Rumors swirl as two prominent Lee family members are speculated to vie for Singapore’s highest office.
SINGAPORE: Rumors are circulating that Singapore may be on the brink of another high-profile Lee family face-off, this time in the political arena, potentially as early as this year. According to reports from the Asia Sentinel, two prominent members of the late Lee Kuan Yew’s family may compete in the upcoming Presidential Election, which is set to take place later this year.
The role of the President in Singapore has evolved over time into a largely ceremonial one, but the position still holds significant importance for the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP). Past elections have been influenced by the PAP’s priorities, such as adjusting the qualification criteria before the 2017 Presidential Election to ensure no competition from independent candidates.
The next election comes at a time of political transition. Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, is poised to hand over the reins to his successor, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. While PM Lee will still play a key role in shaping policy as Senior Minister, his successor will be tasked with managing the PAP’s continued dominance.
The position of the President remains a point of strategic interest for the PAP, especially considering the limited executive powers it holds. This was highlighted by former President Ong Teng Cheong’s struggles with obtaining information about the national reserves, an issue that raised tensions between the presidency and the government.
This backdrop sets the stage for a potential battle between PM Lee’s wife, Ho Ching, and his younger brother, Lee Hsien Yang, for the presidency.
Ho Ching, who served as the CEO of Temasek for nearly 20 years before stepping down in 2021, is now the Chairperson of Temasek Trust. Despite speculation that she may run for President, there has been no confirmation of her candidacy. However, rumors have persisted for weeks, though queries directed to the Prime Minister’s Office have gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, Lee Hsien Yang, a former member of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), has been a vocal critic of the PAP and has supported opposition efforts. He has made it clear that if he runs for President, his candidacy would be a direct challenge to his elder brother’s leadership.
The Lee family’s longstanding feud, which publicly erupted in 2017 over the fate of the family home at 38 Oxley Road, has remained a source of contention. The dispute centered on accusations that PM Lee used his political power to preserve the house against his father’s wishes. The dispute was eventually resolved through a private family settlement in 2019, but the underlying tensions between the brothers have never fully dissipated.
If Lee Hsien Yang were to run for President, his independent stance could provide a counterpoint to the PAP’s control, positioning him as a potential symbol of balance and scrutiny in Singapore’s political landscape.
As speculation mounts, the possibility of a Lee family rivalry spilling into the Presidential Election raises questions about the future of Singapore’s political stability, especially as the nation navigates its leadership transition. While Lee Hsien Yang’s potential candidacy could challenge the PAP’s dominance, Ho Ching’s entry into the race would further solidify the Lee family’s continued influence.
The upcoming election could very well be defined by this political showdown, with implications for Singapore’s governance and the legacy of the Lee family.
