India protests against PM Lee's comments on lawmakers
India issued a diplomatic protest with Singapore over Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's remarks about the number of Indian lawmakers facing criminal charges.
New Delhi raised the issue with the city state's high commissioner on Thursday (Feb 17), a senior government official said, seeking anonymity, citing rules for speaking to the media. The official said PM Lee's remarks were uncalled for. Addressing Singapore's Parliament earlier this week about a lying scandal involving a former lawmaker, PM Lee said: "Nehru's India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder."
India's Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi was not immediately available for a comment. In Singapore, the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment.
Graffiti has been removed
Vandals have attacked a DBS branch in Hong Kong by scrawling vulgarities directed at Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his family and the ruling People's Action Party.
Photos of the vandalised DBS branch were posted late Thursday morning (Nov 14) on a Facebook group called the Concerned Citizens Band Together for a better Singapore. The post was shared more than 850 times in four hours. A DBS spokesman told The Straits Times that the graffiti was cleaned off as soon as it was discovered on Thursday morning.
Some Hong Kongers have been upset by comments PM Lee made on the Hong Kong protests at the Forbes Global CEO Conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore in October.
read more
DBS branch in Hong Kong vandalised with vulgarities directed at PM Lee, PAP
South-east Asia’s largest lender DBS Bank has confirmed that photos circulating online of a vandalised bank was a DBS branch in Hong Kong. “The graffiti on the branch in Hong Kong was cleaned off as soon as it was discovered this morning,” said a DBS spokesperson on Thursday (Nov 14) in response to queries from TODAY.
The online photos showed that the graffiti included vulgarities directed at Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Singapore’s ruling party, the People’s Action Party.
Mr Lee commented on the crisis engulfing Hong Kong while speaking at the Forbes Global CEO Conference last month, in response to a question from Mr Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media.
read more
DBS branch in Hong Kong vandalised with vulgar messages directed at PM Lee, PAP
A DBS branch in Hong Kong was vandalised with vulgar graffiti directed at Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the People’s Action Party (PAP). Responding to Yahoo News Singapore’s queries on Thursday (14 November), a DBS spokesman said the graffiti had been “cleaned off as soon as it was discovered this morning”.
Images of the vandalised DBS branch have been shared widely online, in which vulgar messages – such as “Lee Hsien Loong p**s off!” and “F**k the PAP” – can be seen scrawled in black paint on its exterior walls.
During the Forbes Global CEO Conference in October, Lee gave his views on the situation in Hong Kong, where ongoing protests against the city’s government have recently taken a more violent turn.
read more
DBS branch in Hong Kong vandalised with graffiti slamming PM Lee & S’pore’s ruling party
Graffiti slamming Singapore’s ruling party, the People’s Action Party (PAP), and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were spray painted across the branch’s glass exterior
Recently, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made some comments on the situation in Hong Kong, which were poorly received by the demonstrators.
In his most extensive remarks on the matter yet, PM Lee had dismissed the five demands raised by the protesters, saying they were intended to 'humiliate and bring down' the Government.
Hongkongers who support the movement were offended by his comments, and felt that he was being condescending towards them, despite not having a clear understanding of where the protesters are coming from.
read more
Vandals in HK target DBS branch, scrawl vulgarities aimed at PM Lee
A DBS spokesman said graffiti at a DBS branch in Hong Kong was cleaned off as soon as it was discovered on Thursday (Nov 14) morning.ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH
Vandals attacked a DBS branch in Hong Kong, scrawling vulgarities directed at Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his family and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
Some Hong Kongers have been upset by comments PM Lee made on the protests at the Forbes Global CEO Conference last month.
On Tuesday, groups of demonstrators attacked and damaged property at Festival Walk mall in Kowloon Tong. The mall is owned by Singapore-listed Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust. This was presumably a spillover of protests at City University of Hong Kong, which is adjacent to the mall.
read more
DBS branch in Hong Kong unaffected by fire that broke out in neighbouring unit
Videos of the fire were posted on Facebook on Nov 13, showing the unit beside the DBS branch engulfed in flames.PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM LIM TEAN/FACEBOOK
A Hong Kong branch of Singapore bank DBS was not affected by a fire that broke out in a neighbouring unit, a spokesman said on Wednesday (Nov 13), after videos of the fire were shared online.
