Lee continues to cast long shadow over Singapore
May 28th, 2010 | 
Author: OPINION
PAP strongman Lee Kuan Yew may not be the “Dear Leader” of Singapore like North Korea’s Kim Jong-IL or its “eternal” President like Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Nazarbayev, but he continues to make his presence felt in Singapore even though by his own admission, he is not doing much work lately except doing “forecasting”.
One of the founding fathers of Singapore, Lee was its first Prime Minister from 1965 to 1990 before he “stepped down” to become Senior Minister. He is now holding the unique position of “Minister Mentor” in his son’s cabinet.
Though he is technically no longer the Prime Minister of Singapore, the elder Lee has appeared in the news on an almost daily basis for the last two weeks, more frequently than the younger Lee.
It is hard for anybody to ignore his overwhelming presence. No wonder some elderly Singaporeans continue to think that he is still the Prime Minister of Singapore.
His latest overseas trips to China and Japan were given extensive coverage by the Singapore media. Even a private dinner hosted for him by China’s former President Jiang Zemin made the headlnies which was not even reported by China’s Xinhua Daily.
He then jetted over to Japan where he gave his beleaguered hosts a lecture on following Singapore’s example in opening its doors to immigrants before returning to Singapore to attend his former comrade Goh Keng Swee’s funeral.
In his eulogy to Goh, Lee took extra pains to remind young Singaporeans who is the real boss of Singapore:
“He (Goh) was my trouble-shooter. I settled the political conditions so that his tough policies we together formulated could be executed. I gave him the toughest jobs in government – the Ministry of Finance from 1959 to 1965 when economic survival was crucial; Ministry of Defence in 1965 when all we had were two battalions of the Singapore Infantry Regiment, which then had more Malaysians than Singaporean soldiers,” he was quoted as saying in Channel News Asia.
The message is unmistakable: Lee was the one who called the shots in Singapore – the rest, including his henchmen were simply following his orders.
The latest news: A book on Lee titled “Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew” was launched by American columnists Tom Plate a few days ago.
Though decried by his detractors as an authoritarian with the late New York Times columnist William Safire calling him a “dictator”, Lee’s stature as an international statesman continues to grow.
While Kim Jong-IL is vilified by the international community and Nursultan Nazarbayev criticized by the West for his authoritarian ways, Lee is welcomed as respected leader of Singapore by countries all over the world.
Not many people are aware that he is no less merciless than Kim or Nazarbayev in dealing with his political opponents, critics and detractors.
A massive security operation was launched in 1962 which saw the arrest of several key leaders of the opposition Barisan Sosialist and their subsequent detention without trial under the repressive Internal Security Act which remains to this very day.
One of them, Chia Thye Poh, was detained for 32 years without trial, making him the longest prisoner of conscience in the world after Nelson Mandela, yet his name is now almost unheard of in the world.
Despite his obvious shortcomings, Lee is still a widely revered leader in Singapore, no thanks to the endless propaganda being churned out by the sycophantic media day after day.
If the generous tributes given to Goh is any yardstick to go by, one should expect a national day of mourning to be declared when the day finally arrives for Lee who continues to cast a long shadow over Singapore.
Please join our Facebook page here and invite your friends to do so to create awareness of the current affairs affecting Singaporeans. Please use our online web form to contact us.
Posted in Opinion
the big difference between Kim Jong-IL/Nursultan Nazarbayev and Lee is Lee’s cambridge education: it ensures he speaks the language of the western politicians, businessmen and journalists, and observes the legal and other formalities of a former british colony; he also values his place in history and avoids things that would seriously darken his reputation in posterity;
the system he puts in place in Singapore, while different from the west, is nevertheless something westerners can abstractly recognize and concretely do business with; unlike a big country like China, singapore needs powerful western friends just to survive
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
A lot of young sg think pap is forever.
My questions is has anyone of them spoken to : @One of them, Chia Thye Poh, was detained for 32 years without trial, making him the longest prisoner of conscience in the world after Nelson Mandela, yet his name is now almost unheard of in the world.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You cannot be serious.S’pore nowhere near N Korea. Elites are not punished unlike in N Korea where they are executed http://atans1.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/our-swfs-staff-shld-be-thankful/
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It is rather unclear who has given order for the Exercise Cold as mentioned in the article.
