Ho Ching Apologises For Facebook Post That 'could Be Misunderstood'

On Sunday, Dr Lee released on Facebook, and later deleted, a series of email exchanges with editors of The Straits Times where she took issues with the newspaper's handling of a column she had written for the one-year death anniversary of her father. She was critical of what she viewed as "hero worship of the late Mr Lee during the anniversary.

In one of the emails, she accused PM Lee of having “no qualms” about holding commemorative events to establish a dynasty, adding: “But if the power (sic) that be wants to establish a dynasty, LKY’s daughter will not allow LKY’s name to be sullied by a dishonorable son.”

PM Lee refuted his sister's allegations on Sunday, saying he was "deeply saddened" by her claims and that they were "completely untrue".

“The first anniversary of a person’s passing is a significant moment to remember him and reflect on what he meant to us. The more so with Mr Lee Kuan Yew,” wrote PM Lee on his Facebook page. “The idea that I should wish to establish a dynasty makes even less sense. Meritocracy is a fundamental value of our society, and neither I, the PAP, nor the Singapore public would tolerate any such attempt.”

More than 100 events, from tree-planting activities to multiple remembrance sites and family carnivals, were organised by individuals and community groups to mark the late Mr Lee’s first death anniversary on March 23.

Mr Lee said the Cabinet had discussed how to mark the occasion. “My advice was that we should leave it to ground-up efforts. Groups should keep their observances in proportion, and focussed on the future,” he said.

Recognising the “strong desire” of many Singaporeans to show their respect for Mr Lee, the Cabinet had reviewed the events and observances that different groups had planned, and agreed that they were generally appropriate. “They expressed the sincerely felt sentiments of Singaporeans, which my Cabinet colleagues and I deeply appreciate,” said Mr Lee.

Madam Ho did not name Dr Lee or PM Lee in her Facebook post, but noted: "We grieve in different ways, and should leave space for each of us to come to terms with our loss. Grieving is especially hard when tears come at unexpected moments.

"I respect and deeply appreciate the many heartfelt commemorations, and understand those who prefer a more stoic approach. Hopefully, the passage of time will help heal."

Dr Lee’s disagreement with The Straits Times became public early this month when she wrote on Facebook that the newspaper had decided not to publish her commentary expressing disapproval over the commemorative events for her father’s death, and had denied her freedom of speech. This was followed by posts in which Dr Lee, a long-time contributor to The Straits Times, claimed the paper’s editors edited out “sensitive issues” in her pieces.

In response, the newspaper published an editor’s note last Tuesday (April 5), calling her accusations unfounded. This was followed by an opinion piece by the newspaper’s Associate Editor Ivan Fernandez on Saturday (April 9), stating that the paper could not publish the final draft of her column unedited because some portions were allegedly plagiarised.

On the same day, Dr Lee rebutted this, noting in the emails sent to her by Mr Fernandez, none mentioned plagiarism as an issue, and questioned whether “the powers that be” has instructed him to criticise her.

The next day, Dr Lee published their email exchanges in full.