From our perilous years in the ‘50s and ‘60s, a whole generation of Singaporeans was educated in a harsh political school. They were wise to the ways of an irresponsible Opposition and did not vote for any in four successive general elections. They need no further lesson. Nor do the older ministers. But my generation has grown 25 years older. Our children have no memories of troubled time from reckless Opposition. A younger generation of ministers also missed this experience. Fierce combat has made the older ministers what they are. For those amongst us, the older ones that were weak or slow or nervous, they became early casualties. Those present are survivors of a Darwinian process of natural selection. We have keen survival instincts, familiar with every trick, underhand or dastardly manoeuvre. We know how to deal with every scoundrel. (1984)