Lee Hsien Yang Joins Tan Cheng Bock’s PSP, But May Not Run For Elections

Lee Hsien Yang Shows Support For Ex-Presidential Candidate’s Party

Back in 2017, the demolition of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s abode at 38 Oxley Road came under scrutiny when a dispute arose between his children.

In what appeared to be a rather public falling out in the wake of the dispute, Mr Lee Hsien Yang and Dr Lee Wei Ling distanced themselves from their brother, Mr Lee Hsien Loong — our current Prime Minister of Singapore.

Flashforward 3 years later, and Mr Lee Hsien Yang has announced his intention to join Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s Progress Singapore Party (PSP) in the lead up to the 2020 General Election.

Dr Tan & Mr Lee at a press conference this morning at Tiong Bahru Market
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PSP officially welcomes Lee Hsien Yang

In an update on its Facebook page on Wednesday (24 Jun), the PSP officially unveiled Mr Lee Hsien Yang as a member of its party.

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In the post, the PSP said that the son of founding father Lee Kuan Yew joining an opposition party indicates that he thinks the Government isn’t following what his father wanted.

Mr Lee Hsien Yang was quoted as saying that he joined the party as he thinks Dr Tan is “committed to doing the right thing” for the country and its people, adding,

PSP has an approach which will emphasise compassion.

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Unlikely that Lee Hsien Yang will stand for election

However, it remains unlikely that Mr Lee Hsien Yang will stand for election, reports The Straits Times (ST).

Here’s a summary of what else we know so far, based on ST’s report.

PM’s brother enters ex-Presidential candidate’s party

Dr Tan Cheng Bock’s PSP comprises of ex-PAP members — and most recently, a 23-year-old NUS Law undergraduate who is currently the youngest fielded candidate to date.

With Mr Lee Hsien Yang partnering up with the ex-Presidential candidate, it remains to be seen how he will “contribute” to PSP’s bid to make election history in at least 8 constituencies, states ST.

Partnership dates back as early as 3 months prior

Dr Tan Cheng Bock had apparently kept this new party member’s identity under wraps — having maintained cordial relations with the brother of Prime Minister Lee.

As for how long it took to settle the terms of party membership, this was estimated at 3 months prior to the decision.

ST also reports that both public figures have been spotted sharing a meal at a hawker centre in the “PM’s ward” — probably referring to Ang Mo Kio GRC.

All the best to PSP’s new party member

We wish both Mr Lee and Dr Tan all the best in their new party’s efforts to beat the odds this GE2020 — even if Mr Lee Hsien Yang isn’t revealed as a candidate on Nomination Day.

What do you think is the significance of Mr Lee’s new partnership with Dr Tan’s party? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Featured image adapted from Facebook.