Last year August we published a in Dutch written article titled "Enter Lee Hsien Long". It talked about Singapore's new prime minister Lee Hsien Long who became the city state's leader in August 2004.
The most special thing about Lee Hsien Long who is also nicknamed as "BG Lee" that he is the oldest son of the legendary statesman of Singapore: Lee Kuan Yew. Most Singaporeans critised that BG Lee could have become their country's leader due to the influence of his father the old Lee rather than due to Lee Hsien Long's personal capabilities.
Anyway, to keep the story short it must be said that Lee Hsien Long himself has paid a high price for achieving this goal. Lee Hsien Long has waited more than a decade before he was moved forward as the new prime minister. It was in 1990 that his father Lee Kuan Yew stepped down after having served as the leader of Singapore. In order to circumcise critics the old Lee moved someone else forward to becoming his successor rather than his own son Lee Hsien Long. For the reason alone you may think that BG Lee has deserved this job as a reward for his patience...
Today however we are not to discuss the past. In stead, we are examining and assessing the achievements of Lee Hsien Long after one year taking office as prime minister. In the first half year I did not notice much of Lee Hsien Long's activity. Nonetheless, there was a slight changes noticeable on LHL.
The first remarkable statement LHL has done in the past half a year was on the row between China and Japan. In Spring 2005 there were fierce eruptions of anti-Japanese sentiments in China. Chinese demontrators attacked Japanese consulate and businesses in mainland China. It was caused by allegations from China and South Korea that a new version of Japanese history textbook whitewashed the atrocities by the Japanese during WW II. Unlike the past however the Japanese government took on a tough stance and was in its respond unrepentant. This Japanese attitude further inflamed the anger among Chinese people and the violent demonstrations in China went on. In stead of apologies the Japanese government of Koizumi demanded for apology and compensation from China for the damages caused to the Japanese assets in the mainland.
Lee Hsien Long appeared to have the gut to take on a high profile by making a call to both countries to back down. Lee called on for resuming constructive talks between China and Japan. The most interesting things that Lee stated was that Japan had to accept the changed of balance of power. Japan need to accept that it was China which emerges as the superpower in the region and that Japan has got to adapt likewise to this new political reality. It was a bold statement but also a tactical one for a small nation like Singapore.
Another remarkable activity of Lee Hsien Long as Singapore's leader was his dealings with Indonesia. Indonesia being the most powerful neighbour requires Singapore's special care and attention. Indonesia which foreign policy oftenly seems to be cited by domestic problems can behave by times friendly, grumpy or even hostile towards its prosperous but tiny neighbour. It seems that Lee Hsien Long is spending lots of time and attention in building good relationships with the leaders of Indonesia. It is a delicate act of balance that constantly demands Singapore's attention. We are looking forward to see how well Lee Hsien Long is playing this game.
So far the update on Lee Hsien Long. More is to follow soon. We welcome any comments from you.
Yee Chuen Leung
Chief Editor
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