"It was a neighbouring unit, and not the DBS branch, that was unfortunately on fire," the spokesman said.
She added that the branch's staff are safe and the premises were not damaged.
read more
Protesters trash Singapore Reit's mall in Hong Kong
Festival Walk, a shopping centre in Hong Kong owned by Singapore-listed Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust (MNACT), suffered "extensive damage" caused by protesters on Tuesday night.
A few groups of protesters smashed the glass panels at the property's entrances, including the office lobby and balustrades on various levels of the mall, the real estate investment trust (Reit) said yesterday before the stock market opened.
The protesters also set fire to a Christmas tree within the mall, as well as the office lobby, the Reit said. The fires were eventually put out. There was no apparent reason for the attack.
related: Singapore Reit's shares tumble after 'extensive damage' to its Hong Kong mall from protests
read more
Hong Kong protesters’ five demands meant to ‘humiliate’ government, won’t solve city’s issues: Singapore PM
Speaking at Forbes Global CEO Conference, Lee Hsien Loong says he finds it hard to imagine that ‘one country, two systems’ will last until 2047
The five main demands of Hong Kong’s anti-government protesters are intended to “humiliate” the city’s administration, and acceding to them is unlikely to solve the deep-seated issues linked to “one country, two systems”, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday.
The Lion City’s leader said if Hong Kong did not work within its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, it would be “very difficult to imagine” that the unique governance model in place since the city’s return to Chinese rule in 1997 could last until 2047, when the system is meant to expire. He said the model “can be made to work [but] it is not easy.”
Speaking during a dialogue at the Forbes Global CEO Conference, Lee also stressed that Singapore was unlikely to benefit from Hong Kong’s woes because it depended heavily on investors having confidence in the entire region. The comments were the Singaporean leader’s most extensive yet on the protests that have engulfed Hong Kong for 19 straight weeks. “I don’t see any easy way forward because the demonstrators, they say they have five major demands, and not one can be compromised,” the 67-year-old leader said in response to questions about Hong Kong from Steve Forbes, the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media.
read more
Hong Kong must accept status as SAR for 'one country, two systems' to work: Lee Hsien Loong
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) in dialogue with Forbes editor-in-chief Steve Forbes at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore, on Wednesday, 16 October 2019. PHOTO: Dhany
While there is “no easy way forward” to resolve the unrest in Hong Kong, the territory must accept its status as a Special Administrative Region of China in order to sustain its unique system of governance, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday evening (16 October).
“Hong Kong is not a country, it’s a Special Administrative Region. It has to live and work within the Special Administrative Region framework, which is the Basic Law. I think it can be made to work, it’s not easy, but if it’s not made to work, then I think it’s very difficult to imagine that ‘one country, two systems’ can continue for another 22 years, until 2047.”
Lee made his remarks at the two-day Forbes Global CEO Conference, whose theme this year was “Transcending the Turbulence”. The 67-year-old spoke during a dialogue with Steve Forbes, the editor-in-chief of business magazine Forbes. It was Lee’s first appearance at the annual event since 2014.
read more
No easy way out, but HK protesters’ demands serve only to humiliate the government: PM Lee
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) and Mr Steve Forbes at the Forbes Global CEO Conference held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on Oct 16, 2019
Hong Kong needs to move beyond the “very unfortunate state” it is in and start taking steps to resolve its problems in areas such as the implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle as well as its social and economic issues, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Speaking at this year’s Forbes Global CEO Conference on Wednesday (Oct 16), Mr Lee said that the five demands made by the Hong Kong protesters serve to “humiliate and bring down” Chief Executive’s Carrie Lam’s government and not solve Hong Kong’s problems.
In response to a question on the turmoil in Hong Kong asked by Mr Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Mr Lee said that he does not see an easy way forward because the protesters are locking horns with the government but are not providing any tangible solution.
read more
PM Lee lauded as a hero in China for Hong Kong remarks, but panned by protesters
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been hailed as a hero in China and slammed in Hongkong. This was after he gave his most extensive remarks on Hong Kong on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
PM Lee’s comments have triggered responses on both ends of the spectrum from both mainland China and Hong Kong, with the former perceiving his remarks as wisdom befitting his late father Lee Kuan Yew, and the latter dismissing him as an outsider who does not know the city’s situation as well as he thought he did.
