Dear Mr Yaacob,
It is most heartening to know that you disagreed with the remarks made by the Minister Mentor on the issue of Muslims and their integration in Singapore society. (“Muslims can be both religious and patriotic” – The Sunday Times, 30 Jan)
It is also very reassuring to hear you say: ”As far as government policy is concerned, we want to integrate everybody, irrespective of race or religion. Let’s focus on that.”
Actually I do not understand why you urged us to focus on “that”. I would have thought that it was precisely because the MM’s remarks were potentially divisive that resulted in “some unhappiness among Muslims”. On that note, you may be mistaken too. It wasn’t just some Muslims who were unhappy. I think non-Muslims were outraged too. So I agree with you that this is actually a very good sign. It shows that in general, Singaporeans as a whole are already “focussing on integrating everybody irrespective of race and religion.” I am glad that the government is also doing it’s part to focus on “that” by at least disagreeing with the MM’s view.
There is another thing you said that I find puzzling as well. You asked us to “look at this rationally, read the book and understand where he’s coming from.” You also said: “And don’t just read one book, see MM in his whole lifespan and the struggles he has gone through.” (I hope this is a not a sales pitch for his new book and his older memoirs. From what has been reported, the book is doing tremendously well.)
I do not understand why on one hand you expected the strong reaction, and on the other hand tell us to look at things rationally from a wider perspective. Are you saying that the unhappiness is irrational? Are you likewise suggesting that we only see things from a very narrow perspective – no matter how justified the anger is?
I beg your pardon if I had misunderstood you. You have to understand where we common folks are coming from, being frequently urged to see things from the government’s perspectives:
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan said: “Now we all make mistakes. But let’s put things in perspective. This is a major embarrassment but this is not a disaster.” (Straits Times 24 Sep 2010)
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has asked Singaporeans to view problems such as overcrowding in trains and increasing property prices in perspective, and remember those who are less fortunate. (Channel NewsAsia, 4 sep 2010)
He (DPM Teo Chee Hean) had made his point: Singaporeans have to keep the discussion about immigration in perspective. (Straits Times 12 Sep 2010)
Rather than the constant reminders, shouldn’t addressing the unhappiness and taking it very seriously be the rational thing to do? Do you not see that it could be a sign of a growing chasm between the government and the people? So much so that it has become a habit for your colleagues to insist that they had been misrepresented everytime there was an uproar over some remarks they made. Now if they were truly connected to the ground, would there had been so many cases of miscommunications?
I am also very touched by your ability to look deeper into the MM’s remarks and offer an interpretation that he is describing a worst-case scenario, (which I have to disagree with – you can read this article “Lee Kuan Yew: Race, Culture and Genes” to understand why) and that his views were formed by the struggles he has gone through.
But don’t you agree that everyone’s perspectives are formed by what we go through in life?
Suppose someone was scarred by a cat at a very young age and grows up to become a cat-killer. Seen in the context of his past, his actions are understandable, but does it make them any more acceptable?
Furthermore, while in your own words, the MM’s views were relevant 40 years ago, but maybe not so now, we must not forget that his words are not the foolish utterance of a retired private citizen stuck in the past, but the words of a highly influential and respected person who is often seen as being synonymous with the PAP – even if he has professed to have taken only a forecaster role within the Cabinet.
Thus I would have to disagree with your call to put things in perspective.
Frankly, I’ve had quite enough of ‘perspectives’. I would very much prefer that the government own up to its boo-boos for a change. Now that’s a hard truth I hope you can swallow.
Yours sincerely,
Joshua Chiang
30 Jan 2011
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own and is not representation of TOC as a whole.
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BRAVO
The Muslim wants Mr Lee Kuan Yew to apologize and retract his statements in the book. The Muslims don not need any supporting or apposing comments, it is natural for the community. But from all this, Mr Lee Kuan Yew in person exclusively must apologize to the Muslims of Singapore and the citizens of Singapore. It must be done publicly and exclusively documented and gazett
No worries, these boo-boos are only coming at once-every-50 hours.
Oooops! I mean once every 50 years.
LKY must put a public apology without reservations in all the media including TOC!!
P.S: Make him pay for the apology from his own pocket!!!!
The we can discuss damages and sue him !!!!
Who’s outraged? Some, maybe, but certainly not all. Outraged for what? Such a waste of energy. Even though he is LKY, he has the right to say what he truly thinks. Not that he has said anything truly outrageous.
