New Delhi, April 27: Nepal’s young Prime Minister Balendra Shah, known as Balen Shah, celebrated his 36th birthday on Monday. The number 27 holds special significance for him. Just a month ago, on March 27, 2026, he assumed office as Prime Minister. In this short span, he has made several bold decisions aimed at social and political reform. While some of these moves have garnered praise, others have raised questions.
Shah’s leadership style is being compared to that of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Both leaders took office at the age of 36, and their outsider images are seen as a significant similarity. Lee entered power at the end of the colonial era with a new political framework, while Balendra Shah has carved out his identity separate from established parties. His rise amidst the longstanding rivalry between traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML signals a shift towards alternative politics in Nepal.
In terms of governance, Lee Kuan Yew’s model is known for strict administration, anti-corruption measures, and rapid decision-making. Similarly, while Shah’s reformist steps are being praised, they also pose certain risks. His decisions include curbing VIP culture, reducing red tape, ensuring government employees receive salaries every 15 days, investigating illicit assets acquired post-1990, arresting former PM KP Oli on corruption charges, and mandating officials to teach in government schools. These surprising moves have received both applause and criticism. Lee’s reforms also sparked public apprehension during their implementation.
Globally, this comparison is drawing attention. In developing countries where institutional weakness is a major challenge, leaders like Balendra Shah are viewed as potential reformers. However, it is equally important to balance reforms with transparency, dialogue, and democratic values.
Nonetheless, the differences between the two contexts are significant. Singapore is a small, centralized city-state, whereas Nepal is a multiparty federal democracy. Here, balancing power, provincial interests, and political alliances is crucial. Thus, directly applying the Singapore model is neither easy nor entirely feasible.
Politically, Balendra Shah’s emergence legitimizes independent and non-traditional leadership in Nepal. This could pressure traditional parties to improve their practices. However, if his stringent decisions lead to public backlash, this experiment could be limited.
Lee Kuan Yew is regarded as one of modern Asia’s most influential leaders. His story of transforming a small, resource-poor island into a global economic hub is often cited as an example of “outsider leadership” and a strict administrative model.
To understand Lee’s life and policies, his autobiography “From Third World to First” is considered a vital resource. In it, he details how Singapore overcame challenges like colonial legacies, unemployment, ethnic tensions, and limited resources to establish itself as a developed nation.
Lee’s rise occurred during a pivotal time when Singapore was determining its political direction after British rule in 1965. He became Prime Minister in 1959 and established an organized and disciplined political structure through the People’s Action Party. His focus was clear—strict adherence to the law, control of corruption, and merit-based administration.
The most critical aspect of his policies was “meritocracy.” Linking recruitment and promotion in the civil service to capability, strengthening the education system, and attracting foreign investment were all steps that redirected Singapore’s economy. Additionally, he set high standards for urban planning, cleanliness, and public services, which remain hallmarks of Singapore today. When he took charge, three-quarters of Singapore’s population lived below the poverty line, and clean drinking water was scarce.
However, his governance style faced criticism. Strict laws and limited political opposition curtailed democratic freedoms in Singapore. Concerns have also been raised about media control and freedom of expression. Nevertheless, supporters argue that this model proved effective for stability and growth during that era. He ruled Singapore for 31 years, during which dissent was suppressed, and media freedoms were restricted, earning him the moniker “soft dictator” or “soft authoritarian.”
Judging Balendra Shah after just one month in office may not be reasonable. However, some of his decisions have already come under scrutiny. Currently, there is significant discontent regarding customs regulations. The customs duty on goods entering Nepal from India ranges from 5% to 80% for items valued over 100 rupees. The intention was to bolster the economy and promote self-reliance in the Nepali market, but dissatisfaction is rising in border areas. Prices are increasing, and traders are facing losses.
The transformation of Singapore did not happen overnight; it took years of relentless effort. The GDP, which was around $516, has surpassed $100,000 in 2026. This serves as both a lesson and a reminder that change does not happen instantly but unfolds over time. The Singapore model offers valuable insights while also prompting reflection.
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