help Bumiputra entrepreneurs who were losing their business, to rebuild their business. 20 Tun Dr. Mahathir s capacity to bring Malaysia from a mediocre level into a significant level from the past (agricultural economy to economic industry) with the construction of various landmarks and world class infrastructures gained admirations from LKY. LKY admits that no leaders would be of equal to Mahathir (in Malaysia) especially in difficult and challenging situations 21. Mahathir s courage and outspoken character especially on the international stage in championing something that he believed in, really amazed LKY. For example, LKY remember this matter in particular with the experience when dealing with the Australia and New Zealand leaderships....when Australia and New Zealand wanted to join the Asia side of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) of heads of government in Bangkok in 1996, Prime Minister Mahathir objected, saying they were not a part of Asia. It was his visceral reaction, one not shared by most of the other leaders. (LKY, 2010; p. 445) In a seminar organised in National University Singapore on 24th of July , LKY voiced his opinion; Dr. Mahathir is strong in a different way. From time to time, he deliberately chooses to speak a little louder, and his political opponents have discovered that he wields the stick like a tok guru silat. (Seow, 2010; p. 313) The way Mahathir single-handedly steered Malaysia throughout the financial crisis that struck in was vividly remembered and monitored closely by LKY himself. Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia was diminished by the Western media headlining his denunciations against currency speculators and Jews like George Soros. (LKY, 2010; p. 384) As the crisis spread, in July Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir denounced George Soros as the speculator responsible. Then Bank Negara Malaysia announced changes limiting the amout of Malaysian ringgit that could be swapped into foreign currencies. In September 1997, at an IMF/World Bank meeting of international bankers in Hong Kong, Mahathir said. Currency trading is unnecessary, unproductive and totally immoral. It should be stop. It should be made illegal. Another sell-out of all Asean currencies and stocks followed. 19 In this case LKY consider Mahathir denying equal opportunities to the Chinese in particular in the field of business. 20 LKY dedicate this in his autobiography. Please read more Lee. K. Y. (2000). From Third World To First - The Singapore Story: Singapore: Marshall Cavendish 21 LKY referring to the dismissal and arrest of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim 22 The seminar related to "Differences Between Leadership Style Tunku Abdul Rahman and President Suharto"

11 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March (LKY, 2010; p. 386) The ruling ideas of Mahathir era also enables Singapore, under LKY leadership to expand steadily as a result of having a good competitor. It is duly acknowledged by LKY himself; Mahathir wanted Malaysia to excel, with better airport and container port. A bigger financial centre and a Multi-media Super Corridor. He has built up-todate container wharves at Port Kelang and new super airport 75 kilometres south Kuala Lumpur. This made us re-examine our competitiveness, improve our infrastructure and work smarter to increase our productivity. (LKY, 2010; p. 289) In his speech during Singapore s Independence Day on the 26th August 1990, he wrote; Our good fortune has been that Dr Mahathir...has the strength to override the hang-ups of his politicians and officials that arose out of the separation (of Singapore from Malaysia). (Seow, 2010; p. 313) In year 1986, President Israel made an official visit to Singapore on the invitation of the Singapore President. The event had aroused uneasy feelings from the government led by Mahathir let alone Malaysians, which clearly rejects the Zionist governance imposed on the Palestinian land. Demonstration and protest were staged by Malaysians. In this matter, LKY and his government were clearly insensitive and did not take into account the sentiment of its neighbours; I (LKY) told our high commissioner to explain that we had announced the visit and could not cencel it without damage to ourselves. Mahathir recalled the Malaysian high commissioner in Singapore for the duration of President Herzog's visit, saying that relations with Singapore were no longer as good, but the ties were far from tense. (LKY, 2010; p. 280) Finally from time to time, LKY claimed that any issues which arose between Malaysia and Singapore; that Malaysia wanted a brotherly styled solution which requires younger brother (Singapore) always give in or respecting the request from the big brother (Malaysia). Cynically LKY stated; When non-vital interests were at stake, we were prepared to humour "abang", but not when "adik" had legitimate interests to defend, as in the next issue that arose-malays in the SAF in Singapore. (LKY, 2010; p. 280) LKY claimed that his relationship with Mahathir turned to the worst especially with the President of Israel s visit to Singapore; Later, in October 1987, I met Mahathir at the Commonwelth Heads of Government Meeting in Vancouver. He said that all the things he had wanted to do in cooperation with me had gone wrong. (LKY, 2010; p. 281)

