Indonesia-backed saboteurs were setting off bombs indiscriminately to create public panic and unrest.

No less dramatic then Sept 11, but its effect on our small nation was no less than the Sept 11 experience in America; fear and panic swept through our entire country and no one knows what would happen next. Many said war was to follow and come to Singapore.

Indonesia, the largest and most populous nation in the region, was going to tear apart the entire South-east Asia with the Konfrontasi campaign, led by Sukarno, then leader of Indonesia.

Had former President Suharto not taken over Indonesia in 1966, Singapore and the rest of the Asean countries might not be what it is today. Our young country and the whole region were allowed to prosper in years of peace following Suharto's rule from then on.

There is no doubt that Singapore will not be what it is today without the peaceful and economic policies adopted by this great leader from Indonesia. Indonesia enjoyed great economic growth and success under Suharto. Many businesses and our economy here in Singapore was lifted by the economic strength of Indonesia.

Many lives, including those of Singaporeans and Indonesians, would be lost if Sukarno had the chance to continue with Konfrontasi. It is truly sad that even in our modern times, many in Indonesia are not able to appreciate and objectively give credit to this great leader.

I thank Indonesia for having such a great leader and only history books will show that, until today, Suharto was the greatest leader to govern Indonesia since its independence.

Syu Ying Kwok