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SCMP Reporter

James Chim Wai-chiu, 17

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

Singapore  is one of the most developed countries in Asia. The government is famous for its honesty  and high efficiency. This would not have been possible without former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.  He  promoted economic reform and development and  established the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau   and  a retirement benefits system. These have all benefited the people.

Jacqueline Yiu Wan-yan, 16

Wa Ying College Martin Luther King is the political leader I admire most because he promoted  non-violence and peaceful means to resolve conflicts.  His famous speech  sparked people's conscience,  and the movements and marches he led  brought important changes to  America.  His courage and selfless devotion inspired people.

Amy Siu Choi-hang, 17

SKH All Saints Middle School  I admire Deng Xiaoping  most. Although he faced many challenges, he never gave up.  He solved problems and offered good suggestions, and his policies influenced the lives of most Chinese people. He also helped change the world for the better and many people supported him. He is a role model.

Wu Ping, 15

STFA Tam Pak Yu College

I admire Abraham Lincoln and support his policies.  Lincoln ended slavery  through his Emancipation Proclamation. A real leader should care about everyone, irrespective of their skin colour.   He defeated racism by freeing the slaves. He also helped  build up a caring society.

Borromeo Li Ka-kit, 17

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

It's definitely  Sir Winston Churchill, who led Britain  during the darkest hours of the second world war.  In his first speech  as prime minister, Churchill said: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.'  He fought for justice.  No other political leader would have had the courage to tell things as they are. He told his people the unpleasant facts and was praised for his honesty and integrity.

Marvin Chung Man-ting, 15

Wah Yan College, Hong Kong Nelson Mandela.

Despite his bitter experience of being imprisoned unjustly,  he never gave up and was committed to  settling disputes between the state and its citizens. He ignored  criticisms and  fought for democracy. He eventually  transformed South Africa into a democratic nation.  Even after retirement, he has devoted himself to health campaigns and other public service activities.  He is an admirable leader.

Rais Azad, 14

Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo)

The political leader I admire most is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,  who was a key figure in the Islamic revolution in Iran. Khamenei was appointed to the powerful post of Tehran's Friday Prayer Leader in the autumn of 1979. In June 1981,  he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a bomb, concealed in a tape recorder at a press conference, exploded beside him. He was  badly injured, but the event helped affirm his reputation as a 'living martyr' among his followers.



Question of the week: Which political leader do you admire most?