Disagree with him? You have the right to issue a reply. But do keep your cool. No need to be emotional as some are wont to do whenever their beliefs are questioned.
God is so dead anyway. Don’t get hysterical over this please. Just grow up and learn to exchange views with a cool head.
LKY must put a public apology without reservations in all the media including TOC!!
P.S: Make him pay for the apology from his own pocket!!!!
Then we can discuss damages and sue him !!!!
Like Chinese, Indian and other races, Malay also work to build Singapore as a world class country – from ordinary pakcik selling nasi lemak up to executives in MNC company but is this what they got for their loyalty to the country.
I lost several Malay friends while doing their job to make Singapore safe and sound – one young SGT that perished in Taiwan (remember the fighter jet accident which ill-fated aircraft crashed into store manned by SAF personnel?)one others in SPF and SCDF. It is an insult to them when LKY questioned Malay Muslim’s stand on their religion.
LKY don’t know how to apologise. It is something he forgotten how to do long ago. Look at his bunch of ministers – they ‘caught’ their master’s ego virus and they too think they can do no wrong.
So don’t expect anyone from the current bunch of elite ministers to say sorry even if they are wrong.
Vote them out instead.
I wonder is it appropriate to treat the senile old man in IMH. Shut him there for a year will change Singapore totally.
Should I say, write, or maybe even do something that appears extreme, please do not be too quick to judge me.
Instead I would ask all to look at this rationally and understand where I’m coming from (unfortunately I have not written any book). Please, see me in my whole lifespan and the struggles I have gone through. Do not be overzealous and use the ISA or IRHA on me, unless the law does not apply equally to all…
LKY should vote out this GE , pap should vote out also , they are always talking cock and sing pussy song. so let them be vote out for good !!!
Just had enough. Ban LKY’s book.
Was LKY wrong in his observation? I think not. Actually I agree with him somewhat. All these years, we all have been living parallel lives, not much integration. Otherwise no one would have felt offended by these remarks.
Will any of the ministers believe that MM may retract his damning statements and apologise to the Muslims? Will MM do that? Of not, then you are fit to be a mentor. Do you feel offended by this statement? I am sorry if you feel that way.
Will any of the ministers believe that MM may retract his damning statements and apologise to the Muslims? Will MM do that? If not, then you are NOT fit to be a mentor. Do you feel offended by this statement? I am sorry if you feel that way.
Shanmugam clarified for Thaipusam, Jacob clarified for this… wow and I thought these same race politicians are supposed to represent and speak up for their race…
Dr Yaacob Ibrahim
siapa dia? lu tau? wak tidak tau..
itu yaacob sama sama..gaji besar…mana ada time for fello muslim…
satu bulan umbek sa ratus ribu singapoor dollar$ chukop lioa…
act barbodoh better lark…
in plain english its better to make a wayang kulit and stfatup and get his monthly $100,000 salary…
no difference than dr balekampon or shutmudgum…
don’t forget..cancerlee our royale highness retired the 1st muslim MP in marine parade grc..the best teamate of the peanut senile minister based on aged ground as though the minister of tanjong pagar is a youth?
You guys should see how Jr Lee was trying to cover his dad’s statement on TV. Damage control in full swing..
I dont think its a picture of worst case scenario. Somehow, LKY choose to speak frankly he thinks in his mind. But just too bad, his inner thoughts offended so many people. Looks like LKY is not as tactful as before without his spouse. This go to show he is not a perfect man and he is so mistake-prone. His book is going to be bad for PAP and good for the opposition parties… Face it, LKY is losing his vision. Even PM has to come out and try to ease the tensions. But too late, the damage is done. PAP can continue to make more mistakes and then lose votes.. Natural order..
Anyway, my vote goes to the opposition in this coming election, provided my constituency is beening contested..
LKY’s comments are obviously inflammatory and divisive. I wonder why wasnt the ISD put into action and have him put behind bars for saying such things… HMMMMM
Put it this way. Only the old man can say this in Singapore and get away with it. I don’t normally agree with him but in this case, he’s right. The world of Islam is moving away from the mainstream and the moderates got to decide where they stand. If they don’t move their religion centre back, there’s going to be trouble…in Singapore too.
Not only LKY do not know how to apologise…I have never heard of nor seen a real apology from the PAP Ministers and MPs. apologise to the People for any mistake or insult they hurled at the citizens.
They have completely lost touch with the people they are supposed to represent and protect.
