Female forumer worshipped MM Lee as a “national hero”
From our Correspondent
A forumer at the popular forum for Singapore women moms4mom had started a thread proclaiming MM Lee as a national hero!
Using the moniker “industrious birdie”, she wrote:
“At the age of 86, he is still so charming and inspiring. I dread the day we would lose such a great leader. He has set standards difficult, if ever possible, for anyone to pass…..How can Singapore repay what MM and his family had done for this country? He’s mine and dear hubby’s national hero!”
In an immediate response, tinkerbell wrote:
“Oh yes, me too! He is my national hero too! I respect him so much and will forever be grateful to him! I even wanted to name my son after his English name. I will make sure I will educate my son about MM Lee’s contributions to the country.”
Chirpleader concurred:
“MM Lee is my hero. I am going to make sure that my kids know what he has done for Singapore. I want them to be proud of MM Lee of his achievements.”
Actually the forumers need not tell their children about MM Lee because he is in the news almost every other day.
Not a single week passed without MM Lee dispensing his usual “pearls of wisdom” to Singaporeans or to some wretched country in the world. It is hard to miss him given the extensive publicity he is getting day in and out from the state media.
Years of relentless propaganda through the government-controlled media have elevated MM Lee to the status of a great leader and international statesman.
However, his contributions to Singapore are grossly exaggerated while his flaws are hidden away from public view.
Though MM Lee is one of the founding fathers of Singapore, he is only after all a servant to the country. We do not really have to be grateful to him (eternally).
Without a capable team of colleagues and a population which is hardworking, thrifty and honest, MM Lee will not be able to achieve anything.
Singapore owes its success today not only to him, but to many other leaders as well. Our economic policy was formulated by Goh Keng Swee with advice from Dutch economist Albert Winsemius.
In fact, MM Lee made some critical mistakes which led to perpetual headaches for Singapore now.
For example, our birth rate is so low because of the “stop at two” policy introduced by him in the 1970s and we have no choice but to encourage immigration to replace our declining population.
MM Lee’s harsh treatment of his political opponents leads indirectly to the creation of a climate of fear enshrouding the citizenry with few citizens interested in politics.
This necessitates the ruling party to raise the salaries of MPs and ministers so as to entice capable men and women to join the government.
There is no proper system of leadership succession and renewal both within and outside the ruling party for the entire Singapore seems to revolve around him.
He should have retired gracefully from politics in 1991 when he stepped down as Prime Minister. A great leader is one who knows when to go when the time is ripe.
Just that readers of this site will never understand the blind faith these women forumers have in MM Lee, neither will they be able to see our reasoning that having an overwhelming “cult figure” in Singapore is unhealthy and undesirable.
No individual is greater than the country itself. For all his accomplishments, MM Lee is only a citizen of Singapore just like you and me. We do not have to go out of the way to ensure that our children will remember him.
In China today, few are able to recall Chairman Mao or even Deng Xiaoping, let alone the great Emperors in the past who have brought periods of peace and prosperity in feudal China.
History will have a more objective assessment of MM Lee’s merits and faults in 10 to 20 years to come after his passing.
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Boon Kee on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:29 am
I salute you MM.
You are also my IDOL.
Old Guy on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:30 am
Even Obama praised LKY
and former presidents bush and clinton also praised LKY
So that means singapore must be also praise LKY
That means we must vote PAP
Tell me..
Is it ???
John on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:44 am
“Our economic policy was formulated by Goh Keng Swee with advice from Dutch economist Albert Winsemius.” so it looks that foreigners do contributed to Singapore’s success after all…
Common Sense on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:50 am
Mao were worshipped by billions when he was alive.
The truth is, he caused the death of millions of innocent people.
Time for Change on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:00 am
Time for change. Vote for a better future. End the status quo.
Douglas on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:06 am
Yes we are all grateful to MM for his myraid contributions to a country he founded. That should be all. There is no need for idolising, worship or super-humanising a man who was literally born into politics. And largely succeeded with many factors we may or may not come to know. Likewise a general who leads his troops to victory deserves a victory salute and medals of honor, nothing more.
Benny on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:06 am
Dutch economist Albert Winsemius.
Only a consultant. Like MRT consultant . .
MM leads, rives and implements for the last 44 years.
If you did not know stupid then you better go eat shit.
Even foreign heads around the world know and they will sit down at his feet just for some advice.
suk hoi on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:08 am
Great man! But sooner or later…..
“And have you seen the old man
Outside the seaman’s mission
Memory fading with
The medal ribbons that he wears.
