Lee Kuan Yew warns of army intervention
-
do you all think it is possible to have a military coup in Singapore?
Lee Kuan Yew warns of army intervention
As last resort, if an opposition government plunders hard-earned reserves. Possible?
By Seah Chiang Nee., litterspeck.com
Sep 24, 2006
AS he ages in the midst of an undercurrent of political pressures, Lee Kuan Yew seems to become more concerned about the safety of Singapore's US120bil (RM454.4bil) reserves accumulated over four decades.
His worry is two-fold; firstly, the rising popularity of opposition that he said could result in 'freak' defeat for his ruling People's Action Party (PAP), and secondly, corrupt opposition leaders squandering the nation's wealth.
He had earlier warned that PAP must not take for granted that it will always win.
Lee had valid reasons to worry. There's a political wind blowing across the land and politics may be entering - helped by the Internet - a less predictable era.
In the May election, the PAP's popular vote fell from 75.3 to 66.6% with no sign of reversing.
If it erodes further, more Singaporeans will hop on to the (currently weak) opposition's bandwagon.
The new recruits could include the bright and honest, but also crooks and self-serving people with an eye on the nation's riches.
In an interview with a Harvard University professor last week he hinted that in case of a plunder - and the elected president could not or would not prevent it - then "in two or three years" the army would step in to stop it.
His talk of possible military intervention - no mention of coup - caused a stir among Singaporeans.
Ironically the warning came only three days before the military coup in Thailand.
Singapore is one of the richest countries when it comes to reserves per capita. Lee once promised to 'rise up from the grave' if future leaders lead it into chaos.
Before he resigned as PM in 1990, Lee created 'a second key' to safeguard the reserves, an elected presidency that could stop the Cabinet of the day from spending money it had not accumulated during its own five-year tenure.
No government could dig into funds earned by previous governments without approval from a public referendum.
But this is the first time Lee has spoken of 'military intervention' if the elected presidency was absent or captured by the opposition, to save the nation's billions.
Educated Singaporeans, however, have often discussed the prospect of a military coup here if PAP loses an election, not to protect national assets. Lee probably sees the two as connected.
In 1984 when the PAP suffered a 12.4% vote decline - a mini-crisis to him in those days - a small think-tank committee set up by the newspaper that I edited had discussed this possibility.
Lee had angrily accused young voters of being ungrateful when so many turned against a party that did 'so much for them'.
We discussed what would happen if something worse were to happen like losing an election: Would Lee stage a military coup to stay in power? Almost to a person, we dismissed it for several reasons.
Firstly, the United States, Singapore's powerful trading partner, would come down hard on it, foreign investors could dry up but more crucially, Singapore's army and people - unlike others - would strongly oppose it.
It would even split the PAP. In short Singapore could not survive the impact.
Besides, the full-time army is a small one. Singapore's frontline soldiers are overwhelmingly made up of 'reservists'.
This would have meant that if the country voted out the PAP, these soldiers - sons, brothers and husbands - were likely to have voted along with it, so a coup against the elected leaders was far-fetched.
The army here is vastly different from the Thais, Vietnamese, Filipinos and other coup-marked countries. Its value comes from its colonial British 'no-politics' traditions.
So how seriously are Singaporeans taking Lee's coup warning? Most dismiss it as next to impossible.
If it wasn't possible 20 years ago, it is even less so today as the society has become more sophisticated.
"It will be a sad day if it is attempted. One coup will lead to another and start a culture," said a businessman.
Besides any takeover general would probably enjoy power too much to want to return to the barracks."
Nothing could then prevent them from plundering the reserves themselves, the very thing Lee wanted to stop.
So far none of the other PAP leaders or rank-and-file has echoed Lee's sentiments, so it is far from being a party position. I don't think it was seriously discussed.
To put it into perspective, Lee did not condone a military takeover but probably mentioned it as a last option if everything else failed to stop a corrupt government.
Instead he advised Singaporeans to preserve the present political arrangement, which could also mean - to his critics - 'don't vote in an opposition' or "don't introduce a multi-party system."
In his interview with Prof Lawrence Summers, Lee said: "Once you break that, by military intervention, you have destroyed a system which works on the basis of who was voted into office," he said.
There are, however, some old-timers who believe Lee never says anything flippantly and that he must have given it much thought.
So where can an out-of-office PAP, assuming the scenario were to unfold, get the troops to grab power from the (corrupt) government other than the 'people's' army?
Singapore is a small island that doesn't take much to start a coup.
Imaginative Singaporeans believe the PAP may one day launch a highly paid Presidential Guard-type unit, while others say a battalion of Gurkha troops now used for security duties could be used.
Lee, however, insisted his goal was maintaining the present governance. "My ambition is not to preserve the PAP," he said. -
Is he saying.. only MIW is honest enuf to protect the reserves? and if MIW loses the election.. army will ensure MIW stays in control?Originally posted by lotus999:Lee, however, insisted his goal was maintaining the present governance. "My ambition is not to preserve the PAP," he said. -
YeapOriginally posted by siaokao:Is he saying.. only MIW is honest enuf to protect the reserves? and if MIW loses the election.. army will ensure MIW stays in control?