Added to that the greatest insult is they are the highest paid mercenary Politicians in the World.
Shame on all of them
1)Old Man played again the old game. but this round , such game will not win any extra vote anymore.
2)To : Muslim Singaporean,
He’s view/comment/talk doesn’t represent non-muslim Singaporean.
Under the provisions of the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, the Minister for Home Affairs may issue a restraining order against any leader, official or member of any religious group or institution who causes or attempts to cause ill feelings between the different religious groups, or who commits or attempts to commit any of the following activities while, or under the guise of, propagating or practising a religious belief: promote a political cause, carry out subversive activities or excite disaffection against the President or the Government of Singapore. Under the restraining order, he may be restrained from addressing any religious group or publishing any publication or holding office in the editorial board of any religious group for up to two years.
A restraining order may also be issued against a person who incites any religious group to commit any of the aforementioned acts. It may also be issued against someone who is not a member of any religious group but who commits the aforementioned acts.
Notice of intention to make the restraining order and allegations of facts in support thereof will be served to the individual who will have the right to make written representation to the Minister within two weeks of the notice. All orders will be referred to the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony for consideration and finally to the President for confirmation.
A person who violates the restraining order shall be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $10,000 or face a prison sentence of up to two years or to both.
LKY’s implicit threat to the Malays is “So what if Malays don’t vote for PAP in the coming GE. I’ll just ask Ah Loong to import more Ah Tiongs.”
I pity Tang Liang Hong for being chased out of Singapore because he said something the PAP thought is divisive to Singaporeans. Unfortunately, the current ruling party took the cake of being protected for their utterance of divisive remarks. One country two systems, one of the many examples again.
This old man is trying to justify his past doing in hope to put he and his family in the good book of history. All the books he wrote is his wishful thinking to ensure that the next generation will know about his legacy and nothing else.
When the PAP is brought down, there should be a inquiry on the FamiLEEs to ask how much Singaporean hard earned money had been gambled away by the family. Why they justify the scale of pay they are paid now. How many government department they had put their relative in. Freezed all the FamiLEEs and relatives assets. They shall pay for their arrogant!
In Singapore, there are two standard. One for the elites and one for commoner like us. It is time to make them pay dearly in this coming election. They have to be purged. They are the bad element! Incapable, incompetent, full of excuses and the whole PAP is a dog house working for FamiLEEs. Are we having enough yet?!
What? again it is lesser mortal’s fault again? This time it is lesser mortal’s fault for not reading the fart book and understanding old fart’s perspectives .
Maybe it’s easier for the Government to see things in our perspective, since WE are the one that “vote” the government in.
And for the “government”, I meant not only the PAP but the opposition and who ever form the government also.
The Muslims don’t get it. This is Singapore and not some softy White Man Country.
Here in Singapore we will allow Muslims to goto the Mosque and pray to a God called Allah.
However, in order to fully integrate into our secular society, we expect them to only act in accordance to a God called…..who incidentally makes it sound like Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah, Buddha, Brama, Vishnu, Shiva, Lao Tzi, Ahura Mazda, Jesus Christ etc report to him……
Now you guys get it about the real state of religion in Singapore?!
Awwww guys ease up. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I believe we should take it as an ultimate challenge. We should be studying harder and produce more scholars. Do better in businesses and produce millionaires. Nah…multimillionaires! I did a general study of a coffeeshop in Sembawang (Rubina) and I think it’s earning must be over 50K a month! How many of us can claim that! Like I said earlier. Take it as a challenge. Nothing is impossible. Make it a mission… no a vision for all Malays to put their children in Cabinet as a standard for success.
Another ‘HONEST MISTAKE’ again?
If PAP is even sincere, they should ban LKY’s new book and make LKY apologized.
They are treating the Muslim community like monkeys by making these statements just because election is around the corner!
They would not give a damn to you after the election.
Muslim bros & sis, if Yaacob is even sincere, he should ask the book to be banned and request LKY to make a public apology. If LKY refuse, Yaacob should protest by resigning.
But I think his million dollars salary is more important that the unity and feelings of his community.
Singapore is practicing double standard in this issue. If that person is a common Singaporean, he or she will be detained by ISD and charged.
Why is LKY not detained and charged but his actions are considered merely as a ‘HONEST MISTAKE’
why do the close associates of the Strongman suddenly, rapidly disassociate their perspectives with the perspective of the Strongman? it was very fast, very pointed.
does the Left Hand still not know what the Right Hand or the Forehead is doing?