Chinese state media Global Times, carrying his comments, highlighted his remark that the protesters’ five demands were out to “humiliate” the Hong Kong government, and could do nothing to resolve the problems facing the city. In addition, it repeated PM Lee’s comments that the unrest in Hong Kong does nothing good for Singapore economically.
read more
Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong a social media hero in China for Hong Kong protest comments
A video of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong saying his country would be “finished” if it were hit by Hong Kong-style protests has gone viral in mainland China, prompting social media users to praise the Lion City’s strong governance.
Lee told a union event on Tuesday that populist movements were growing in various places across the world – from the United States and France to Hong Kong, where anti-government protests have entered their 19th week – and he refused to dismiss the possibility of similar divisions appearing in his own country.
While Singapore’s situation was different to Hong Kong’s, “deep social angst” could take root in the Lion City, too, if it was not careful, Lee said.
read more
Hong Kong’s troubles are ‘very bad for the region,’ says Singapore’s leader
Pro-democracy protesters set barricade on fire at a demonstration in Causeway Bay district on October 6, 2019 in Hong Kong, China
Singapore thrives best when the entire region is stable and can attract investors, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as unrest continues to roil Hong Kong, often seen as the city-state’s competitor for the role of Asia’s premier financial center.
Speaking at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore on Wednesday, Lee said confidence in the region would mean that “investors can come and not think that ‘I’m in a dangerous part of the world.’”
“We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them,” he told the audience at a dialogue with Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media. Those ties with other countries would include those in financial services with Hong Kong, tourism, or trade, Lee said.
read more
Rocky situation in Hong Kong not good for Singapore, says PM Lee
PM Lee Hsien Loong (left) and Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes at the Forbes Global CEO Conference yesterday. TNP PHOTO: JASON QUAH
During the dialogue, Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes also asked PM Lee about the implications of the Hong Kong protests for Singapore.
"We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them," said PM Lee. He added he does not see any easy way forward for Hong Kong, as the demonstrators' demands "are not demands which are meant to be a programme to solve Hong Kong's problems", but "demands intended to humiliate and bring down the government".
Hong Kong's issues need to be progressively tackled, one of which is the one country, two systems policy, PM Lee said.
read more
Singapore trying hard to guard itself against populism, says PM Lee
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Media, attend a dialogue session at the Forbes Global CEO Conference at the Shangri-La Hotel on Oct 16, 2019
During the hour-long dialogue, which covered a broad range of topics including the US-China trade tensions, political unrest in Hong Kong, and Singapore’s role in Southeast Asia, Mr Lee was asked whether Singapore has seen a trend of companies moving over from Hong Kong,PM Lee said that this has not been the case and it is not something that Singapore hopes to see.
Rather, Singapore hopes that the situation in Hong Kong will calm down and companies will be able to conduct business there peacefully, he said. Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes also asked PM Lee what the implications of the protests in Hong Kong were on Singapore.“We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them,” Mr Lee said.
He added that he does not see any easy way forward for Hong Kong, as the demonstrators’ demands “are not demands which are meant to be a programme to solve Hong Kong’s problems”, but “demands intended to humiliate and bring down the government”.
read more
Singapore hopes situation in Hong Kong will calm down: PM Lee
In this photo taken on Oct 14, 2019, protesters bring out a giant banner at Chater Garden, Hong Kong. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
During the dialogue, Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes also asked PM Lee about the implications of the Hong Kong protests for Singapore. "We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them," said PM Lee.
He added that he does not see any easy way forward for Hong Kong as the demonstrators' demands "are not demands which are meant to be a programme to solve Hong Kong's problems", but "demands intended to humiliate and bring down the government".
Hong Kong's issues, one of which is the "one country, two systems" policy, need to be progressively tackled, PM Lee said.
read more
PM Lee was speaking during a dialogue moderated by Mr Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a dialogue with Mr Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, at the Forbes Global CEO Conference yesterday (Oct 16). The hour-long dialogue covered a broad range of topics, including the US-China trade tensions, the political unrest in Hong Kong and Singapore's role in South-east Asia.ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
During the hour-long dialogue, which covered a broad range of topics, including the US-China trade tensions, the political unrest in Hong Kong, and Singapore's role in South-east Asia, he was also asked how the Republic balances immigration and growth.
To secure the country's future, Singaporeans need to have more babies to maintain the core citizen population, he said, adding that the Government is working hard to promote marriage and parenthood.
