Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Xenophobe In Winter

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, in an interview with National Geographic, displays a shameless bigotry that one could be forgiven for only expecting from the KKKs Grand Wizard; or other such luminaries.

As reported in the Singapore Democrat Mr Lee says of Singapore Malays, “Well, we make them say the national pledge and sing the national anthem but suppose we have a famine, will your Malay neighbour give you the last few grains of rice or will she share it with her family or fellow Muslim or vice versa?”

He makes them say the national pledge and sing the national anthem. Remarkable. No doubt they would sing Rasa Sayang otherwise.
The second part of his statement is even more objectionable. It depicts the Malays as being uncaring, self-centred and racially biased. Based on his comments, it is perhaps a description that better fits Mr.Lee himself.

He also goes on to question their donning of head-scarves, a habit that seems to queit irk Mr.Lee. After all, he doesn't wear one himself.
I suppose, Mr. Lee, that its up to me if I want to walk down Orchard Road wearing a sombrero. Or will I be arrested and find that it's already been legislated against in Singapore?

Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister, then, in a craven abdication of responsible leadership, refrained from condemnning those grievous remarks. Instead, he mouthed empty patronising words.

Mr. Lee should apologize of course, for his careless, crass and hurtful words. But it is never in the nature of autocrats to admit to their mistakes.



"Cuiusvis hominis est errare; nullius nisi insipientis, in errore perseverare"  - Cicero

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