Wolf Money(book recommendation)

 (Contents)

I managed to get the latest book by George Yeo, titled  “Musings”. The book was co created by Woon Tai Ho. It is the first of three parts trilogy on George Yeo’s view on current world affair. For benefit of readers born after 2000s, George Yeo was the former Foreign Minister of Singapore. He also served in other ministries within the government. During 2011 general election while contesting in the Aljunied GRC, he lost his seat as Members of Parliament and had since stay out of politics. He is currently working as a consultant. His views are highly sought after by corporates and governments around the world.

My first impression of George Yeo, to be honest, wasn’t great. I never like him as politician, I just find him too arrogant to be one(that might be one reason for his failure to get re elected in 2011). After reading his book, I find my impression of him misplaced. That so call “arrogantness” was actually his superior knowledge of world view and the confidence he exhibited on the subject matter. To be fair, there is always a fine line between arrogant and confident. One can’t always differentiate. If there is anything to take away from his election defeat, all political appointees must make part of their work to attend a crush course on communication 101 on how to speak to electorate. I have no doubt there are plenty of able people in our government having strong ability to make things works behind the scenes but empathising with the voters and good public speaking required another different skill set. After reading the book, I got a better understanding of his thinking which I came to admire and respect.

The book started as a mini biography. He talked extensively about his roots, family and religion. It opens a window to the man’s idea. There are other in depth discussions on the subject of India and China. He was one of the chief architect on re establishing Nalanda, the oldest university in the World in India. He was part of the school board till India politicking finds its way into the university. He discussed his involvement in CECA, a Singapore trade deal with India which is a hot button issue with the general population. He was given the Padma Bhushan award, the highest award given to a foreign person by the India government for his contribution to improving ties between India and Singapore. Observers once said George Yeo might be an Indian in his previous life. I have to agree, he is an expert on India affair.

He mention about his affection towards Chinese history and culture. He makes no apologies on his pro China views given his roots. In his opinion, it will be a matter of time for China to achieve greatness and their rightful place as the world largest economy. He commented the Chinese is playing the long and smart game amid the US China trade war by not having a direct confrontation with the US. By biding their time, they are growing stronger each day during these uncertain period. The only thing which can deterred them from achieving greatness is a war with Taiwan and corruption. During the covid pandemic, China is one of those country least affected. Export skyrocketed during the period. China now is sitting on an ever growing trade surplus with the US. He is optimistic about the prospects of China been the next superpower. 

Corruption is the root cause of any failing society and can cause any government to lose their right to rule. China President Xi Jinping was determined to uproot corruption which is an uphill task given the common practice of “Guanxi” in China. When “Guanxi” are involved, there will be exchanged of favour or gifts which give rise to corruption. Fighting corruption is a work in process in China and more so in Singapore.

He mention how Singapore can be better if we play our cards right given the current great rivalry among major powers. Singapore should always have their view in consensus with the rest of our ASEAN neighbours. By having our view voice out through ASEAN, we are less likely to be seen as taking sides in foreign relations. Singapore shouldn’t see our neighbouring countries in disdain as ASEAN provide us with good cover on difficult diplomatic issue. The book is an interesting read on one man’s world view. Series 2 of the book will be coming out in Dec. I will be looking forward to it. The book goes onto Lone Wolf recommendation list. It is refreshing to get a balance prospective on China in a largely pro western dominance media on the internet, a breadth of fresh air.

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