It is a reflection of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s astonishing stature in the Singapore political scene that he can speak his mind freely, make statements on sensitive issues with his characteristic bluntness, and provoke no angry reaction (except in the free-for-all Internet with its protection of anonymity). If there are responses in the mainstream media, they are always couched in the politest of terms, as for instance, when Minister Mentor recently admitted his mistake regarding the teaching of Mandarin in Singapore’s schools.

Further back in the history of the PAP’s relationship with the people, there were instances when MM, then Senior Minister, put forward two proposals that were so outrageous in their departure from basic democratic principles that they would have provoked an outcry in any other country in the free world, but were merely glossed over in Singapore.

The first was when in the General Elections, the Opposition did surprisingly well, and Mr Lee, livid with rage, went on TV to question the one-man-one-vote system and to suggest an alternative. The second was when Mr Lee, worried by the declining birth rate and its adverse future effects on the Singapore economy, proposed in a public speech, that the system of polygamy should be brought back.

Why does Mr Lee Kuan Yew maintain this unique position of remaining above all criticism and public controversy, of being possibly the only leader in the world who enjoys this privilege?

I think there are three main reasons: 1) the exceptional, total and unqualified deference of his younger colleagues in the PAP, based not only on a natural respect for seniority in a still prevailing Confucianist ethos in modern-day Singapore, but also on genuine awe at his amazing political acumen which they know they cannot match 2) the gratitude of the majority of Singaporeans, albeit mixed with fear (which I had examined as a separate issue in the piece untitled ‘A Climate of Fear in our Society?’) for the good life that Mr Lee, with his efficient leadership, has made possible for a little island state with no natural resources. 3) the high international standing of Mr Lee, now a world statesman, his advice regularly sought, his achievements unfailingly praised by other world leaders.

The combined effect of these three causes is to create for Mr Lee Kuan Yew such a huge reservoir of goodwill, both at home and abroad, that no matter what he says or does, it can never be depleted. It is seemingly inexhaustible, (unlike the shallow little ponds of other world leaders, such as in Japan and Taiwan, that soon dry up) Thus Mr Lee can, with impunity, make less-than-tactful comments about the neighbours, for instance when he spoke about the possibility of Singapore rejoining Malaysia, but only on Singapore’s terms. There was an immediate response of anger from across the causeway, that soon, however, sank below the surface of this vast pool of international regard in which he is held.

A few years ago, I was at a function organized by the press corps to honour Mr Lee. During the question-and-answer session, a local journalist raised her hand and began, ‘Sir, with due respect—’, and Mr Lee, with his trademark bluntness and impatience, cut in with something like: ‘I don’t want respect, I only want intelligence.’ I remember my sharp intake of breath, not at the unseeming dismissiveness, but at the apparent ease with which the audience accepted it.

No other PAP leader, in today’s political setting with its more sophisticated and articulate electorate could have made such a comment and got away with it. When the Prime Minister, some years back, responded to a question that a member in the audience had posed, by commenting that it was a ‘no brainer’, he created enough annoyance to have to publicly apologise later. (I had thought then that the expression was really an innocuous one, carrying no insult, and hence warranting no apology)

But as long as MM is around, he is exempt from any such contretemps. For since it is not likely that there will be another Lee Kuan Yew in the Singapore political landscape, he is truly sui generis, with all that implies of awe and deference.

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About Vignettes...

A continuing flow of little, readable pieces that will constitute what I feel is an important 'legacy of values' to leave behind. Read more about Vignettes...