Singapore government responds to Lee Hsien Yang's allegations of repression and corruption

1st November 2024 – (Singapore) On 31st October, the Singapore government issued a robust rebuttal to allegations made by Mr Lee Hsien Yang, the son of the country’s founding Prime Minister, following his recent media interviews where he claimed that Singapore is becoming increasingly repressive and corrupt. In an interview with The Associated Press, Lee Hsien Yang made various assertions, including that corruption has worsened in the years since his father’s passing and that the political environment has deteriorated.

The government described Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s actions as a “personal vendetta” that has evolved into an “international smear campaign” against his family and the nation. Officials pointed out that both a Disciplinary Tribunal and the Court of Three Judges—the highest disciplinary body dealing with legal misconduct—found Lee Hsien Yang and his wife to have misled his father regarding the execution of his last will. They were also found to have provided false testimony under oath.

In its response to media inquiries, the government underscored that Mr Lee Hsien Yang has been a significant beneficiary of the Singaporean system, having enjoyed the advantages and privileges that come with it. They urged journalists and the public to consider the tribunal’s findings when assessing the credibility of his claims. This includes the tribunal’s conclusion that he and his wife, Mrs Lee Suet Fern, presented what was described as “an elaborate edifice of lies” regarding the will of Lee Kuan Yew.

In earlier interviews, Mr Lee Hsien Yang had alleged that the country has adopted repressive measures that originated during his father’s administration. However, the government countered that he has shifted his narrative, claiming that Singapore’s laws have become more politically repressive since Lee Kuan Yew’s death. The government emphasised that Singapore remains the only Southeast Asian country that has consistently held regular elections without suspending its Constitution or imposing martial law since gaining independence.

The response further highlighted that about 40% of Singaporeans vote for opposition parties, and there are currently more opposition Members of Parliament than at any previous time in the nation’s history. Notably, Lee Hsien Yang himself had previously joined an opposition party before the 2020 General Election, considering contesting a seat but ultimately backing out. The government pointed out that he continues to fund and support opposition efforts from abroad.

In addressing Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s claims of political persecution, the government noted that he and his wife remain citizens and have always been free to return to Singapore. They also referenced a recent interview Mr Lee Hsien Yang gave to The Guardian, wherein he claimed that the Singapore government was targeting his family to prevent his son, Li Shengwu, from aspiring to political office. The government characterised this allegation as indicative of Lee Hsien Yang’s motivations, stating that it demonstrates his campaign against Singapore is not grounded in principles.

The government also confronted Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s references to high-profile corruption cases, including the billion-dollar money laundering scandal and the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption affair. The government asserted that all allegations of corruption he cited have been thoroughly investigated and addressed through the appropriate legal channels. They noted that ten individuals involved in the money laundering case have been sentenced in court, while assets belonging to 17 others who fled Singapore have been frozen, accompanied by issued warrants and Interpol notices.

Specifically addressing the 1MDB case, the government highlighted its rigorous actions against banks and individuals who failed to meet their anti-money laundering obligations. This included the closure of local units of Swiss banks implicated in the scandal and financial penalties imposed on several banks for their lapses. The authorities also issued lifetime bans to senior management found culpable in these matters, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to a robust legal framework.

Moreover, the government brought attention to the Keppel Offshore & Marine corruption case, stating that it had been fully addressed in Parliament after a global resolution was reached, including the payment of fines to Brazilian authorities. Two former employees of Sembcorp Marine have faced charges in Singapore courts as part of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption.

In response to Mr Lee Hsien Yang’s mention of the Wirecard fraud scandal, the government clarified that this incident originated in Germany, where legal proceedings are currently underway against former executives. Singaporean authorities have also taken action against local employees involved in the scandal, with some having received jail sentences for criminal breaches of trust.

The government’s statement concluded by reaffirming Singapore’s firm stance against corruption and financial crimes, asserting that this commitment has been consistent since the days of Lee Kuan Yew. They cited a recent case where a former minister was sentenced to a year in prison for accepting gifts, highlighting that such accountability is rare in many other jurisdictions.

The government also referenced Singapore’s rankings in international corruption perceptions indices, noting that while it was ranked seventh in Transparency International’s 2015 index during Lee Kuan Yew’s lifetime, it has improved to fifth place in 2023. This reflects the ongoing commitment to uphold integrity and transparency in governance.

In a final note, the government expressed confidence in its legal system, which aligns with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force. Singapore ranked fourth in the Global Financial Centres Index in 2024, following only New York, London, and Hong Kong, reinforcing its reputation as a leading financial hub with robust anti-corruption measures.