Lee Kuan Yew’s role in minimising corruption in Singapore

Abstract

PurposeThis paper analyses the role of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister from June 1959 to November 1990, in minimising corruption by implementing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the analysis of Lee’s beliefs and the policies he introduced to curb corruption in Singapore.FindingsLee’s disdain for corruption and his beliefs in meritocracy and the importance of good leadership shaped his commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, which was enforced impartially and sustained in Singapore for the past 62 years.Originality/valueThis analysis of how Lee transformed Singapore into one of the least corrupt countries in the world would be of interest to policy-makers, practitioners and scholars concerned with minimising corruption in their own countries.