In our winter city,
The rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero
And a world that doesn’t care”
Lokamn on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:09 am
Some good for nothing blogging bums talk nonsense. They are good for the garbage dumps.
Facts are facts!
You can’t bluff people. We are no kindergarten kids,
MM is BEST!
Anonymous on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:18 am
Maybe when Albert Winsemius left us, we are groping in the darkness from the early 1990s and now this absolute mess – both economic radical shake-up impending and social discontent from an over flood of disorganised migration intake?
WE HAVE LOST OUR WAY in this turbulent world
XiSd Tay on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:28 am
Wonder if she would be willing to marry MM Lee considering that Ms MM Lee is sick?
Time for Change on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:38 am
Well, unfortunately, netizens in China do not share the same sentiments.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/world/42162-lkys-speech-in-us-draws-flak-online-in-china
MM Lee doesn’t seem to be well loved in China despite bringing in 2 million PRCs to Singapore and giving them jobs ahead of Singaporeans.
Rainnix on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:55 am
“Mao were worshipped by billions when he was alive.
The truth is, he caused the death of millions of innocent people.”
MM Lee had also killed millions of innocent Singaporeans with his “stop at 2″ policy.
The worshipers always chant that LKY had brought Singapore to what it is today but when asked what exactly did he do? No one can give a sensible answer.
There is one common point for these persons is when being shown of Harry’s short-comings, they all twist and turn like an earthworm for find justifications for him, as if I had pressed the “Deny everything” button on them.
IMH should setup a department to house these people in event of his passing. It would be fun to see them cry on national TV too.
more fight on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 10:57 am
In America, their citizens have the “American Dream” to chase after. In Singapore, thanks to MM’s foresight, we also have “Singaporean Dream”, that is work under stress and earn enough just to pay our bills on time. Not forgetting to fight with FTs to keep our rice bowls.
patriot missile on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:04 am
All these talks about MM good and MM bad are in vain.
Don’t you not see that the media is trying to repair his image so that his legends will live forever?
One day you will see his face on our currency or a statue in a park, etc.
Singapore is still able to accommodate another “National Icon” other than Raffles.
Poorsgp on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:05 am
Yes it true, Singaporean have to remember all the good thing & the bad thing that MM have done. Singapore is a good place to stay and the bad thing is it too expensive.. Everyday Singaporean have to think for money only. Every work O.T, End of the month have to pay alot of bill. Why? Because of one Man motto to make singapore NO1.. Everything increase only workers pay have’nt increase. Why? I salute MM for the good thing he have done but we must not forget we as a singaporean already pay him for his works Since beginning of his career.
WHY MM NEVER GET NOBEL PRIZE AWARD ?????????
TO U THINK HE GET ONE ????????
IF YES, WHEN? IF NO, WHY?
THINKS BRO
Terry S on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:10 am
How can the writer demean our Founding Father? Doesn’t he know that without him Singkies will be still living in attap houses?
election strategy on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:11 am
It’s the old man’s election strategy lah…
He’s using their media mouthpiece to inflate his public image so that hopefully no opposition candidate will dare to stand against him at his GRC.
He’s doing his rounds at his own time and pace, with the help of the national papers.
Can this octagenarian’s body stand a concerted campaign of house visits and numerous meet the people sessions should his seat be contested?
noisy minions on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:14 am
Who knows if these ‘mummies’ are the ones whom LHL referred to as YPAP members tasked to do cyberspace warfare.
Stanley on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:23 am
As a Permanent resident, I truly feel that Singaporeans should be grateful to MM Lee and his family. Sometimes, I wonder that With MM Lee’s wisdom and foresight,
streetsmart73 on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:23 am
hi there
1. well, whatever it is, time and history shall present facts and stuffs on the respective individual, its impact, works and failure too.
2. sin whether being a city or country or whatever is not built by one individual but generations of sinkies before us who had worked things out.
3. such unsung heroes are so easily forgotten and lost.
4. my prayers to the lost.
sheldon on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:26 am
“Even foreign heads around the world know and they will sit down at his feet just for some advice.”
oligopolic/ oligarchic minds flock together is like crows of a common croak croaking together. what else do you expect them to do? flux their neurons until they sing in true spontaneous democratic order?
MeeSiamMaiHum on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:36 am
Mee Siam Mai Hum is my idol!
Stanley on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:17 pm
As a Permanent resident, I truly felt that Singaporeans should be grateful to MM Lee and his family. Take a look at your neighboring countries and learn to appreciates their efforts.
