What was Lee Kuan Yew's famous quote about Singapore's survival strategy, and what did it reflect about his leadership vision?

Lee Kuan Yew famously stated: "In a world where big fish eat small fish and where small fish eat shrimps, then Singapore must become a poisonous shrimp in order to survive." This powerful metaphor encapsulated his pragmatic leadership philosophy after Singapore's unexpected ejection from Malaysia, which initially caused him dismay. The quote reflects Lee's determination to ensure Singapore's survival despite its small size and vulnerability. As Singapore's first Prime Minister, he understood that the city-state needed to develop unique strengths and defensive capabilities to thrive in a competitive geopolitical environment. This survival mindset became fundamental to Singapore's transformation into an economically powerful nation despite its geographical limitations.