Singaporeans had an unexpected Boxing Day surprise when news broke that Leong Sze Hian was counter-suing Lee Hsien Loong for abuse of the process of the courts.
This is surely a sign of a more sophisticated and emboldened opposition and civil society. In the context of Singapore. it is not often that a Prime Minister gets sued in the local court. For the lawsuit to be initiated by a member of the public is even more rare.
It is even more rare for someone from the establishment to throw their weight and financial muscle behind the lawsuit. When that someone is the PM's own brother, you get a sense of the shift in the socio-political landscape in Singapore.
For normal Singaporeans watching as the drama unfolds, this latest twist in the story would provide them more justification for them to lose their inhibitions and stand up for what they believe in. In the past, the previous generations were still either beholdened by the efforts of the PAP pioneers, or were unable to free their minds from the hegemonic influence of the PAP.
The PAP got away with it in the past because there was very little competition. They also did their part to provide the needs of Singaporeans. Now, Singaporeans and foreigners working here are lamenting the high cost of living and the stresses that comes with it. Something has to change.
This is a good political development for Singapore. If Lee Hsien Yang can stand up to his own brother for what he believes in, what excuse do you have?
The writer, Kelvin, is a fan of Lee Hsien Yang.