Despite having a later start and lacking both the material resources and social status they commanded, Singapore had overcame many defeats to carve out her own realm with due respect to MM Lee’s leadership and never-say-die attitude.
In my thoughts, if MM Lee have not been in politics, he could have been Asia’s Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.
It is not how history goes down for MM Lee that matters, its how success Singapore is for the years to come that matters…
MM Lee, do you ever have any regrets into politics? I bet a penny you wouldn’t!
City on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:21 pm
One common pattern for these worshipper is that they can only make reference and credit to his past achievement, and not the current nor the future.
Anonymous on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:47 pm
Is that the UNDISCLOSED REASONS (until now that is) that you DID NOT TAKE UP CITIZENSHIP – still A PERMANENT RESIDENT ONLY for all your love, conviction and beliefs in this great future awaiting Singapore and Singaporeans?
You waiting to see if this place will sink or you betting your hedge both ways?
ARE you REALLy SERIaOUS Terry???... on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:56 pm
Are you Terry… A Hero Worshipper??… and…
Boon Kee the first one to comment wrote… “I salute you MM.
You are also my IDOL”…
TEENAGERS WORSHIPPING POP SINGERS AND FILM STARS!!!…
GROW Up and STOP IDOLISING… AS …
Are you so NAIVE that MM did ALL otf the successes alone???… Was not Dr. Goh Keng Swee and Albert Winsemius mentioned above too…. AND…
Did your IDOL of an MM [Of A MONEY-MIND?… Minimising MindS? (Of YOU BUT NOT of US!)… Mesmerising Minds?… MenTORMenting MindS?… Mass-mangeing of Minds?…
Really is the one & only architect of Modern Singapore?… And
Do you know why discourse with him is not a problem for him???… because…
It IS Far TOO Big and Complex to handle and also politically too damageing oo for him, son and PAP… or what else…
Only PIG-heads, KUCKLE-heads, bead-heads and bird-brain would want to believe that only one person brought success!!!… And so…
BOTH of your believe means that in any commercial organization it is only the CEO who is to receive accolades!!!… So…
Is it not a wonder that GLC CEOS have been getting like close to ! MILLION a month… EXCLUDING Stock-Options, Bonuses, Allowances, Expense Accounts and any other Perks…
And so then… WHY CAN’T ministers in this GAHmen ALSO get high salaries… DO YOU BOTH…
See the NY FI argument connection here???… DON”T BE A SUCKER!!!
Best is over syndrome? on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:03 pm
Saved of movie stars, I have this tinged fear that anything is glamourised to peak, the BEST IS OVER.
You see that in stocks in the tech boom-bust cycle in 2000, the sychronised world thuderous economic prosperity in first half of 2008, high public profile of wonder entrepreneurs who can make no mistake in business and investment decision pre-October 1987 – THE NEXT AND LAST THING YOU WILL HEAR IS THE BIG END-ALL CRASH!
The natural order of things perhaps?
There may be logic to this, over the other side of Mount Everest is THE NECESSSARY AND INEVITABLE DECENT even if Sir Edmund Hillary climbs on one side and not intending of returning by the same route.
Wake up on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:13 pm
I am appalled by all the idol-worshippers, claiming that Singaporeans will live in Attap-houses without MM Lee.
It is one thing to be humble; but let’s not over-insult ourselves on this.
CPF is NOT set up by MM Lee.
HDB exist BEFORE MM Lee come into power.
Now,
Who SCREWED the CPF system until there’s not enough for retirement?
Who SCREWED the HDB so bad that we need to pay a lifetime loan?
Who SCREWED our birth policy so bad that we need a huge influx of foreigners who refuse to take up our citizenship but yet can talk cock here?
Who SCREWED our Education System so bad that many choose to migrate, as late boomers are penalized and entrepuners are EXTINCT?
Who? Who? Who? Hey! I can’t hear you, MM Lee fanatics!!!
fair and square on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:26 pm
ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT HE COULD HAVE BEEN A GREATER MAN FOR ALL
SINAGPOREANS IF HE AND THE PAP GOVERNMENT HAVE SHOWN A WEE BIT OF GRATITUDE AND COMPASSION TO THEIR FELLOW SINGAPOREANS WHO
SHOULD FAIRLY BE RECOGNISED FOR THEIR CO-CONTRIBUTION.
For what is a VISION if not accompanied by a Mission and that MISSION was accomplished by all true-blooded SINAGPOREANS.
The recent influx of FTs came here just so to benefit from our
distinguished and hard-fought contribution for this Nation!
rico on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:27 pm
“Even foreign heads around the world know and they will sit down at his feet just for some advice.”
