No solution to terrorism as long as radical preachers are not stopped - SM
By Debra Soon, Channel NewsAsia
There will be no solution to terrorism as long as radical preachers in Islamic schools around the world are not stopped, said Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Mr Lee fielded a range of questions from the role of Taiwan to terror - in his quintessential manner.
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There was a sense of anticipation as the hotel and delegates prepared for the 'Conversation with Lee Kuan Yew'.
But before anyone could get into the venue, they had to undergo stringent security checks which have become the norm for large scale international conferences in Singapore.
Mr Lee himself raised the issue that security checks will be a fact of life as terrorism will be a long term problem.
"So you see the tent outside, now we have to look under the car, I never thought one moment visiting Washington the past few years that we are now studying closely what they are doing, but if we don't, we are inviting a visit from one of these worker bees," he said.
Workers bees, he warned, are being nurtured by radical preachers in madrasahs around the world.
"You can kill the suicide bomber - there are 100s of them. They are worker bees, the queen bees are the preachers in the madrasahs. They produce them and there are many of them. So it's a problem which finally can only be solved by Muslims themselves," he added.
On other challenges for East Asia, Mr Lee disagreed with the Taipei Mayor that economic growth would naturally lead to more democracy.
"I won't be around maybe you will be, I may not. If I am not around and you are right, well then 3 cheers good for Taiwan and good for China. You are not making it easier for your friends by the position you take. As long as you don't declare independence, all is well, the Chinese are interested in a successful Olympics in 08, after that 010, they've got this industrial exhibition in Shanghai. So for 7 years, just make the best of your economic opportunities," he said. - CNA
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