Li Yipeng Used To ‘Act Up’ In University
Little is known about the eldest son of Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Li Yipeng, except maybe for his albinism.
Recently, Facebook user Ms Wong wrote a comment revealing a different, more human side of the seemingly distant figure — his thoughtfulness.
Ms Wong admitted that Mr Li did behave queerly in school. This included “screaming and covering his eyes and ears when(ever) he saw genitals on the lecture slides”.
He would also occasionally squat at the front row of the lecture theatre. No one understood why he did that and many gossiped about him.
Had bad eyesight
It wasn’t until a particular summer term class where the lecturer asked Mr Li why he was squatting at the front that the reason for his strange habit became clear.
Albinism gave Mr Li really bad eyesight. He therefore wanted to be close to the screen, but did not wish to block the view of his classmates.
Big fan of the Phantom of the Opera
Another user, Mr Wee empathised with Mr Li and said that he too often had trouble seeing what was on the screen.
Mr Wee knew Mr Li personally and recalled bonding with him over discussions of the Phantom of the Opera songs.
Curbing the gossip about him
After learning about Mr Li’s intentions and habits, Ms Wong made it a point to always explain to gossipers why he does what he does.
She further wrote,
Being born different and being PM’s son isn’t his fault, no reason to be subjected to the whole “ehh why PM son so weird arh” bullshit.
Do not be too quick to judge
Often, when we see someone deviating from common behavior, we form judgments about the person. Sometimes, these judgments not the kindest.
But Ms Wong’s story about Mr Li reminds us that the reasons behind seemingly odd modes and manners are not always apparent.
So before making conclusions about a person, let’s attempt to understand why the person is behaving the way he or she is. Such attitudes are the bedrock of an inclusive society.
Featured image from Singapore Stuff.
