Comments
8World News anchor Zhang Haijie faces criticism for labelling Lee Hsien Yang as ‘unfilial son’
State media 8World News anchor Zhang Haijie is facing renewed online criticism for her controversial remark about Lee Hsien Yang, calling him an “unfilial son (逆子)” and accusing him of harming both his family’s and Singapore’s reputation. Netizens have challenged her one-sided opinion, suggesting it serves as establishment propaganda.
SINGAPORE: Zhang Haijie (张海洁), a news anchor with Singapore’s state media 8World News, is now facing renewed criticism for her latest comments on Lee Hsien Yang, labeling him an “unfilial son (逆子)” and accusing him of damaging both his family’s and Singapore’s reputation.
Netizens have questioned Zhang’s one-sided opinion, suggesting it serves as establishment propaganda.
In a video commentary published on 25 October on 8World News’ social media and her own YouTube page, Zhang discussed the controversy surrounding Lee Hsien Yang’s recent asylum claim in the United Kingdom, which has garnered significant public attention in Singapore.
Zhang expressed personal opinion, criticising LHY’s s “rebellious actions” have deeply damaged the Lee family’s and Singapore’s reputation.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, LHY claims his departure was driven by what he describes as a campaign of political persecution by the Singaporean government under his brother’s administration.
He accused the Singaporean authorities of using legal actions and investigations to intimidate and repress him and his family.
In the video, Zhang introducing the concept of political asylum, explaining it as protection granted to those who can demonstrate credible fear or evidence of persecution on various grounds.
Zhang juxtaposed this with the Singapore government’s stance that Lee Hsien Yang and his wife are not legally restricted from returning to Singapore and that claims of persecution are unfounded.
She referenced a Financial Times report implying that the U.K. might have accepted Lee’s view that his son’s political ambitions were obstructed by former PM Lee Hsien Loong’s influence.
She expressed skepticism toward these claims, pointing out that Lee Hsien Yang criticised his father, the late Lee Kuan Yew, by describing Singapore as a “dictatorship.”
Zhang viewed his statements as attacks on his father’s legacy, specifically the establishment of rule of law, which she argued remains a defining element of Singapore’s governance.
“What is Lee Hsien Yang thinking? I’m at a loss for words, except one word fills my mind: “unfilial son (逆子)”,” Zhang criticised.
Zhang Misquotes LHY, Claiming He Derided His Father for Establishing a Dictatorship in Singapore
However, upon reviewing the original Guardian report, it is evident that Zhang has misquoted LHY.
The article itself provides context about Lee Kuan Yew, highlighting his role in transforming Singapore into an economic powerhouse while also mentioning the imprisonment of hundreds of opposition figures.
The characterization of Lee Kuan Yew as the “democratic world’s favourite dictator” actually originates from a 2015 opinion piece in the Washington Post.
Netizens Criticize Zhang Haijie’s One-Sided Remarks on LHY
In the comments section on 8 World News’s social media page, some users criticized Zhang Haijie’s remarks on Lee Hsien Yang, saying her comments “went too far,” appeared one-sided, and even sounded condemnatory.
One user commented, “Has the media now become a political tool?” suggesting Zhang’s remarks might serve as establishment propaganda.
Others advised Zhang to stay out of the Lee family’s affairs, noting, “Since ancient times, even the most impartial judge has found family matters difficult to resolve; it’s best if you watch your words.”
A user commented, “It’s hard for even an impartial judge to resolve family matters. Is Zhang more capable than such a judge? It feels like Zhang isn’t quite neutral, doesn’t it?”
Some disagreed with Zhang for labeling Lee Hsien Yang as an “unfilial son,” pointing out that she is not even a member of the Lee family.
One comment remarked, “This program should be renamed ‘One-Sided Remarks,’ urging everyone to engage in an objective discussion about the issue instead of being misled by the ruling party’s biased narrative.”
Users emphasize Lee Hsien Yang’s independent thinking and stand up for his beliefs
Another user stated, “Don’t jump to conclusions! Everyone has their own aspirations. Just because he (LHY) comes from a family in the ruling party doesn’t mean he has to conform to everything; he should be allowed to think for himself and have his own beliefs. ”
Therefore, we can’t label him as rebellious; instead, we should recognize his ability to make his own judgments.”
One comment read: “I’m not surprised by this news at all! If Li Shengwu were to join the opposition party, his influence would indeed be a significant threat to the ruling People’s Action Party.”
Dr Lee refers her brother LHL as a “dishonorable son” and accuses him of abusing power to ‘build a dynasty’
While Zhang employed the weighty term “unfilial son” to criticise LHY, it remains uncertain whether she recalls that the late Dr Lee Wei Ling, sister of Lee Hsien Loong, referred to her brother as a “dishonourable son” for attempting to create a “Lee family cult.”
Dr Lee, who passed away on 9 October 2024, was a steadfast advocate for her father, Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to demolish their family home at 38 Oxley Road.
LKY had wished for his home to be demolished after his daughter no longer lived there.
Both LHY and LWL supported this wish, but Lee Hsien Loong, then the Prime Minister, contended that their father had been open to government decisions regarding the house.
This disagreement led to a series of legal and personal conflicts that have strained the family relationship, culminating in LHY’s decision to leave Singapore.
While publicly Lee Hsien Loong has stated that he recused himself from government decisions related to his family, LHY accused him in a recent Guardian article that that the legal actions against him and his family could not have occurred without the involvement of his brother, Lee Hsien Loong.
“In a tightly controlled country like Singapore, these kinds of actions could not have happened without the agreement and acquiescence of Lee Hsien Loong,” he said.
He told the Guardian he believed the current allegations against him and his wife were politically motivated attempts to destroy him.
He also said he had been among the targets of Singapore’s “very extensive surveillance system”.
LHL has not commented publicly on this specific allegation.
Despite the founding fathers’ wishes against the establishment of memorials, the Singapore government, under LHL’s leadership, has initiated plans to build a memorial for the founders, which is expected to cost US$335 million.