He eliminated the possibility MIW is the one plundering the nation's wealth through ministers salaries, bad investments etc
In fact, we cant even account for all the reserves. So how can there be plundering when we possibly dont even know how much is left. -
how can a puppet bite the master? -
Who says opposition is corrupt? I think they just want to use the nation reserves to their own usage. Selfish PAP. Especially the two Lees.
-
haha.. tell this to tripwire...Originally posted by laurence82:Yeap
He eliminated the possibility MIW is the one plundering the nation's wealth through ministers salaries, bad investments etc
In fact, we cant even account for all the reserves. So how can there be plundering when we possibly dont even know how much is left.
-
I support PAP! PAP ftw!
-
In fact, the Army is the last resort to protect Singapore from a corrupt government who will not hand over power if it lost an election.
-
Actually in this case, Singapore dun need election. Why waste time and $$? Why give singaporeans false hopes?
PAP win = PAP win
PAP lose = opposition plunder reserve (Says MM) = SAF coup = PAP win[/u] -
fwah, maciam like econs, return to equilibriumOriginally posted by siaokao:Actually in this case, Singapore dun need election. Why waste time and $$? Why give singaporeans false hopes?
PAP win = PAP win
PAP lose = opposition plunder reserve (Says MM) = SAF coup = PAP win[/u] -
I doubt this is going to happen..Originally posted by LazerLordz:In fact, the Army is the last resort to protect Singapore from a corrupt government who will not hand over power if it lost an election.
-
what? the handing over part or the Army part?Originally posted by siaokao:I doubt this is going to happen.. -
SAF protect Singapore from a corrupt government who will not hand over power if it lost an election part..Originally posted by LazerLordz:what? the handing over part or the Army part?
Actually M&M juz said SAF will ensure the losing party need not hand over power.. -
I don't want to be here if it happens.
-
It is sheer arrogance on the part of LKY to suggest that any other Singaporean political party that is chosen and elected by Singaporeans - instead of the Incumbent PAP - can only result in the plundering of the Singapore Reserves.
It suggests that Singaporeans are unable to judge.
It suggests that any other political party that decide to use the Singapore Reserves will not be doing anything for the interest of Singapore.
It is simply patronising of LKY on his views of Singaporeans and in his treatment of even his peers - whether Singaporeans or foreigners.
What is the implication of LKY's warning concerning the SAF intervention in the electoral process of Singapore ?
Is the SAF protecting the Constitution, the interest of Singapore and Singaporeans, or that of LKY and the PAP ?
Does LKY respect Singaporeans, the Singapore Constitution, the Singapore Legislations, the Electoral Process; or is he simply too big even for his own size shoes ?
Has he not already made changes to the Constitution that put the following Pubic Positions beyond any attempt by a new government to change the current choice in the Heads of the Judiciary, the Attorney-General Chambers, the SAF, the Singapore Police Force, the Public Service Commission, and the Heads of all Statutory Boards and Government Linked Companies ?
What was the reason behind these moves, and what are the serious implication of such a situation in the event that the LKY and his PAP is ever voted out of public office ?
Will LKY and his appointees usurp the powers of government despite being voted out of office ?
What kind of Public Institutions has LKY created that will be held to ransom by a small group of incumbent politicians and its own political process ?
Can the present Singapore Institution outlast the political process, or will it simply self-destruct at the command of the present political party that one day can be voted out-of-office ?
Is this the permanent legacy of LKY for Singapore ?
Is it not sheer condescension and arrogance of LKY to believe that only his chosen ones and his political party are the only ones capable of leading Singapore forward to the next level ?
Does this not reflect the truth that LKY is simply too long in a position of power to relinquish it, and is simply doing too much for too long for his own good ?
Why does Singapore continue to have LKY an 83 year old, when even in PR China - anyone reaching the age of 80 years old are expected to step out from Public Office, as well as from sitting as a Member in the Peoples' Congress ?
Surely, Singapore and Singaporeans deserve a political system and public institutions that can withstand the rigours of multi-party politics, and with the best political party being elected to form the best Government for Singaporeans and Singapore ?
While Thailand has a revered King to act as a neutral arbiter in resolving national crisis, and in which even the Thai Military will bow to, does such a National Figure exist in Singapore - when even the Elected Presidency has to be annointed by LKY and his PAP before submitting the nomination paper as a Presidential candidate ?
Is the Singapore Presidency a politically neutral office as it was originally set out to be one, or has it already been politically tainted through its two presidential election process ?
Can this Public Office intervene neutrally in any political crisis ?
Sadly, it is unlikely anytime in the near future or otherwise; and based on the present method of scrutiny, any potential presidential hopefuls will seldom reach the selection finals for LKY's annointment of approval. -
A coup would never happen in Singapore, because our Generals don't stay in their positions for too long, which makes it hard for them to strengthen their networks.