“It wasn’t just some Muslims who were unhappy. I think non-Muslims were outraged too”
Darn right you are! I’m not even 1 bit religious and even I am outraged at the audacity of these remarks.
Had it been anyone else who made such remarks, the police would be knocking on the doors and dragging the person off to courts already!
Leave eugenics and discrimination of race and religion to Hitler and Stalin please.
Someone please come and contest the old chap at his homeground. You can be assured of at least 1 vote from me!
Wa lau, another honest mistake by the 3-million-a-year forecaster or he thinks he’s just too big to fall. I guess the latter as his head has gotten too big for his hat. We have been living in harmony for many years & I just dont understand why would MM made such a stupid comment. He has mentioned that peace & harmony cannot be taken for granted & could be wiped out in days & yet, he chose to tell the Muslims to be ‘less strict’?
I am not a Muslim but I have many Muslim friends & I had a Muslim neighbour from my old place that took care of my 70yr old aunty everytime I went for my reservist. I have never know that she or her family was ‘strict’ or unfriendly towards pork-eaters like us!!
Wish to make a cup of “Banana” Juice for he ! it is very healty food.
How do you even begin to integrate when you cannot gel. Look at the bro, they learn bahasa Malaysia and Indonesia, they read their books, they mingle with them go tong rayon style, they create common bonds.
You think life is so simple you can just issue out orders to integrate from yr ivory tower?
Take it from the experts.
Being a Malay minister, he is the worst choice to speak for/ defend the old man. What a shoe polisher. The PAP gang really stood so low for money.
hahahaha, its just unbelieveable. The boo-boos they create.
It used to be tactful economic policies, but now it has become emotive too.
I wanted to write a piece on their past campaigning policies and gradually touch on today’s tact. It just seems time consuming. I’ll just comment.
Wow, they are indeed scared of the GE.
Good job TOC. Did not make it to the party, but saw the pics. Young ideal hearts, great sign for Singapore.
i slap my forehead after reading this article. Give up liao!
@Jason Chiang. Bravo! my fren. If only all our Ministers and MPs are like you. Stand up for your rights.
We have come a long. We do intergrate. We sit down and “We Do Eat with you (non-muslims Friends)” But we just don’t share your food or diet type, that’s all. You eat what you like, we eat what we can. Just as our vegetarian friends.
As for MM Lee, he has just been admitted to the Old Senile Politicians Club as Vice President to Dr Mahatir. Gotta keep that mouth shut, ‘cos brain is not engaged.
For the ISA and MHA. Your integrity is at stake. This is clearly a racial statement. More divisive then ever. It’s not even subtle, it’s direct! And under the sedition act, the least you can do is get him back for questioning. Ask him, “What he meant by writing all that”. If there’s no action, the ISA better explain why the found it not necesary to act.
As for the Justice system. Is anyone really above the law in Singapore? Well everyone, this is a test case. Will the JS tell us where you stand. Inaction is admission.
As for the Malay MPs. Common guys, stand up for yourselves. Speak up! This is not just about your race and the people you represent, it’s for your consicience.
As for the Cabinet. MM Lee this time has proven to be more of a liability than an asset. Should’ve retired on a high. This is bad.
Hmmmmmm …. maybe MM Lee has got “Leemunity”
Chinese Muslim too,
You rise very good point. Maybe Ravi should ask our justice system and tested on them of the ISD. It’s time they get the heat!
To Mr. Yaacob & rest of Malay & Muslim MPs
Just a piece of advice: Next time for your Aidifitri celebrations and invitation, please do not miss out any ONE.
Our primary mathematics questions:
a. LKY said SG Govt = PAP,
b. PAP founder is MM.
c. PM Lee said MM view is not Govt’s view.
Is SG Govt = MM?
ST
If this mathematic equation is truth, then:
If LKY view is not the view of Government (PAP), then all the tax payer money go to his pocket, what are we Singaporean paying?
Charity maybe?
Zeeam 31 January 2011
Yaccob’
The policy of discriminating and marginalising the Malays/Muslims introduced by LKY since 1970 had brought hardship to numerous Muslim families and individuals until today. Since then people like you and many others are supporting the very party which was headed by the most racist man I ever known that are behind this heinous policy, I assummed you did it mainly for fame and economic gains.Your actions is akin to selling your soul to Satan(LKY).
May ALLAH forgive you and all the Malay/Muslim MPs.