12 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March E. RULING IDEAS AND SUHARTO S LEADERSHIP STYLES FROM THE EYES OF LKY LKY recalled Suharto s personality as; I saw him a careful, thoughtful man, the exact opposite of Sukarno. He was no extrovert. He did not set out to impress people with his oratory or his medals, although he had many. He maintained a humble, friendly appearance, but was clearly a tough-minded man who would brook no opposition to what he set out to do. (LKY, 2010; p. 302) In his speech during Singapore s Independence Day on 26 August 1990, LKY stated that; It is our singular good fortune that President Suharto took over from President Sukarno. It would have been totally different Southeast Asia, had we had a second Sukarno. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) LKY thinks that Suharto is not a type of leader who tends to succeed on landmarks or to form an empire. He is sincere to lead the country in his own way. In an Independence Day speech series dated 26th of August 1990 he said ; One man, his attitude, his approach, his philosophy of development changed the history of Southeast Asia. He was not interested in building an empire. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) LKY in an interview with the journalist- Abdul Kadir Jasin for the New Straits Times Malaysia stated; Straight dealing depends on personal chemestry, plus a word, once given it has never been broken by either side. Over the years I can say that there has not been any breach of confidence. This has led to a relationship of trust and confidence. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) LKY also remembered Suharto as a good listener, very historicism and behaving Java (quite central Javanese ways). They substantially share the same opinion on specific issues involving regional and international issues 23. LKY managed to state that Suharto also believed in supernatural force (supernatural) which in a way give a conviction on himself and whatever decision he has carried out. Suharto looked comfortable conversing in Indonesian language with LKY, he seldom take note and like to discuss with the concept four eyed meeting in whatever case When we meet, we talked directly and simply, no beating about the bush. It s a four-eyes meeting, that the purpose of a four-eyes meeting. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) LKY admires Suharto s greatness and cunning abilities in his early years of his rule as an excellent action. In fact, the transition between Sukarno to Suharto wrote by 23 In particular American intervention in Vietnam and Cambodia and Selat Melaka issues.

13 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March LKY as something that is subtle and unique. LKY quote lengthily; Suharto played it out slowly and subtly, like an Indonesian wayang kulit, a performance with puppets shown in silhouette as shadows on the screen. So carefully was this shadow play choreographed, so gradual the moves to strip Sukarno of authority, for some time we did not see that power had already shifted away from Sukarno to Suharto. (LKY, 2010; p. 296) In March 1966 Sukarno signed a presidential decree that gave General Suharto power to take all necessary steps to guarantee security and preserve stability. I was still not sure that Sukarno was out, such was his charismatic hold on his people.. (LKY, 2010; p. 296) Suharto is a person who speaks his mind. LKY portrayed Suharto as a leader who is focused to develop Indonesia and not to resort into international intervention in particular. Lengthily LKY accentuated Suharto s personality as follows; It was our good fortune that the character, temperament and objectives of President Suharto allowed me to develop good personal relations with him. He is quite man, courteous and punctilious on form and protocol. His character is in keeping with the way he carefully probed and assessed my position before my visit to Jakarta. After our second meeting, we had confidence in each other. As we met over the years, I found him to be a man of his work. He made few promises, but delivered whatever he had promised. His forte was his consistency. He is three years older than me, broad-faced, broad nosed, with somewhat taciturn expression until he got to know one, when he would smile frequently and easily. He enjoys his food, especially desserts, but made an effort to control his weigh through walking and golf. Although he speaks calmly and softly, he became quite animated once he gets going on an important subject. He is not intellectual, but he had the ability to select able economist and administrators to be his ministers. (LKY, 2010; p. 305) In Suharto s era, LKY expected economic prosperity and security which could bring direct impact on Singapore. Although by externally, LKY looked to be hopping mad on Malaysia but indirectly, LKY was more worried by what Indonesia was capable off. LKY knew the unexpected real strength of Suharto. In a seminar organised by Singapore National University Political Association on the 24th of July 1990, LKY states that; Whoever meets him (Suharto) cannot doubt the strength in the men. Behind the gentle, smiling appearance is decisiveness and determination. And it is not necessary for him to carry a big stick because his key ministers and his Armed Forces chief do not allow their President s rulings to be flouted. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) In various biographical records and the autobiography, LKY often reflect on Indonesian role and Suharto s guarantee not to snarl with colonial territory, issues on the waters of Straits of Melaka, the archipelago concept in Malay archipelago (archipelago

