Bertha Henson argues Lee’s authority is affected by ongoing family dispute, calls for focus on national issues
Former Straits Times editor Bertha Henson has voiced her view that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong should consider stepping down, citing the ongoing family feud with his estranged brother as a factor that may be diminishing his authority. At 71, Mr. Lee had previously expressed his intent to retire by age 70, delaying his plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the crisis now under control, many are questioning when he will hand over leadership to PM-designate Lawrence Wong, particularly as speculations grow about an election as early as next June.
In a Facebook post on March 23, Henson suggested that it may be an opportune moment for Mr. Lee to step aside, saying, “His family affairs are becoming a public spectacle when much of our time should be focused on the greater needs of the country.” She added that stepping down could ease public perceptions that state power is being entangled in a family matter.
Henson highlighted that the feud risks overshadowing the Prime Minister’s legacy, creating an impression that personal disputes are affecting governance. “People will remember a fractured family as his key legacy,” she noted, adding that recent debates in Parliament over Lee family matters have only added to the public distraction.
Concluding her post, Henson echoed public sentiment that the family feud should be kept private, allowing the government to focus on pressing national issues. “Let the PM handle his own affairs, and let the government concentrate on the work ahead,” she wrote, wishing the Lee family resolution in either mending ties or moving on separately.
