Mah Bow Tan, age 16, took his O levels -- six distinctions, two credits. Mr Chiam (See Tong), age 18 -- 1953, I think -- six credits, one pass. He passed his English language, not bad. The next year, in 1954, he worked harder, he got a credit for English. So you see, it's not because he doesn't know English that he found difficulty expressing himself. It's what's inside here [tapping his head]. And you better search your inside before you cast your votes.
-- Then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, at a PAP rally in Fullerton Square in the 1984 General Election. Chiam See Tong beat Mah Bow Tan with a 60.3% share of the vote to win the Potong Pasir seat.
Quoted by T.S. Selvan, Singapore: The Ultimate Island: Lee Kuan Yew's Untold Story
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