Integrity is the linchpin of democracy, says PM Lee during debate. Senior politicians and officials in Israel face a litany of criminal charges and in Nehru's India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them. #India #Israel #ST #DawnNews

“Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders, who fought for and won independence, are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. 

“They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurion, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too,” he said. 

However, successive generations struggled to maintain that momentum, he said, giving the example of Israel and India. 

“Ben-Gurion's Israel has morphed into one which can barely form a government, despite four general elections in two years. Meanwhile, a stream of senior politicians and officials in Israel face a litany of criminal charges, some have gone to jail. 

“While Nehru's India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder.” 

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