Dialogue
High time for change
PM Lee Hsien Loong should take over annual chats with young Singaporeans from minister mentor. Here's why... By Seah Chiang Nee
Apr 14, 2006

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew has continued his annual dialogue sessions with youths long after his exit as Prime Minister, a useful tradition that often provides the nation a brief glimpse into his thoughts.

Usually it takes place at the university; the format may change, but the idea remains the same: To talk to the youths about the problems of the day and to listen to their aspirations.

But after this week's TV discussions with 10 selected Singaporeans, mostly below 30, it has become apparent to me that the time for him to stop and let Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong take over the function.

My reasons for suggesting it are: -

(1) With half a century separating them, the gap between the minister mentor - at 82 - and the youths was just too wide to make the dialogue meaningful.

Mr. Lee was at his usual articulate self but his views - on democracy, fair elections, role of opposition and the press - were little changed from what he had been advocating since the 70s.

On the other hand, the younger Singaporeans held very different views on these subjects. My impression is that each simply couldn't get through to the other.

There was little effort on Mr. Lee's part to try to understand the younger people's viewpoints, while the latter seemed to find some of what Mr. Lee said hard to comprehend.

Comments like walkovers in Singapore these years spelled a strong mandate for the government or "politics is not about to vote or not to vote.." did not impress many of them. It's much like a grandfather talking to - or lecturing - his grandchildren.

(2) PM Lee Hsien Loong should take over because he has to bond with these people, not the father. He has to develop an understanding with them. The age gap is less insurmountable.

(3) Mr. Lee Senior cannot - without upsetting protocol - promise any specific changes or new policies that the prime minister can. Without that, the dialogue becomes less than relevant in breaking new ground.

Regular dialogue sessions between the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Singapore's youths are not only more meaningful than with Minister Mentor - but very crucial for the country.
By Seah Chiang Nee