I rem reading somewhere it could be Lim Yew Hock.
No matter what it is, it shld be noted that it is rather unfair to compare N.Korea and Sg.
Kim enjoys lux items while his ppl are suffering fr lack of food..
Sg on e other hand a relatively better lifestyle than ppl in N.Korea.
Good weekend ahead.cheers
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The west had very bad experience dealing with the east, i.e. the communist states. Especially when the US was involved in two major wars, Korea and Vietnam, and was defected.
Up till today, many western politicians are still toying with this animosity sentiment – belligerent attitude of Hillary Clinton towards North Korea is just another example.
Lee Kuan Yew was able to draw supports by raising the anti-communists flag.
A cunning fox like him will not remember that during the formation years of modern Singapore, many communists had faught side by side with him.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Yes. Indeed he has done lots of things for Singapore in the past. But the current PAP is very different from the past PAP.
And MM can’t live forever. When he pass on, many big things will happen. Immediately the police will be on high alert, particularly the ISD. If anyone dares to do anything, especially any PAP members dare to turn against PAP, we all know what will happen. It is very easy to bring out the Sedition Act.
Now is the time for the PAP to do what is right for Singaporeans. If we die, we can’t bring our gold bars, Swiss bank account, titles and powers to the coffin. But our good names will live forever in history books. So which is wiser? Choose carefully, dear PAP.
KR
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
not just this… they are going to skew public opinion on the type of crime committed by people who claimed to do public good and take people’s monies only to squander it away.
The monk Mingyi was already paid a lot for fund raising. The good (which is disputable) that the monies does eventually, should not be attributed back to him again.
The fact remains is he abused public trust.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
fox conn increase the basic pay of workers by 20% after the numerous suicides of chinese workers.
We had so many suicides by jumping on the mrt tracks.
The workers’ basic pay is still low.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
sam’s lapdog at work again…
pure propaganda all the way before he goes up in flame…..
as most do…
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Yea,especially the one from the statue the MIWs will surely erect some day-if they are still in power- from the mid-day sun.
Question is will his shadow be that of the ‘GOD OF GAMBLERS’ or the ‘GOD OF MISFORTUNE’?
Pray,people,you tell us?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I see two longest shadows – the twin failures of population eugenics and dependency on all-foreigners of economic experiments.
We are trapped in those quagmires now – an ill-thought out migration influx in counterbalance efforts with grave social and economic dislocation impact and absence of any significant economic pillars outside Singapore on the global stage.
We were like a cork floating in the tumultuous seas 45 years ago – going where tide takes us. And now 45 years later, we are like a wind directionless and no destination to look forward to.
This is our tragedy of political longevity of getting it wrong on our way and persistently staying on the same wrong course for too long.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
anonymous:
get real my friend. what alternative great plan do you have to offer other than shooting off your mouth
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@Tianyou: May 28, 2010 at 4:09 pm
“Kim enjoys lux items while his ppl are suffering fr lack of food..
Sg on e other hand a relatively better lifestyle than ppl in N.Korea.”
.
Should a First World Country such as Singapore be compared with North Korea which will barely even make it as a Fourth World Country ?
Should one not compare a First World Singapore to the First World Country of comparable population size – such as Switzerland, Sweden, and even Israel ?
A country such as Israel, whose existence is in a state of constant seige amidst a hostile region to its existence – has more political rights and social privileges available to every Israeli citizen than any Singaporean of the same social status can even hope to have.
It is easy to measure downwards with countries worst than us, do you have any confidence to measure yourself upwards to those whom we aspire to be – as SM Goh Chok Tong had hoped Singapore will achieve the Swiss Standard of Living by the time he quit politics.
Unfortunately, he had to vacate his PM seat, and his ambition of having a Swiss Standard of Living was abandoned, and had instead left Singapore with a Swiss Cost of Living to contend with.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Yes today got another man jumped onto mrt track again. This week got 2 cases liao.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
pro pro:
May 28, 2010 at 11:20 pm
I am speaking of reality. If you want to deny it, what can I do? The rest of unspoken is your ignorance. That is not my problem nor my solution to offer you.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@atobe
The original article started comparing leader of N.Korea and Sg
I m merely pointing out why it was not appropriate
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Based on this article perception and general opinion or perception of the people i am confident its fair to say when he INEVITABLY Retires sg will Change.
