Lee Kuan Yew
Another term
What people are saying.
Jan 29, 2006

The following is a balanced, cross section views of 82-year-old Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's decision to contest another five-year term.

YoungPAP
AF2005
He has contributed much and deserves a good rest. And now in semi retirement phase. He will just need to spend his time giving speeches and talks. And only really step in on those issues, which have not been previously settled in his time. So call unfinished business. SIA and unions problem is one of them.
I think he should also spend more time with the people, older and younger generations of Singapore. The majority still has respect for this guy.

ppp214
Like it or not, I foresee that if he goes, the PAP will split and this will be disastrous for Singapore. Anyone disagreeing here? I mean i feel that after all is said and done about leadership change and all that, he is still the man in charge.
If he dies his influence is gone and I dun think anyone can ever really replace him and thus, PAP will be one big battlefield where everyone wants to be chief. Now there might be such sentiments (that is why several ministries don't know what the other is doing) but it is all kept under check cos all ultimately defer to him. When he goes.....
I am not pro LKY or pro PAP. But I do think seriously that he is the reason why we are still reasonably well run and stable. Of cos, this is not necessarily a good thing cos he will definitely die one day. He has unfortunately made the government to such an extent that they rely on him for leadership.
This is bad cos he will go one day. And if the PAP fights among itself, I foresee a split and in the best case scenario, a coalition involving all political parties in Singapore. Worst case, civil war.
Do not forget Suharto. He was so powerful, the voice behind the govt. When he went, there is no orderly transition of power (to a deputy for example) but rather, chaos as every one wants to be chief..

Handyman33
If there is a split, it will be uncomfortable for a while but could be good for Singapore. It depends how it takes place. If a few prominent members resign sets up a party prior to a GE and gets people to join them to contest, then thats OK. If there is a major split mid-term and mass resignations and alot of anxiety, then that's no good. I am pretty sure anyone wanting to be a credible alternative will take the first route. I am also sure that they keep their eyes peeled for possible turncoats and act quickly to neutralise them

applei
Why he's still in charge at this age? Just it means the party isn't too brainy enough or isn't too self-sufficient or psychologically "weak"?

AhCui
If PAP is split into 2 teams, I foresee a better future for SG. Society will be open and more creative. His departure will see a new lease of life for SG. Our relationship with neighbours will greatly improve too. I see positive happenings.

klishcia
I hope before he retires, he will raise up/train another leader to lead Singapore. I respect him a lot, he's my Singapore Idol and my vote goes to him

sg forums
meleagent
What you guys talking about. No way in hell will the Supreme One retire.
In his own words "I did not live up to 82 to be a defeatist." LKY is immortal, he has defeated death with his knuckle dusters, he will not die.
Long live LKY!

abao
LKY retire?! I thought he said he would rise from his grave if anything happen to Singapore?! I do hope such a day comes though. It would mean a true changeover to the next generation of leaders

robertteh
Neighbourhood shops are closing. Factories in Jurong and Kallang Bahru are empty. However, monies will be spent on decorating the parks and building concrete arches and walkways without creating jobs.
Wet markets are the only businesses that people are being taught to go into now after all these years of building up our scholars and talents and leadership talks.
This is the fate of Singapore our leaders are leading people into. A new generation of leaders who know business and competition will have to be found to re-ignite the lost spirit of Nanyang.

BillyBong
It is impossible to determine when our 'father' intends to give up the reins of government.
Ever since he ushered in a new generation of leaders in Goh Chok Tong and Tony Tan, it was expected that he would retire himself out of politics, given the 'safe pair' of hands that GCT offered.
Yet with the 3rd generation of leaders having taken office, he continues to confound critics by remaining in office.
One wonders if he will serve his last few years locked in political debate.

Airforceone
I don't think MM Lee will step down. He can still contribute to this nation so he should remain.
Many cases and *#$! up by the juniors cannot be solved without him. I guess many will know what cases they are.

PRP
LKY asked what he could do if he retired. So how can he retire?

robertteh
Singapore has been inefficiently managed because it has followed a top-down system where one man takes control of all major policies but he cannot implement many goals and challenges despite all the policies.
It could have become a greater nation where people willingly carry out their parts in producing a more vibrant and self-reliant economy.
It is time to ponder over what kind of leadership PM Lee should adopt. Personally I think he should be more proactive and pro-people and not practise the past habit of denying problems without solutions.(...)
If PM LHL cannot change the leadership style of his father, Singapore will remain the same - people migrating to other countries, losing our talents to others, talented people will stay away and not willing to contribute with views or good suggestions, preferring to earn monies and let the country's social and economic problems stay unsolved..
It will not make any difference if MM Lee retires or not if he cannot bring about (necessary) changes through his son.

Salman
I don't think LKY should step down for the next election.
Harry is a class act and there is no doubt about it.
He is healthier than even most of us and he still has a lot in him.
Since he can contribute so much, why stop him from contributing even more?

AF2005
Despite all critics, I feel more secure with Harry and GCT around the newer leaders. ONLY Harry and GCT.
The rest I am not very sure as they are too concern about their money and international image.

Atobe
'Harry' is the Number one character that takes out the most litigation suits for the pettiest of statements.
Which member of the Cabinet - past or present, and which member of the Ruling Party - holds the most number of international awards, and sits on foreign boards, and gets to be invited to all kinds of international forums.
As for your statement about "they are too concern about their money... " - I wonder who else in the Political Leadership you can possibly be referring to; as the only one that is constantly worrying about MONEY is "harry" again.
He worries about the corruption that can afflict his party members, he worries about the sufficiency of pay to his cabinet and his civil service, he worries about the excessively high salary that Singaporeans are paid which will only ruin his plans of bringing Singapore forward - and yet it was also his own scheme to force Singapore wages to a higher level so as to force the pace of higher technology being introduced to move Singapore to a higher plane of technical competence.
Can he still contribute or will he be a hindrance?

Robertteh
It is so typical of Harry to deny problems and only try to emphasise on his initial successes.
Singapore's retardation from the 1970s has been caused by this kind of negative attitude as typified by the NKF type of denials of problems.
That is why citizens are facing many problems e.g. high cost of living, elitism, moneyism, justifications, bureaucracy, empty promises made about growth triangle and asset enhancements, retirement plans for citizens, double-charging on lands and triple charging of vehicles ignored by him as rantings.
Given this type of negative attitude, it is doubtful if he can contribute further to problem-solving in the new age. He should retire gracefully and people with passion and commitment take over.. without any hindrance.

free thinker
I would like to disagree with that. I think LKY will NEVER step down. He said something like this before "... even if you lower me into the grave, if i feel something is wrong, i will get up..." which reflects his strong determination to continue dominating in Singapore politics.

Will4
MM Lee has done good for the country, made Singapore into a well-known
financial centre.
Jan 29, 2006