The resident total fertility rate was 1.14 last year. PM Lee said if the rate can be pushed to 1.3 or 1.4, this is "two-thirds" of what Singapore needs, and the remaining third can be topped up with immigration.
read more
环球时报 10月17日 13:10 来自 微博 weibo.com
【李显龙：“五大诉求”旨在羞辱并推翻特区政府】昨日，新加坡总理李显龙在福布斯全球CEO论坛上表示，香港示威者提出的“五大诉求”，除了羞辱及推翻香港特区政府，无助于解决当前问题。他同时表示，香港暴乱对新加坡经济产生了负面影响。（香港南华早报，福布斯官网）
read more
HK protests: Trump says it’s between HK and China while PM Lee condemns protestors
It was reported that a US senator on Fri (15 Nov) condemned Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for allegedly prioritizing his economic and political deals with Beijing at the expense of “human rights” in Hong Kong.
Rick Scott, a representative of the State of Florida, wrote in a tweet, “Singapore’s Prime Minister is so concerned with his deals with Communist China that he is shaming the brave people of #HongKong for fighting for their human rights.” “This is shameful! The global community should stand together against human rights violator President Xi,” said Senator Scott, who is a known vocal critic of China.
The Senator’s comments came after PM Lee told about 500 global CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs and investors at the Forbes Global CEO Conference last month that the five demands put forth by the Hong Kong anti-government protestors serve to “humiliate” the city’s administration.
read more
US Senator accuses PM Lee of prioritising deals with “Communist China” over human rights in Hong Kong
A United States senator on Fri (15 Nov) condemned Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for allegedly prioritising his economic and political deals with Beijing at the expense of “human rights” in Hong Kong.
Rick Scott, a representative of the State of Florida, in a tweet had branded Lee’s “shaming” of the Hong Kong pro-democracy protestors “fighting for their human rights” as “shameful”:
read more
US Senator accuses PM Lee of siding with “Communist China” and “shaming the brave people of Hong Kong”
Linking to a news article that describes how Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has become a social media hero in mainland China following his recent remarks on the Hong Kong protests, US Senator Rick Scott has publicly criticised PM Lee for siding with “Communist China” and “shaming the brave people of Hong Kong.”
Last month, PM Lee said that Singapore would be “finished” if Hong Kong-style protests took place in his country. Speaking at the NTUC National Delegates’ Conference, he said:
read more
Chan Chun Sing: Situation in Hong Kong has reached breaking point, Singapore can draw four lessons from ongoing developments
A photo taken on Nov 14 shows obstacles set up by protesters on a road in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district.ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH
The situation in Hong Kong has reached a breaking point, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Nov 18) as he warned that there would be grave doubts about the Chinese territory's future and the sustainability of its political system if calm is not restored through dialogue.
"We watch with concern, the deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong. This is especially so for those of us with relatives in Hong Kong," he told reporters following one of the most violent weeks of clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police that has left much of the city paralysed.
"Hong Kong's continued success as an economic and financial hub is important for the region and the world, including Singapore," Mr Chan said.
read more
Chan Chun Sing identifies four lessons Singapore can draw from HK situation
Mr Chan Chun Sing identified four lessons Singapore can draw from the unrest in Hong Kong (above) and other parts of the world. PHOTOS: EPA, TNP FILE
The situation in Hong Kong has reached a breaking point, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said, adding there would be grave doubts about the Chinese territory's future and the sustainability of its political system if calm is not restored through dialogue.
"We watch with concern the deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong," he told reporters at his office at The Treasury yesterday following one of Hong Kong's most violent weeks of clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police. "Hong Kong's continued success as an economic and financial hub is important for the region and the world, including Singapore."
Mr Chan said Singaporeans have wondered if the recent clashes in Hong Kong and other parts of the world could happen here. It can, he added, "if we are complacent or not careful". Mr Chan added that his intention was not to pass judgment, but he identified four lessons Singapore can draw.
read more
Singapore watches Hong Kong ‘with concern’; current situation at ‘breaking point’: Chan Chun Sing
The ongoing protests in Hong Kong have reached a “breaking point” and Singapore is watching the developments “with concern”, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Nov 18).
“Unless calm is restored, dialogue commences and constructive actions taken, there will be grave doubts about Hong Kong's future and the sustainability of its current governance model,” said Mr Chan in his comments to reporters at The Treasury.
