PM Wong affirms government focus on Singapore’s priorities amid Lee Hsien Yang’s allegations

In a press conference on Friday (8 Nov), Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong asserted that the government would not allow the actions of Lee Hsien Yang (LHY) to detract from its focus on Singapore’s core issues.

Addressing local media at the National Press Centre, Mr Wong remarked, “Where Lee Hsien Yang is concerned, he has made allegations which the government has responded fully to. I cannot control what he says or does.”

Mr Wong’s comments come in response to ongoing statements by LHY, the son of Singapore’s late founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. LHY has alleged political repression and successfully claimed asylum in the United Kingdom with his wife, Lee Suet Fern, citing “a campaign of persecution.”

LHY and his wife left Singapore in 2022 after choosing not to attend a police interview regarding allegations of providing false evidence in judicial proceedings related to Lee Kuan Yew’s will, and they have not returned since.

Prime Minister Wong confirmed that neither LHY nor his family members face any legal restrictions preventing their return to Singapore. However, members of the public have noted that there is no guarantee from the government that they would not be prosecuted or prevented from leaving the country again.

LHY’s recent statements, including interviews with international media outlets such as The Associated Press and The Guardian, have drawn government refutation.

In these interviews, LHY alleged that Singapore has retained “repressive measures” dating back to his father’s administration.

In response to LHY’s claims, the Singapore government issued a statement on 31 October, describing his actions as an international “smear campaign” based on a “personal vendetta.”

Despite LHY’s ongoing claims against the Singapore government, no Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) orders have been issued on his statements that have been published on various international media outlets, though the government has categorically dismissed his allegations.

In his remarks, Mr Wong addressed the potential impact of the dispute on diplomatic relations between Singapore and the UK, affirming that decisions related to political asylum are within the UK’s jurisdiction.

“But I met [UK Prime Minister] Keir Starmer at CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting), and we had a good conversation. We didn’t talk about this particular matter,” Mr Wong added, underscoring that Singapore remains committed to its strategic partnership with the UK.

The relationship is set to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2024, with numerous areas of collaboration identified for strengthening further.

During the press conference, Mr Wong reiterated the government’s dedication to safeguarding Singaporeans’ livelihoods, economic progress, and overall quality of life. He emphasised that the government’s focus would remain on pressing domestic concerns despite LHY’s claims.

“Whatever (Lee Hsien Yang’s) actions, they will not distract me and my team from focusing on the core issues that are important to Singaporeans, which means taking care of Singaporeans’ livelihoods, advancing our standards of living and making sure that we continue to build a better future for ourselves,” he stated.

Mr Wong did not appear to have addressed the issue of 38 Oxley Road, the late Lee Kuan Yew’s former residence, which LHY has urged the government to demolish, citing his father’s last wishes.

The site has been a point of contention and the reason for much of the dispute, including the allegations against LHY and his wife, as well as the formation of a ministerial committee in 2016 to evaluate options for the property’s future.

The committee presented its findings in 2018, though the government has since revisited the matter following LHY’s recent appeal, particularly after the passing of his sister, Dr Lee Wei Ling.

The Singapore government, in its statement, has also chosen to omit mention of Kwa Kim Li, LKY’s lawyer, who was found guilty of misleading LKY’s executors and falsely claiming that she was not involved in the drafting of LKY’s last will—a fact which would largely exonerate LHY and his wife of the allegations against them.