The son knows better

Lee Hsien Loong, the son of Singapore's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, and the city state's new prime minister, has never been able to carve an independent image for himself. From the moment he entered politics at the age of 32 in 1984, he was regarded as a pale reflection of his opinionated and ultra-focused father: less impassioned and less talented, if equally abrasive.

Many Southeast Asian leaders (and indeed many Singaporeans) winced at the thought of his inevitable accession. They viewed the younger Lee as a hard-edged, one-dimensional leader, obsessed with his state's economic achievements and its precious sovereignty. However, if his first National Day Rally speech on August 22 is anything to go by, he may prove his critics wrong and herald in a softer, less strident Singapore.

And while it is unlikely that internal reforms will affect the country's external relations immediately, there is no doubt that a well-adjusted citizenry will lead to a less brittle diplomatic style.

Mr Lee's speech stressed the importance of quality-of-life issues. He also sought to reach out to those who have felt alienated by the heavy-handed leadership of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). His change of tack represented a subtle but important reassessment of the shaky foundations of Singaporean society, and signalled the need for its leaders to be more inclusive and holistic.

It is arguable that only 'the son of the father' could have had the confidence and political authority to have challenged such a long-established - and let us face it - successful approach to governance so swiftly.

Indirectly, Mr Lee took aim at what I have long considered to be the dominant political thinking in Singapore: the 'economic determinism' inculcated by his tough-minded father. Singapore's narrow focus on economics and profit is understandable, given its perilous position, bereft of either natural resources or a hinterland.