14 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March concept) and deep-oil exploration claims. In a statement LKY (from his many statements) quite lacily, he quote; Suharto made clear his determination to get Indonesia moving after 20 years of neglect. He said he appreciated that Singapore could assist in this Herculean task of rebuilding Indonesia and recognised the quality of the Singapore leadership. He gave me the impression that he was likely to treat us correctly, even cordially, based on a realistic assessment of the relative strengh and weaknesses of our two countries. (LKY, 2010; p. 301)...He (Suharto) made clear that Indonesia had no claims to Singapore or Malaysia and claimed only those territories that had belonged to the Dutch East Indies. (LKY, 2010; p. 301) Sustainable development also attracted LKY s attention towards Suharto; President Suharto pushed greening in Jakarta, as did President Marcos in Manila and Prime Minister Thanin in Bangkok, all in the late 1970s. I encouraged them, reminding them that they had a greater variety of trees and similar favourable climate. (LKY, 2010; p. 204) In a collaborative context and regional security, the role of Suharto and Indonesia could not be disputed. In the effort to maintain order and peaceful summits and meetings, the ASEAN conference in Manila (December 1987), Indonesian has been instrumental by deploying assistance in the form of war ships, helicopter cover and a team of rescuer commando 24. This team was mobilised especially at Manila Bay in tackling any trouble that would occur including rescue missions of leaders including LKY. LKY remembered this and records; Without President Suharto s firm support, the summit would have been postponed and confident in Aquino s 25 government undermined. The Philippine government agreed that the responsibility for security should be shared between them and to the Asean government, in particular the Indonesian government. (LKY, 2010; p. 340) In the Suharto era, Indonesia would recognise new family and old family of Asean unconditionally and without any malice. This was proven when Suharto took full responsibility to terminate the confrontation that happened between Malaysia and Indonesian, of which was an aggressive policy implemented under the leadership of Sukarno. In Bruneian acceptance p. on the other hand as new member in Asean 26, LKY recorded his experience with Suharto as follows; In 1980 I had raised with President Suharto the question of Brunei s 24 Led by General Benny Moerdani 25 Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco also known as Corazon Aquino; is the eleventh (11) President of Philippines Filipina ke sebelas (11) replacing Ferdinand Marcos. Her position as the President was unstable and recieved various threats from inside and outside of the country.. 26 On 4th January 1979, Brunei and the United Kingdom have signed a Cooperation and Friendship. On 1 January 1984, Brunei Darussalam has achieved full independence.

15 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March possible membership of Asean when it became independent. Suharto said he would welcome Brunei if it wanted to join. (LKY, 2010; p. 345) As a big country and looking powerful, Suharto s leadership provides an Indonesia which is comfortable and pleasant for his neighbours. Asean and other Southeast Asian countries did not feel threatened with Indonesian presence. LKY quote; The role of Presiden Suharto was crucial for the success of Asean...Under Suharto, Indonesian did not act like hegemon. It did not insist on its point of view but took into consideration the policies and interest of the other members. This made it possible for the others to accept Indonesia as first among equals. (LKY, 2010; p. 370) On the international arena (Asean), Sukarno s leadership exemplified how a military leadership can adapt and be adjusted into a civil leadership to run a country. This is recognised and suggested by LKY himself. In LKY s record, in relation to Myanmar When General Than Shwe, the Myanmar prime minister and chairman of SLORC 27, visited Singapore in Jun 1995, I suggested that he visit Indonesia to learn how it changed from military leadership, with General Suharto in charge, to an elected presidency. The Indonesian constitution gave the army a direct role in government, with representation in the legislature under a system called dwifungsi (two fuctions). The Indonesian army had a constitutional role in ensuring the security and integrity of the country....myanmar had to go in that direction if it wanted to be like the other countries in Southeast Asia. (LKY, 2010; hal 363) LKY s initial hurdle when dealing with Suharto was in regards of the racial problems (local ethnicity against Chinese immigrants) cultures and language. LKY describes these issues; Our friendship (LKY-Suharto) overcome the many prejudice between Singaporeans of Chinese descent and Indonesians. Throughout the 1970s and 80s we met almost every year to keep in touch, exchange views and discuss matters that cropped up. I would explain that language and culture were difficult emotional issues I had to handle sensitively. (LKY, 2010; p. 306) The Communist issue has become a solidarity tool to these two great leaders. They share the same point of views and opinion especially the snarling Chinese Communist clusters which triggered many problems in Indonesia and Singapore. Threat and communist idealism unite LKY s and Suharto s opinions. In fact, their discussion about communist issues in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysian, Thailand and Southeast Asian were in good tandem. In an event where Malaysian and Thailand governments recognized and created diplomatic relationship with Beijing and Phnom Penh, Suharto s frustration Suharto was written by LKY; 27 State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), replaced Burmese Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) 1988 until 1997.

