The investigation follows accusations of providing false evidence regarding Lee Kuan Yew’s will, amid ongoing family tensions.
SINGAPORE: The bitter feud within the Lee family continues to dominate headlines, with Lee Hsien Yang and his wife, Lee Suet Fern, under investigation by the police for allegedly providing false evidence in legal proceedings regarding Lee Kuan Yew’s will.
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean revealed on Friday (Mar 10) that the couple is under police investigation for possibly lying about the will of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister. The investigation stems from a referral made in October 2021, and the couple was contacted in June 2022 for an interview, which they initially agreed to. However, they later changed their stance and refused to attend, instead sending an email stating they would not participate. The police have advised them to reconsider, but no further responses have been received.
Mr. Teo emphasized that the couple’s refusal to participate raised concerns, encouraging them to attend the investigation to clear their names. Lee Hsien Yang responded on Facebook, accusing the Singapore authorities of “continued persecution” against his family. He referred to past legal actions, including the prosecution of his son, Li Shengwu, and his wife, Lee Suet Fern, over the will dispute. He claims these actions are part of a broader effort to target his family.
The family feud dates back to 2017, following the death of Lee Kuan Yew. Lee Hsien Yang and his sister, Lee Wei Ling, accused their older brother, Lee Hsien Loong, of abusing his power as Prime Minister for political gain, specifically concerning the family’s home at 38 Oxley Road. PM Lee has denied these accusations, and the dispute was partially resolved in 2019 with a private family settlement. However, the tensions persist, with accusations from Lee Hsien Yang that PM Lee has made no effort to reconcile.
The latest chapter in this saga follows the legal challenges faced by Lee Hsien Yang’s son, Li Shengwu, who was convicted of contempt of court for a private Facebook post about the feud. Despite paying the fine, Li Shengwu has voiced concerns about returning to Singapore, citing fears of further legal action.
The ongoing investigation and the family’s public disputes highlight the deep divisions within the Lee family, with ongoing allegations of corruption and misuse of power. Lee Suet Fern, who was suspended from legal practice for misconduct in 2020, remains at the center of the controversy, as her actions in the execution of Lee Kuan Yew’s last will are scrutinized.
