Multilingual like Singapore, Lee speaks good Malay as well as several Chinese tongues. After 1965, he set to forging a national identity among Chinese, Malays and Indians. Lee had dealt with eruptions of Chinese chauvinism and communal strife in 1961 and 1964, and issued stern warnings about where loyalties must lie. Lately, national cohesion has been served more by patriotic songs and campaigns on social habits. Lee didn't brook any behavior or habit deemed anti-social.
Crime is dealt with severely.
In the 1960s, a triad gang problem was ended quickly when suspects were detained without trial. In recent years, scores of drug offenders have been hanged. Last year's caning sentence on an American student for vandalism was reduced by two strokes when President Bill Clinton intervened. Countries need discipline more than democracy, Lee has said. He has sued political opponents and imposed restrictions on the press.