About squandering of our reserves by other political parties, or even current political parties, think that would never happen, it's a forgone conclusion.
Would you kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
If any political party squanders our reserves away intentionally, he would certainly be committing political suicide. Negative reserves means, we won't be able to maintain our exchange rates (like what the US is currently experiencing with it's deficit, devaluation), which means inflation (adversely impact our import dependent economy), economic woes, etc.....
It would be more beneficial for any political party to retain their dominance as long as possible.
If any money driven political party were to win a majority of the seats in parliament, it would be better for them to sit back and let the goose lay all the golden eggs it can. Sit back kick off your shoes and enjoy.
It doesn't take an irresponsible opposition party to spend away all our reserves. With no source of revenue, it will only take 4 years (assuming that you said our official reserves are SGD160bn) for us to deplete our reserves. Check out the Supply Act 2006 at http://statutes.agc.gov.sg
Total appropriation from funds are : SGD 43 bn -
I think this a serious case of mistrust. The "father" figure of Singapore refuses to believe that his children had grown up and can have a free hand in managing the "family".
On the other hand though, he did mentioned that Singapore would be safer if there's a crediable opposition. Although there had been an increase in the quality of the opposition in recent years, I feel that they do not have a large enough pool of talents and much of their young talents lack experience. I think that significant effort, resources and time need to be invested into the talent grooming process. Of course, there's difficulty in doing so in an environment such as Singapore. -
Can u remember how dictators in Indonesia n P countries were ousted???
People power!!!! as Jesus says there is alway right , truth n road!! no matter how a corrupted gov sets up a system,there is alway a hole for ppl power to overthrown them!!!
Great ppl power which had proven in Thiland, Taiwan, Ind n Philip.very soon 2 come Spore!!! -
And may I mention that a Constitutional Amendment was made in January 2005 allowing for the transfer of funds from our past reserves for the GLCs and statutory boards through GIC? This allows them to transfer these funds without a public referendum nor parliamentary approval each time, only Presidential approval in times where the funds are required to be classified as past reserves in those corporations.Originally posted by maurizio13:A coup would never happen in Singapore, because our Generals don't stay in their positions for too long, which makes it hard for them to strengthen their networks.
About squandering of our reserves by other political parties, or even current political parties, think that would never happen, it's a forgone conclusion.
Would you kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
If any political party squanders our reserves away intentionally, he would certainly be committing political suicide. Negative reserves means, we won't be able to maintain our exchange rates (like what the US is currently experiencing with it's deficit, devaluation), which means inflation (adversely impact our import dependent economy), economic woes, etc.....
It would be more beneficial for any political party to retain their dominance as long as possible.
If any money driven political party were to win a majority of the seats in parliament, it would be better for them to sit back and let the goose lay all the golden eggs it can. Sit back kick off your shoes and enjoy.
It doesn't take an irresponsible opposition party to spend away all our reserves. With no source of revenue, it will only take 4 years (assuming that you said our official reserves are SGD160bn) for us to deplete our reserves. Check out the Supply Act 2006 at http://statutes.agc.gov.sg
Total appropriation from funds are : SGD 43 bn
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_getdata.pl?actno=1999-REVED-CONST&doctitle=CONSTITUTION%20OF%20THE%20REPUBLIC%20OF%20SINGAPORE%0a&date=latest&method=part&sl=1&segid=931158661-003157#1084505479-000098
I wonder how many Singaporeans know or even feel concerned that such an amendment was made without a single voice of concern from the public. This is what happens when you have entrenched political majority over time. -
wif a riffraff MM, wat good can tis nation become?
i bet he will not have comfort sleep every nite, worrying someone might slab his heart while he asleep. -
haha.. dun think he is worried abt that.. his guards should be "world class"..Originally posted by 798:wif a riffraff MM, wat good can tis nation become?
i bet he will not have comfort sleep every nite, worrying someone might slab his heart while he asleep.
Rather.. he think he might be wondering how much longer his heart is going to beat.. and when he will have to lose his $120~200 billion.. -
he speaks as if the $ belongs to him liddat...
-
What do u mean? U mean those $$ dun belong to him??Originally posted by sgboy2004:he speaks as if the $ belongs to him liddat...
U think belong to u ar? U can go get an account statement or not? can withdraw any funds from that account? -
for a man at his age.. he still think and worried for the future of singapore.. and its people...
his dedication deserves at least some respect rather then cyncism.
but such outpouring of emotion against him.. because of who he is and what he has achieved.. is understandable...
afterall.. that's human nature to be jeoulous, distrusting and cynical.
its human to distrust others.. especially against those above and in power..
one cannot hope to be love by all... just as one cannot hope all will understand his intentions.
the world has 6 billion people.. but even GOD, with all his power and grace, only has 1 billion followers... -
the money dont belong to him.. neither does it belong to you or me.Originally posted by sgboy2004:he speaks as if the $ belongs to him liddat...
the money belongs to singapore.. and is the foundation of singapore citizens' wealth, which is earned with countless drops of blood and sweat.
he is merely the caretaker...the 24hr security guard...