 Lee Kuan Yew was recorded in 1967 as believing that "five percent" of a society's population, ""who are more than ordinarily endowed physically and mentally,"" should be allocated the best of a country's limited resources to provide "a catalyst" for that society's progress.Such a policy for Singapore would "ensure that Singapore shall maintain its pre-eminent place" in Southeast Asia.Similar views shaped education policy and meritocracy in Singapore.