Reflections on My Father's Legacy in Singapore

Lee Kuan Yew's son, Mr. Lee, reflects from London.

As the architect behind modern Singapore, my father, Lee Kuan Yew, governed with steadfast discipline for over three decades, establishing a political system often described as a ‘benevolent autocracy.'

His leadership saw the People's Action Party (PAP) hold a monopoly on power, curtailing some freedoms but committing to ample prosperity, ethical governance, and providing outstanding public utilities like affordable housing. Singapore flourished into a beacon of stability and efficiency.

Today, that brilliance is fading.

The party, ruling since 1959 without interruption, is no longer fulfilling its duties as expected by citizens. It now leans toward authoritarianism, enacting harsher regulations. Singapore remains an autocracy but arguably not with the benevolence my father had hoped for.

This notion will likely weigh heavily on voters as they head to the polls for parliamentary selections on Saturday. Many feel they live in a society where mainly the affluent, the ruling party members, and their allies thrive.

Cherishing my father deeply, I long held his vision in high regard. Yet now, even I must acknowledge that the concept of a benevolent autocracy is a misnomer. The citizens of Singapore require and merit a transparent government with genuine democratic plurality, vibrant opposition, and an end to one-party dominance.

A simple truth led me to grasp this.

Throughout his life and until his end in 2015, my father lived simply, residing in our family home, a vision align with his intentions to see it torn down after his passing. His focus was the welfare of Singapore and its people rather than personal glorification.