Launch of Mr K Shanmugam’s book titled – “Policy, Fairness, and Compassion” – Speech by Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs

ESM

Professor Jaya

Chief Justice

Judges

Colleagues

Friends

1. Thank you for being here. ESM and Janadas, thank you for the very kind words.

2. Now I feel a bit embarrassed talking about this book. Why this book and why now? Some years ago, SPH approached me. They asked if I would write a book. I said no, for two reasons – A good book requires a degree of thought and some time. Second, it should be a useful read, at least for some people. In my case, on the first, I didn’t have time to write such a book. And second, there are things I can usefully say, which may or may not be of interest, but they cannot be said. Anyway, not now. Then another suggestion was made. Can I publish a selection of speeches? I thought that might be of use. Not so much for most of you in this room, but for some others.

3. Let me explain. I have been in public life since 1988. The period 1990s to now, Singapore has seen tremendous change. Socially, culturally, economically. And our legal frameworks too. I have been fortunate, together with many others, to have had a a ringside view to all of these changes.

4. My views would provide a datapoint, a perspective for a future historian. One data point, one perspective, amongst many, for those seeking to understand the Singapore of this period. As I said, not so much for the people in this room - many of you were agents of those changes, many of you were witnesses to those changes. But it might be useful for someone in future trying to make sense of this period.

5. And there was another reason, not unimportant factor. I decided to raise some money for charity on the basis of publishing this book. The money was raised in very short order, three – four weeks. Embarrassingly, the book took much longer. For which I bear all the responsibility.

6. I invited you, most of whom are people whom I have worked with closely or have come to know through school, or law school, or in some other capacity. Colleagues in this life, as well as my previous life, ex-clients, friends, senior grassroot leaders, and to add a touch of spirituality – senior religious leaders. In Singapore, uniquely, my ministry, Home Affairs, interacts very closely with religious leaders - the Mufti, pastors, and all are here. So when I say it adds a touch of spirituality, but to balance it on the other side of the ledger, you have a fair number of lawyers here too.

7. I want to end by giving some special thanks to ESM. Thanks for the kind words in the foreword, and in your speech. I have always admired your vision, your leadership and your determination to do the best for Singapore. Thank you also to all the volunteers, led by Hiang Whai and Edna, who have helped to make this a very special evening.

8. And special thanks too to the five donors, two of whom are here: Datuk Low and Mr Jaleel. The other three: one has passed away, and two are away. I haven’t gotten their permission to disclose their identities. Thanks to all five.

9. Thank you very much.