Unless there is a way a man will work forever. Is it fair to say so?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Given the dismal circumstances of having to govern a tiny island state of diverse racial mix, with practically zero natural commercial resource, coupled with the British withdrawal – could any one or any other team do better?
Could any other team steer us out of the Indonesian Confrontation?
The communists who were within the PAP were out to oust the British so that they can turn Singapore ‘Red’. The PAP and the communists within the PAP were using each other.
In the end, it was the people’s vote who decided where Singapore should be headed.
Respect that!
All you keyboard critics do is moan & groan. Offer realistic plans that are economically viable, to be runned by dedicated, dependable, capable, willing would-be-leaders that are acceptable to the electorate – otherwise, shut the hell up!!!
Target the Opposition MPs already in Parliament.. they are the shitheads who, when campaigning to be elected, was full of fire, fury & ideals. After being elected, they do bugger-all, cannot cooperate inter-Party, cannot survive intra-Party … CANNOT..Period!
Imagine such an Opposition rabble industrialising Singapore’s swampland to create jobs for the thousands?
Do not knock the ruling PAP for the sake of doing so. Do something about it. Remember, the PAP was once an Opposition Party. They didn’t cry & sigh. They fought back to win… win the electorate’s trust.
The JB Jeyaratnams & Chee Soon Juans disguised their lack of capability by repeatedly being sued – deliberately! Bright as they claimed to be, given their scholastic achievements, they are stupid enough to be sued repeatedly? Think about that.
The Chiam See Tongs & Low Thia Kiangs are content with their MP’s monthly allowance – choosing to sit back & ‘relak’.
Seriously, apart from getting themselves elected, what have they done?
Here is the scorecard.
Chiam See Tong – elected since 1984
Low Thia Kiang – elected since 1991
The late Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam – elected 1981-1986, Nominated MP (Non-Constituency) 1997-2001
What have they done? What have their political parties done?
Until they can get their act together, the Opposition Parties in Singapore will continue to be that … opposition parties… opposing all other parties – their own parties included!
Think of ousting the PAP? Dream on.
Think of electing the Opposition into power? Dreaded Nighmare!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Was in a taxi yesterday and the driver was as Chinese man in his 60s with a head full of grey hair and during the conversation, he forecasted
1) PAP losing even GRCs such as Aljunied and Tampines
2) Unhappiness with the influx of foreigners within a short period of time, citing many crimes as committed by PRCs
3) High salaries of our Ministers.
4) Arrogance of the government.
5) Lost all response for LKY
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
MM Lee had strong influnce on the Japanese Leader, he had managed to change his mind after seeing Mentor Lee (he still command a lot of respect) For that United States Of America should give him a Purple Heart. MM Lee is playing a dangerous game of (2-timing her girlfriends) Must be sincere, honest and be gentleman to ONE.
However, Singapore need USA & China to surive in the 21st century
Oh…..very nice (Diary Of A Big Man) Chow Yun Fatt, Sally Yeh, Joey Wong…very nice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-1ICzmaa7U&feature=related
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Without MM Lee, the American Military Base would had been gone liao
For world peace hor, to balance things up where USA and China try to buy influnces from all over the world. Nobody is stronger than the other. I shall take the script from (Diary Of A Big Man) a funny rommance love comedy Hong Kong movie about (a man torn between 2 lovers)…I have a very fine solution, I had an ansewer to everything. I am now a muslim and can take 4 wives. I will be nice to both of them and love them equally. I am your model…oh very nice, very nice. This is a win-win solution, for everyone involved, even better than (bao-er-nia/mistress) or having a (ping-tou/lover)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-1ICzmaa7U&feature=related
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
MM Lee very long shadow? If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be R(A) movies in Singapore beliver this will destroy the fabrics of our society. If MM Lee is still in power there will not be a Universal Studios, he was against Casino and other forms of entertainment. If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be medical chewing gum. If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be pubs and drinking. If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be Cable TV…etc The next Leader after PM Lee 2nd, he must be able to married both USA and China together, make them both happy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-1ICzmaa7U&feature=related
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be hip-hop, there will not be MTV music television. If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be bar top dancing. If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be long hair artist. If MM Lee is still in power, there will not be rock concert, most audience cannot stand up and wave their hands. If MM Lee is still in power a lot of music will not be able to be air on our radio station. If MM Lee is still in power, our relationship with Malayisan will be strain. If MM Lee is still in power, Ronny Tan of Lighthouse will be arrested liao, he will not tolerate such nonsense want. If MM Lee is still in power, he will not modify the mother language, Mandarin, those want to leave Singapore, can do so
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
And like with all great leaders and dynasties long past. No one can rule forever.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
If we do not have so much dough in SWF to bail out western banks would anybody bother to listen to us.
