Daily Lesson from Life 17 January 2009

I came across this letter purportedly written by Ms Lee Wei Ling, daughter of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, 1st PM of Singapore and current MM in his son's cabinet, that I thought is interesting to share my thoughts on.

Quote:

"Wisdom from Lee Wei Ling, Kuan Yew's Daughter
*My house is shabby, but it is comfortable*

There is no end to wanting - after the Ferrari and the Birkin bag, what next?
By Lee Wei Ling"

I am not a particularly spiritual person. I don't believe in the supernatural and I don't think I have a soul that will survive my death. But as I view the crass materialism around me, I am reminded of what my mother once told me: 'Suffering and deprivation is good for the soul.' My family is not poor, but we have been brought up to be frugal. My parents and I live in the same house that my paternal grandparents and their children moved into after World War II in 1945. It is a big house by today's standards, but it is simple - in fact, almost to the point of being shabby. Those who see it for the first time are astonished that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's home is so humble. But it is a comfortable house, a home we have got used to. Though it does look shabby compared to the new mansions on our street, we are not bothered by the comparison. "

Unquote

Personally I like her philosophy and approach to life. That chasing materialism is going to cause a huge disappointment when one passed away as one CANNOT take the wealth and all the rich trapping along. Even the superstitious emperors and pharoah of ancient times did not manged that feast with their many gigantic and architecturally marvelous royal tombs and 'city for the dead kings' in my mind!

The LEEs are in an unique position to influence the attitude and mindset of Singaporeans as MM Lee is a very highly respected national leader and international statesman for his miraculous stewardship (with his team of dedicated and able and committed ministers/civil servants and PEOPLE) of a struggling new nation with NO natural resources whatsoever left for dead into a modern and prosperous nation that many hold up as model to follow. However, in the social and people side, he has a few critics. He has not being able to better balance between economic progress and people's gracefulness! Like a friend said: he and now his son are major in economic performance but minor in people emotional performance!

I feel that whatever has been expressed by Wei Ling, if also endorsed by her powerful father and her PM brother, has a great opportunity to influence the attitude and mindset of Singaporeans towards a sustainable consumption and growth model! Imagined Singapore becoming the 1st country in the world where the national leaders' lifestyle is a model for moderation and sustainable living!

Gone will be the need for the multi-million dollar package to 'attract talent and prevent corruption'! It will be replaced with 'attract talent that are capable and passionate about serving the people to generate a great good for them instead of themselves!' i.e. the really goes back to the ETHICs of my 7e Way of Leaders!

Why do you want to be a leader? It must be because you want to create a greater good for a lot more people than just yourself! It is NOT for personal fame and fortune!

Some will say I am idealistic and I am a dreamer. That this will not happen as it is VERY DIFFICULT for the successful people who are enjoying the multi-million dollar package for so long to suddenly say: I will go for a fixed salary of S$500k/year (Tax Free) package, with variable bonuses subject to meeting KPIs and surplus from the government coffer', to serve in the government! Well, it will be IMPOSSIBLE if the initiative does not come from the VERY TOP level.

Here lies an opportunity for the LEEs to create new ground! I will dream that dream as it is going to bring a profound change in the way Singapore governs Singapore! For the better!