And I’m sure you would sit down at his feet and lick and suck his toes.
fair and square on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:36 pm
And,just wait and see,they would withdraw all their
peppered adulations for MM LEE and our Nation once they realised they they too in turn might have to fork out
their hard-earned ” trophies”(READ AS MONIES) once this countriy require their TRUE contribution!
They probably would pack “log,stock and barrel” and rush out of this country just as forcefully as they first came in.
3rd Class citizen on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:44 pm
But without our citizens, then there is no Singapore this country and so no this hero! So who is hero????
This is 時勢造英雄，英雄再造時勢！
先有雞？還是先有蛋？
誰是雞？誰是蛋？
必須搞清楚！！！
iii on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:56 pm
qussl3 on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 2:00 pm
How is a piece based on a FORUM POST news?
I applaud the TR in trying to be an independent voice but articles like this one really throws that notion in the crapper.
It is a couple of people’s opinions about MM so what, millions more WORSHIP RAIN for example, this really isnt news.
Stick with the issues, stuff like this is for the tabloids, and last time i cared to check tabloids are hardly taken seriously.
This is filed under TOP NEWS……..
And for those who are gonna call me a PAP dog read the comment first k ….zzzz
sturmtruppen on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 2:08 pm
Sorry folks…
If the stories about LKY that he works for the japanese during the occupation of singapore…
I see no reason why i should hero worship him.
My great grandfather was taken away by the japanese and disappeared. He was close to LKY age.
When the japanese surrender…LKY immediately disappear and re-appear in UK to study…
To me LKY is just one man among many not mention men who contribute to make singapore what it is. Why are these only men not mention in the same breath.
Only the truely ignorant….the blind…the unthinking….the self serving ones will hero worship just a man…who leverage on the strength and capabilities of other men…so LKY is the god zeus, able to sink and raise land / islands…please event zeus need the god neptune to control the seas to help him out…
So please think and re-think.
God give you a brain to use…be independent enough to use it…be more then what you can be…rather then be a willing someone or a conditioned obedient un-thinking blind-sided robot always in the shadow of others.
Please wake up not only for yourselves…but for your loved ones too now and for the future insofar as much as we can for singapore.
Sad.
cat on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 2:26 pm
female stupidity knows no boundaries.
This is a clear example.
cy on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 2:42 pm
“Worship your heroes from afar; contact withers them”
Mark Twain
“Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, and over these ideals they dispute, but they all worship money
Herbert spencer
“Hero-worship is strongest where there is least regard for human freedom
B. R. Ambedkar quotes (Indian Politician and founder Of the Indian Constitution.)
“Hero-worship in the sense of expressing our unbound admiration is one thing. To obey the hero is a totally different kind of worship. There is nothing wrong in the former while the latter is no doubt a most pernicious thing. The former is man’s respect for which is noble and of which the great men are only an embodiment. The latter is the serf’s fealty to his lord. The former is consistent with respect, but the latter is a sign of debasement. The former does not take away one’s intelligence to think and independence to act. The latter makes one perfect fool. The former involves no disaster to the state. The latter is a source of positive danger to it.”
citizenofSG on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 2:44 pm
LKY is a national hero. That is not an exaggeration. He is one. That is why going against him is difficult.
Anyway we do thanks him for his past contribution.
However it is high time for him to let go.
Singapore needs him to retire to ensure she can live on without him.
Here let me say a big thank you to LKY.
@stanley – to say that he is a great politician and a leader is both valid and accurate. However for him to be link to people like Bill Gates or Warren Buffett is too far-fetch. How many times had LKY successfully made billions for Singapore by his direct effort? What is his greatest innovation that is being sold to the world by the billions? I think more learned friends here can show you how bad a money man he is.
Best is over syndrome? on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 2:54 pm
iii on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 1:56 pm
… “consider migrating to the neighboring countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam or North Korean…???”
If I apply for migration to all these countries, they won’t accept my applications because they think I am an economic refugee. They probably say to me this – our countries are going forward confidently and you confidently backwards.
We don’t need you or want you. Better luck elsewhere in Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand or EU countries.
UD on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 3:12 pm
The old man is smart at politicking. He argues well. He is an excellent diplomat and lawyer. As someone else has mentioned, he implemented Albert Winsemius’ economic policies and saw them through. That makes him a good adminstrator, NOT a great mind or policymaker.
How many of his policies and ideas have failed over the years? And just because another country’s statesman sits with him on TV does NOT mean they seek his wisdom and will IMPLEMENT his suggestions. It’s called diplomacy and making face. So long as your countries are not at war or allied with opposing nations, such audiences are EXPECTED. It’s nothing amazing.
