Governing: A Singapore Perspective

by S. Jayakumar

Professor S. Jayakumar, a former minister, diplomat and law dean, shares his candid views on many facets of Singapore’s governance, including fascinating first-hand and behind-the-scenes accounts.On Lee Kuan first-hand recollections of events revealing the foundingprime minister’s working style as well as his human side.On world his impressions of monarchs, prime ministers and ministers,with many of whom he developed close relations.On the relationships between the Government, Ministry of Law, Attorney-General’s Chambers and the how they interact in actual practice. On challenging legal issues, how Singapore should deal with issues such as the rule of law; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues; and tough penalties such as the death penalty and caning.On contemporary issues, to 4 should Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong review his handover timeline?General Election 2020: what are the scenarios which the election portends for Singapore’s future?Fight against was it a failure or a success story?Reserved Election of was it justifiable or not?Published by Straits Times Press

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2020

About the author

Shunmugam Jayakumar, often known as S. Jayakumar, is a former Singaporean politician, lawyer and diplomat. He is of Indian Tamil ancestry.

A former member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he previously served as Singapore's Senior Minister in the Cabinet and the Co-ordinating Minister for National Security from 2009 to 2011, Deputy Prime Minister from 2004 to 2009, Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2004, Minister for Home Affairs from 1988 to 1994, Minister for Law from 1988 to 2008, and Minister for Labour from 1984 to 1985.

He was a member of parliament (MP) for the constituency of Bedok within the East Coast Group Representation Constituency. In May 2011 he retired from politics due to health reasons.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stories were not particularly interesting and it felt like he was trying to fill the pages. Dull stories include the time he met with Emperor Akihito (the Emperor was quiet and they didn't speak much) and the time he wondered if LKY was really on the other line after he received a call from a private number (he was).

His views on policy issues were just a reiteration of the current government's position on these issues. It wasn't novel and the book didn't shed any light on his personal views of these policies.

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read of reminiscence and perspective of current issues to Singapore that will have an effect on the future. Compared to most, it’s a good balance of “what we did” and what we confront with trust and confidence on current and future leaders that they will take the road to ensure the future of Singapore. It doesn’t pander on what should be done but what detracts is many references to his previous books. But in and of itself, it has enough to be a stand alone book.

[Asaraf Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its good to read afew autobiographies of leaders.. to gain some experience from them. In this. The author in question shares some of his experiences with various worldleaders. Their behind the stage experience ,their likes and dislikes.

[En Yi WEI · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful sharing by the former minister on how things are decided and happened behind the scene. Worthwhile read.