Hong Kong has been rocked by months of unprecedented protests, which started initially from opposition to a controversial extradition Bill, but later evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms under Chinese rule.
read more
Images of the vandalised DBS branch have been shared widely online, in which vulgar messages – such as “Lee Hsien Loong p**s off!” and “F**k the PAP” – can be seen scrawled in black paint on its exterior walls.
During the Forbes Global CEO Conference in October, Lee gave his views on the situation in Hong Kong, where ongoing protests against the city’s government have recently taken a more violent turn.
read more
DBS branch in Hong Kong vandalised with graffiti slamming PM Lee & S’pore’s ruling party
Recently, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made some comments on the situation in Hong Kong, which were poorly received by the demonstrators.
In his most extensive remarks on the matter yet, PM Lee had dismissed the five demands raised by the protesters, saying they were intended to 'humiliate and bring down' the Government.
Hongkongers who support the movement were offended by his comments, and felt that he was being condescending towards them, despite not having a clear understanding of where the protesters are coming from.
read more
Vandals in HK target DBS branch, scrawl vulgarities aimed at PM Lee
Vandals attacked a DBS branch in Hong Kong, scrawling vulgarities directed at Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his family and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
Some Hong Kongers have been upset by comments PM Lee made on the protests at the Forbes Global CEO Conference last month.
On Tuesday, groups of demonstrators attacked and damaged property at Festival Walk mall in Kowloon Tong. The mall is owned by Singapore-listed Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust. This was presumably a spillover of protests at City University of Hong Kong, which is adjacent to the mall.
read more
Videos of the fire were posted on Facebook on Wed, showing the unit beside the DBS branch engulfed in flame
DBS branch in Hong Kong unaffected by fire that broke out in neighbouring unit
A Hong Kong branch of Singapore bank DBS was not affected by a fire that broke out in a neighbouring unit, a spokesman said on Wednesday (Nov 13), after videos of the fire were shared online.
"It was a neighbouring unit, and not the DBS branch, that was unfortunately on fire," the spokesman said.
She added that the branch's staff are safe and the premises were not damaged.
read more
Festival Walk, a shopping mall in Hong Kong owned by Singapore-listed Mapple North Asia Trust was extensively damaged by protesters
Protesters trash Singapore Reit's mall in Hong Kong
Protesters vandalising Festival Walk (above) in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, on Tuesday. PHOTO: REUTERS
Festival Walk, a shopping centre in Hong Kong owned by Singapore-listed Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust (MNACT), suffered "extensive damage" caused by protesters on Tuesday night.
A few groups of protesters smashed the glass panels at the property's entrances, including the office lobby and balustrades on various levels of the mall, the real estate investment trust (Reit) said yesterday before the stock market opened.
The protesters also set fire to a Christmas tree within the mall, as well as the office lobby, the Reit said. The fires were eventually put out. There was no apparent reason for the attack.
related: Singapore Reit's shares tumble after 'extensive damage' to its Hong Kong mall from protests
Hong Kong protesters’ five demands meant to ‘humiliate’ government, won’t solve city’s issues: Singapore PM
The five main demands of Hong Kong’s anti-government protesters are intended to “humiliate” the city’s administration, and acceding to them is unlikely to solve the deep-seated issues linked to “one country, two systems”, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday.
The Lion City’s leader said if Hong Kong did not work within its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, it would be “very difficult to imagine” that the unique governance model in place since the city’s return to Chinese rule in 1997 could last until 2047, when the system is meant to expire. He said the model “can be made to work [but] it is not easy.”
Speaking during a dialogue at the Forbes Global CEO Conference, Lee also stressed that Singapore was unlikely to benefit from Hong Kong’s woes because it depended heavily on investors having confidence in the entire region. The comments were the Singaporean leader’s most extensive yet on the protests that have engulfed Hong Kong for 19 straight weeks. “I don’t see any easy way forward because the demonstrators, they say they have five major demands, and not one can be compromised,” the 67-year-old leader said in response to questions about Hong Kong from Steve Forbes, the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media.
read more
Hong Kong must accept status as SAR for 'one country, two systems' to work: Lee Hsien Loong
While there is “no easy way forward” to resolve the unrest in Hong Kong, the territory must accept its status as a Special Administrative Region of China in order to sustain its unique system of governance, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday evening (16 October).