16 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March Razak 28 has visited Beijing in May 1974 and established diplomatik relations. Malaysia had recognised the Khmer Rouge government in Phnom Penh immediately after they captured it. With disappointment in his voice, Suharto said he had told Razak of Indonesia s bad experiences with Beijing, referring to China s support for the Indonesian Communist Party s attempted coup in September (LKY, 2000; p. 638) Then Kukrit 29 visited Beijing in June 1975, two month after fall of Saigon, and established diplomatic relations. Suharto saw things getting worse in Malaysia and in Thailand (LKY, 2010; p. 303) Suharto s concern was allegedly visible with situation above. Due to this, LKY stated that since then Singapore's relationship with Indonesia was close especially involving intelligence (intelligence) to ensure economic development and guaranteed regional security. When talking about the fall of Suharto; LKY has his view which is fair, interesting and distinctive. LKY described Suharto s position as a Javanese king in yesteryear which plays the role but very contra with call for democracy now 30. Suharto s failure to cover up the bad image of his children 31, which involved unlimited wealth and foundation share ownership, doubled up LKY s attention. In fact LKY stated I did not understand why his children needed to be so rich 32 Indonesia was a celebrated example of corruption on such a grand scale that Indonesian media-men coined the acronym KKN for Kolusi (Collusion), Korupsi (Corruption) and Nepotisme (Nepotism). President Suharto s children, friends and cronies set example that made KKN an irreducible part of Indonesian culture. (LKY, 2010; p. 191) LKY thinks that KKN became the key factor behind Suharto s fall from grace and the angst of the general public. Suharto have been compared before with Marcos 33 by Walter Mondale 34 but LKY defended Suharto s credibility by arguing; I (LKY) answered that Marcos might have started off as a hero but ended up as a crook. Suharto was different. His heroes were not Washington or Jefferson or Madison, but the sultans of Solo in central Java. Suharto s wife had been a 28 The second Prime Minister of Malaysia and also the father of Malaysia s fifth Prime Minister Dato Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak 29 Kukrit Pramoj was Thailand s thirteenth Prime Minister ( ) 30 LKY noted that; Ibu Tien (Suharto's wife) seems incredulous when LKY expressed a desire to retire around November 1990 when LKY is still healthy and three years younger than her husband. 31 LKY refers to Suharto's daughters who clearly with various jeweler while attending the wedding of Royal of Brunei. 32 LKY, 2010; p Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was the President of the Philippines from Associated with various squandering of money and property of the country. 34 Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale (born January 5, 1928) American politician from the Democratic Party and was the 42 Vice President of the United States ( ) at the time of President Jimmy Carter.

17 Southeast Asian Journal of Social and Political Issues, Vol. 1, No. 3, March minor princess of that royal family. As the president of Indonesia, he was a megasultan of a mega-country. Suharto believed his children were entitled to be a privileged as the princes and princesses of the sultans of Solo. He did not feel any embarrassment at giving them privileges, because it was his right as a mega-sultan. He saw himself as a patriot. I would not classify Suharto as a crook. (LKY, 2010; p. 314) Other factors that much connected with leadership fall Suharto definitely due to regional economic crisis which hit around Suharto s failure and his cronies to understand the international economic solution and foreign collaboration (International Monetary Fund and high powers snarling with him) perceived as major failure. Suharto s problem had been compounded by the increasing intrusion of his children into all lucrative contracts and monopolies. The IMF targeted several of them for dismantling, including the clove monopoly and a national car monopoly by his son Tommy, the power station contract to his daughter Tutut, and banking licences to oher sons, to name just a few. Suharto could not understand why the IMF wanted to interfere with his internal affairs. In fact these monopolies and concessions had become major issues with the fund manager. (LKY, 2010; p. 313) In this matter LKY claimed, Singapore had committed the best assistance for Indonesia to handle the currency crisis. He requested by the other neighbouring countries to advise Suharto and his family. Some encounters with Suharto and the children (Tutut and Titiek) provided by LKY with the Singapore Prime Minister at that time (Goh Chok Tong). LKY tried to convince them how critical it is for the Indonesian economy and one of the major steps is to wipe out monetary privileges and corporate entities which are related with the family. On 13th of January 2008 when he visited Suharto in Jakarta hospital, Channel News Asia reported it. To reflect on LKY s stance on Suharto in the fall of the Suharto era; I feel sad to see a very old friend with whom I had worked closely over the last 30 years, not really getting the honours that he deserves. He deserves recognition for what he did. The younger generations both in Indonesia and in the world do not remember where Indonesia started. I do. That s why I came here to visit him. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) Yes, there was corruption. Yes, he gave favours to his family and his friends. But there was real growth and real progress. I think the people of Indonesia are lucky. They had a general in charge, had a team of competent administration including a very good team of economist to built up the country. (Seow, 2010; p. 317) I m very sad to see his life come to an end without the full glory that he deserves. There s very few people of his age and my age who can remember the past. And if they can remember the past, they will know that in the 1960s, Indonesia was in very dire economic difficulties hyperinflation like today s