And Singapore developed fast because it is SMALL. Try starting a business and you’ll realise that too. Try comparing it with starting the same business but at 100x the scale with almost the SAME amount of capital as the smaller one. It’s always much more difficult and slower.
We are reverting to Albert Winsemius’ economic plan, do you realise? But it can’t sustain us anymore because we’re too expensive! Where are the policies to save us now? What brilliant policy is your idol going to dream up now?
For goodness’ sake, have you read his books? He believes in eugenics! ie. If you’re not very smart, neither are your children! Is that meritocracy? And he’s smart enough not to spell it out in those exact words (ie. a bloody excellent lawyer). For those with a copy, go re-read the parts where he talks about wooing his wife and WHY he chose her.
Wake up and stop being stupid and shallow.
f on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 3:14 pm
@Quass13
just wanna say that hero-worshipping is different from idol-worshipping of that probably enriched RAIN?
Gandhi is a hero for the peoples of india.
MARTIN luther and nelson mandela can both be called heroes.
Let’s draw the line.
So TR is not subscribing to mere juicy tabloid -styled news!
And,TRUE heroes of nations are revered for posterity,not RAIN or BACKstreet BOYS?!
soYES, THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF.
btan on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 4:49 pm
All these false idol-worshipping is really cloying. I think I want to throw up…
gambit on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 5:07 pm
and he shall be cryogenically preserved for eternity!
Kancheong_spider on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 5:33 pm
this woman should be more careful.
last time also got 1 person profess to his idol. there was no happy ending.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_326274.html
Anonymous on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 7:01 pm
A “national hero” who cried in front of the TV when kicked out of Malaysia.
This “national hero” wanted to be PM of Malaysia.
Hahaha….”National hero”…if I was not wrong he was the legal adviser for the bus union.
Then he ran away to Cameron Highlands during the Hock Lee Bus riots…
“Hero” indeed…
Rainnix on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 7:58 pm
@Stanley
“In my thoughts, if MM Lee have not been in politics, he could have been Asia’s Bill Gates or Warren Buffett.”
If MM Lee is not in politics, he would not even be successful at all because there are no police, ISD people, judges, lawyers, reporters to do his dirty job.
@sturmtruppen
“Only the truely ignorant….the blind…the unthinking….the self serving ones will hero worship just a man…who leverage on the strength and capabilities of other men…”
Unfortunately there are far too much of sillyporeans who can’t have independent thinking due to years of social engineering.
Time for Change on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 8:24 pm
Stanley on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:17 pm
When change comes to Singapore, PRs will be the first to be told to leave this island.
Rainnix on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 8:34 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics
Eugenics is the study and practice of selective breeding applied to humans, with the aim of improving the species. Widely popular in the early decades of the 20th century, it has largely fallen into disrepute after having become associated with the Holocaust.
Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler was infamous for eugenics programs which attempted to maintain a “pure” German race through a series of programs that ran under the banner of racial hygiene.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the Nazi regime forcibly sterilized hundreds of thousands of people whom they viewed as mentally and physically unfit, an estimated 400,000 between 1934 and 1937. The Nazis went further, however, killing tens of thousands of the institutionalized disabled through compulsory “euthanasia” programs such as Aktion T4.
They also implemented a number of positive eugenics policies, giving awards to Aryan women who had large numbers of children and encouraged a service in which “racially pure” single women could deliver illegitimate children. Allegations that such women were also impregnated by SS officers in the Lebensborn were not proven at the Nuremberg trials, but new evidence (and the testimony of Lebensborn children) has established more details about Lebensborn practices.
Singapore practiced a limited form of eugenics that involved discouraging marriage between university graduates and the rest through segregation in matchmaking agencies, in the hope that the former would produce better children, although this point is contestable. Most notably its government introduced the “Graduate Mother Scheme” in the early 1980s to entice graduate women with incentives to get married, which was eventually scrapped due to public criticism and the implications it had on meritocracy.
How about doing a DNA test on the current cabinet to see which ones are from the same family tree?
wat? on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:52 pm
wanna bet that there is more to his story during the japanese occupation? probably the biggest hole in his story.. yet no one noticed…..
Anonymous on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 6:46 am
wat? on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:52 pm
Share more pls.
cat on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 9:29 am
//citizenofSG
LKY is accurate internationally? since when?
K. on Thu, 5th Nov 2009 6:49 pm
To you he may be GOD. To most of the true Singaporeans he’s a DOG !