Domestic challenges ahead for Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong when he becomes Prime Minister

Producer: Felix Tan
First broadcast: 19 July 04, Radio Singapore International

Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be Singapore’s third Prime Minister when he takes on the leadership role on 12 August.

He will face a different set of challenges from those confronting Mr Goh Chok Tong in the 1990s.

So, how different is the backdrop against which DPM Lee will assume the Prime Minister’s role?

Felix Tan put this question to Mr Chandra Mohan Nair (CMN), a nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore:

CMN: “I think one of the primary differences is the international scenario that is going on. When you look at the rise of China and India as the world’s players these days a lot of businesses seem to be going there. So, this is a great competition for Singapore, but I think Singapore needs to plug into that also to try and be successful. So, I think our new Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will face problem of the competition that is going on in this region. The other important factor, I think, is the educated population of Singapore as compared to the 1990s, the 21st century will see a lot of youngsters who are either holding ‘A’ levels, polytechnic diplomas, university or even double degrees. So, he will have to appease to the intellectual minds of the citizens – that will be a great challenge for Lee Hsien Loong. Third factor, I believe, is the great rise of the Internet as a political tool. And a lot of people are now communicating through the Internet and therefore, the freedom of space and politics through the Internet… I think our leadership must recognise that and be in tandem with that, to liberalise the laws in Singapore, to make it more liberal politically speaking, if not, it will be done, in a sense, quietly over the Internet.”

Now, what will Lee Hsien Loong priorities be domestically?

CMN: “Well, domestically, the last two, three years, I think, our spirit has come down a little because of SARS, the economic downturn, recession, et cetera. But this year, we do see, or at least it has been declared that there is an improvement – and it is going to improve – and the ministers are telling us that it will be seen in a few months time in reality. I think that is a great challenge in the unemployment because at the end of the day, the most important factor is jobs, employment and having money in the pocket. So, as long as that is satisfied, I think Lee Hsien Loong will have less of a problem. So, I think that is an important factor. The other factor, I suppose, in terms of politics in this region is also important – what is going on in Malaysia and Indonesia. Our relationship with Malaysia has got to improve compared to Mahathir-Goh Chok Tong days. I think that is, sort of, hanging in the air. So, that will be a great challenge for Lee Hsien Loong also. If he can overcome that, it will be a great victory for Singapore and if Pak Lah in Malaysia can do it, it will be great for Malaysia. And I hope similiarly in Indonesia, the relationship would be remain good so that there will be peace and stability in this region.”

In that case, will we see any significant shifts in foreign policy then?

CMN: “I do not think so because our government is one that is consistent and that is not about one particular leader being a maverick or anything. I think Goh Chok Tong, he always work with the cabinet, with the Foreign Minister, with the Deputy Prime Ministers and et cetera. So, I do not think Lee Hsien Loong will be any different and usually, they will work, I believe, consensually. So, it should not be any problems, not withstanding the fact that Lee Hsien Loong is taking over. I believe the policy would more or less be similar as far as Southeast Asia is concern, ASEAN is concerned, and so I do not see any drastic changes, really. Our foreign policy, from my understanding is that the foreign policy is not really consistent, except to say what is in the interest of Singapore. So, that seems to be the foreign policy – what is good for Singapore is our foreign policy.”

With regards to this change in Prime Minister-ship, now, will we see any General Election soon to get a, probably, strong mandate for Lee Hsien Loong then?

CMN: “I think it works both ways. Lee Hsien Loong may want that – to get a strong mandate. If he gets it, fine! The risk is always there in politics – when it is not an actual general election of a nature where people might say ‘well, it is really not necessary, so why waste money on having a general election because the ruling party will rule anyway’. The opposition, relatively speaking, is very weak over the last five years, 10 years, and 20 years and probably will remain reasonably weak compared to the ruling party for the next five years or so. So, sometimes we, as observers, feel that maybe it is not necessary, except to play a game of to show that he is as popular as Goh Chok Tong. Maybe it is not necessary. And if he does not get the kind of mandate that Goh Chok Tong, luckily he received in the last election, it might be seen as a blow to his leadership. So, it is a risk that he is going to take if he is going to call for a general election. It creates some excitement in the country, but I do not know whether we need to waste the money on this because economically speaking, it might as well spend that money on the poor.”

Prime Minister Goh’s future role… now, how can he play a significant role in the international arena then?

CMN: “I think just like our Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew has played a role over the last 14 years since he retired from the Prime Minister-ship, he still has played a major role in many ways, although behind the scenes and quietly. I think Goh Chok Tong, being younger – he is only in his 60s – would be able to do likewise. And he is very popular with the people, I believe. And Singaporeans, generally like him very much, love him – he is our people’s Prime Minister, so, he has an important part to play. Not just domestically, but also in the region and perhaps, internationally too. He has built that reputation so I think while he deserves a good rest. I think it is also important that he performs a nation service, maybe as a Senior Minister or whatever designation Hsien Loong might offer him, I think he can still play a major role and he looks very healthy to me. And he is a sportsman, like me, so I do not see any problems in him having to work eight hours everyday.”

How do you see the recent incident in which China was unhappy with Singapore over Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to Taiwan playing out when he takes over?

CMN: “It has been a bit unfortunate, but I think the primary thing about international relations is that Singapore is an independent nation. We should be allowed to do what is best, what is in our interests. China is a big player, just like the United States, et cetera, but they have to be humble too. They should not condemn a prospective Prime Minister going to Taiwan, albeit a private visit, and make such a strong statement. I think China is just making a statement, but I do not think they will be doing anything drastic because the relation between China and Singapore is very good. We have trade in Taiwan, so we must be realistic and we must allow that. I think all in all, political leaders should be allowed to do what they want to do as long as it is not violent, they are not speaking about war, as long as it is peaceful, I think there should be space given to political leaders, albeit a small state. So, I think we should be allowed to do what we want and be strong about it and make a statement if necessary. So, we have to stand tall.”

Will we see a radical change in leadership styles between Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong?

CMN: “I think PM Goh gives an impression he is a very compassionate leader, consensual – checking with everyone and having a lot dialogue sessions. Hsien Loong, I suspect, would probably follow the same. He might seem to be a bit stricter, although frankly, when I see him in parliament addressing parliamentarians and all, he is a jovial person, he has got a good sense of humour and more of that should come out in the papers and the media – television and et cetera. So, I hope… I think we must give him a chance. Let us all always support the Prime Minister who has been chosen, even if he is not up to the mark, let’s give him the boost and give him a chance. And I am sure Hsien Loong is a very bright person; there should be no problems. But I think the personality-wise; I think we should be more interested in him as a human being and as Lee Hsien Loong and not as the son of Lee Kuan Yew because constantly, that is being addressed. But I think he is his own boss, he is his own man and I am sure he will do well.”