If we are not taking hundred of thousands of unemployed mainland Chinese and have the dough to invest in China, and not prudently at that,who would be bothered with us.
If we are not giving thousands of scholarships to mainland Chinese with tax-payers money, they may not even grant you an official visit.
Jewish proverb–A rich man can sing well too.Money talks.Do you know who is in charge of the money?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Well said PAP supporters lor, you will now but not foreever!
See who has the best laughs on the next GE and how many GRC(s) will be lost!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Greenhorn,
Whenever i see people speaking so confidently , i feel sad for you.
Why?
In the last 2 elections, i witnessed 1st hand all the turn outs for WP. There were all Awesome beyond our wildest expectations.
Each election results turn out that they did not win any GRC. Each election shows 2 wards retained only. Never 1 more ward won.
So many did not vote.
So many and such a small population.
Some say many turn out for WP to see show. Even when it was raining and the fields muddy and 1st world singaporeans still stand there clapping cheering?
u see my point?
Perception can be deception.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
can’t wait for the day when that old man goes…. Singapore will then have a new public holiday every year.. yeah!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I believe most of you know the Sri Krishnan Temple, next to Kuan Yin Temple at Waterloo (4 horse road). On Vesak Day, i pray to both temples and while at Sri Krishnan, i heard a old lady murmuring LKY name. Maybe asking the gods to protect him.
I was shocked and look at her, she looked at me. Wat can i say gods can be merciful.
As they say
“Put Down the Dragon Sabre, On spot become buddha”
It is never too late to redeem oneself.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
as a cabbie plying the streets and ferrying all kind of passengers day in day out i happened to evesdroped on the conversation between two united nations officials while on official visit last month. they were sharing views about how the un council members nominate politicians and ordinary people to be nominees to the nobel prize award. i waited for the right moment and then asked one of them will our minister mentor be considered for the nomnination for the award anytime in the near future, he take a long hard look at me and asked; are you kidding me my friend?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
In Britain, the print media have prepared all the words and the TV stations have archived…. all in readiness all the pix ..for when Mrs Thatcher dies.
Its all in a days work for them.
I wonder if our media are ready at that point…for when MM goes to the happy hunting ground.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
With the GE looming near, harry’s standard scare tactic is at work! Only the ah bengs, ah lians, naive, nerds and the fearful or cowards can he sway and cower to make him look “strong and legitimate”. Anyone supported by such weaklings IS ALSO A weakling hor!
Well Mad hatter
Are you blind-sided like that Lionel De Souza in TNP Voices letter writer? You know full well how lky has advantaged himself BY First DISADVANTAGING The Legal Opposition don’t you? Or are you in denial OF Fairness IN JUSTICE? Don’t come and lecture us about it is politics and politics is dirty? If you dare respond so, I’m telling you NOW that you’ll be saying harry is dirty! Pros AND Cons man! You don’t have “Critical Analysis Thinking yet young lad or pap & lky infatuated one!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Mad Hatter:
May 29, 2010 at 10:21 am
“….Could any other team steer us out of the Indonesian Confrontation?….”
You are indeed MAD.
What kind of “blowjob” was that of your mouth? If Surkarno had NOT fallen, how do you know “confrontation” would have not last much longer?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0