Asian Angle | Why the Lee Kuan Yew family feud is a metaphor for Singapore
There are three key issues to understanding the saga surrounding the home of the Lion City’s late founding leader. Here’s what they are
Everyone can see this even if they do not understand all the complex details that have emerged from this sorry saga. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong – Lee Kuan Yew’s son – recognises this only too well and has apologised to the nation for the grief it has caused. The many issues that have been raised can be confusing, from the different versions of the will to which lawyer was involved in which deed.
But here’s the thing – you do not need to understand every single part of the unfolding drama to know what really matters and is important for Singapore. In fact, you should not let the toing and froing over the details prevent you from getting to the issues of public concern.
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So, what are the key issues? There are three.
First, it is a valid question to ask how involved ministers should be on this issue. The only matter that concerns the government is whether to preserve Lee Kuan Yew’s house at 38 Oxley Road – something that it has the right to do under the Preservation of Monuments Act. Any other issue, including how the late Lee Kuan Yew decided on his will and who his lawyers were, has nothing to do with the government, or with you and me, least of all a committee of ministers.
In his last will, Lee Kuan Yew, said he wanted the family bungalow demolished after his death, but his children have fallen out regarding this instruction. Lee Hsien Loong has expressed “grave concerns about the events surrounding the making of the Last Will”, and favours preserving the house. His siblings want the home demolished, and have accused the prime minister of seeking to use the home as a monument to enhance his political capital.