Lee Kuan Yew’s last wish and the rule of law?

Source: Choo Yut Shing/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0Source: Choo Yut Shing/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

June 16, 2017

I refer to the articles “Lee Wei Ling, Lee Hsien Yang threatened to air dispute during GE, said PM Lee Hsien Loong“, “PM Lee Hsien Loong details ‘deeply troubling’ way Lee Kuan Yew’s will was made“, “PM Lee Hsien Loong sets out timeline of events in the making of and execution of Lee Kuan Yew’s will“, “Lee Wei Ling disputes PM Lee Hsien Loong’s account of her reaction to changes to her father’s will“, “Lee Hsien Yang says PM Lee Hsien Loong lied in Parliament or to committee” and “PM Lee Hsien Loong questions the role of brother, wife in making of final will” (Straits Times, Jun 16).

The international media has been feverishly reporting on the “family feud” (this is the term used by most of the international media), and argubly making a mockery of Singapore’s sterling reputation which was built over the last 51 years.

After scores of pages of statements by both sides, including the Government – the nation has arguably, become deeply divided by this issue, and in the interest of national unity moving forward – I would like to humbly give my layman’s thoughts on this issue.

If there is rule of law in a country – there should only be one issue and one solution – is the will of our late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew valid?

And therefore, only a court of law can determine this, provided the parties involved submit themselves to go through the proper legal process.

Any other way may arguably be – not the rule of law, but “rule by law”.

(Reference: Prosperity versus individual rights, Human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Singapore, July, 2008, International Bar Association (IBA))

It should not be decided, or in a way be decided by proxy debate, by a specially formed ministerial committee (which was not made known to Singaporeans), the Government, or the media.

In this connection, although it may be in a different context from its original intention – perhaps we should focus on “The name or image or likeness of Mr Lee Kuan Yew should be accorded dignity and respect” (“Name and image of Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew“, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) – National Identity).

Leong Sze Hian

 

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.