TO SAY the least, I am very disappointed by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's comments on the state of graciousness among Singaporeans.

MM Lee is a man of great foresight; he is highly perceptive and a man of influence.

If only he would say "Yes, we must work towards a gracious society", I am sure we will find the wherewithal to do that.

Many years ago, I wrote in a company newsletter that one day the best graduates would flock to companies that embrace environmentally friendly practices, and that clients would demand green solutions and the world would 'turn green'.

My point here is on sustainability.

MM Lee is right.

When the issue of the environment and its sustainability are at stake, which could result in our economic well-being coming under threat, we must all do something about it.

Likewise, I believe the issue of graciousness - or lack of - among Singaporeans is also one of sustainability; but it is sustainability of the ideological kind, which ultimately has an impact on economics.

Can the Singapore economy continue to grow when we become bankrupt of the ability to be gracious to our neighbours, workers, customers, tourists, the elderly or our own family?

Can the democratic (or any other) process flourish when we are unable to entertain alternative views?

When we become bankrupt of graciousness we also become bankrupt of principles and ethics.

The most likely candidates to fill this moral and intellectual vacuum are violence and anarchy.

What then of the economy (bar the 'black' economy)?

Graciousness is little more than the golden rule of "Treat others as you wish to be treated".

It applies to a wider scope of our lives, whether you are driving, using the public transport, interacting with your parents and children, or in shared spaces in general.

When we read of wars and civil unrest, how much of this is due to one group of people not treating others as they themselves would like to be treated - when they have the chance to do so?

Is there an urgent need and should there be political will, for us to strive towards a gracious Singapore?

I shall be gracious and let others give their views.

Dr Lee Siew Peng
Middlesex, UK