“Hong Kong is not a country, it’s a Special Administrative Region. It has to live and work within the Special Administrative Region framework, which is the Basic Law. I think it can be made to work, it’s not easy, but if it’s not made to work, then I think it’s very difficult to imagine that ‘one country, two systems’ can continue for another 22 years, until 2047.”
Lee made his remarks at the two-day Forbes Global CEO Conference, whose theme this year was “Transcending the Turbulence”. The 67-year-old spoke during a dialogue with Steve Forbes, the editor-in-chief of business magazine Forbes. It was Lee’s first appearance at the annual event since 2014.
read more
No easy way out, but HK protesters’ demands serve only to humiliate the government: PM Lee
Hong Kong needs to move beyond the “very unfortunate state” it is in and start taking steps to resolve its problems in areas such as the implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle as well as its social and economic issues, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Speaking at this year’s Forbes Global CEO Conference on Wednesday (Oct 16), Mr Lee said that the five demands made by the Hong Kong protesters serve to “humiliate and bring down” Chief Executive’s Carrie Lam’s government and not solve Hong Kong’s problems.
In response to a question on the turmoil in Hong Kong asked by Mr Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, Mr Lee said that he does not see an easy way forward because the protesters are locking horns with the government but are not providing any tangible solution.
read more
PM Lee lauded as a hero in China for Hong Kong remarks, but panned by protesters
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been hailed as a hero in China and slammed in Hongkong. This was after he gave his most extensive remarks on Hong Kong on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
PM Lee’s comments have triggered responses on both ends of the spectrum from both mainland China and Hong Kong, with the former perceiving his remarks as wisdom befitting his late father Lee Kuan Yew, and the latter dismissing him as an outsider who does not know the city’s situation as well as he thought he did.
Chinese state media Global Times, carrying his comments, highlighted his remark that the protesters’ five demands were out to “humiliate” the Hong Kong government, and could do nothing to resolve the problems facing the city. In addition, it repeated PM Lee’s comments that the unrest in Hong Kong does nothing good for Singapore economically.
read more
Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong a social media hero in China for Hong Kong protest comments
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been outspoken on the Hong Kong protests. Photo: AP
A video of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong saying his country would be “finished” if it were hit by Hong Kong-style protests has gone viral in mainland China, prompting social media users to praise the Lion City’s strong governance.
Lee told a union event on Tuesday that populist movements were growing in various places across the world – from the United States and France to Hong Kong, where anti-government protests have entered their 19th week – and he refused to dismiss the possibility of similar divisions appearing in his own country.
While Singapore’s situation was different to Hong Kong’s, “deep social angst” could take root in the Lion City, too, if it was not careful, Lee said.
read more
Hong Kong’s troubles are ‘very bad for the region,’ says Singapore’s leader
Singapore thrives best when the entire region is stable and can attract investors, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as unrest continues to roil Hong Kong, often seen as the city-state’s competitor for the role of Asia’s premier financial center.
Speaking at the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore on Wednesday, Lee said confidence in the region would mean that “investors can come and not think that ‘I’m in a dangerous part of the world.’”
“We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them,” he told the audience at a dialogue with Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media. Those ties with other countries would include those in financial services with Hong Kong, tourism, or trade, Lee said.
read more
Rocky situation in Hong Kong not good for Singapore, says PM Lee
During the dialogue, Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes also asked PM Lee about the implications of the Hong Kong protests for Singapore.
"We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them," said PM Lee. He added he does not see any easy way forward for Hong Kong, as the demonstrators' demands "are not demands which are meant to be a programme to solve Hong Kong's problems", but "demands intended to humiliate and bring down the government".
Hong Kong's issues need to be progressively tackled, one of which is the one country, two systems policy, PM Lee said.
read more
Singapore trying hard to guard itself against populism, says PM Lee
During the hour-long dialogue, which covered a broad range of topics including the US-China trade tensions, political unrest in Hong Kong, and Singapore’s role in Southeast Asia, Mr Lee was asked whether Singapore has seen a trend of companies moving over from Hong Kong,PM Lee said that this has not been the case and it is not something that Singapore hopes to see.
Rather, Singapore hopes that the situation in Hong Kong will calm down and companies will be able to conduct business there peacefully, he said. Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes also asked PM Lee what the implications of the protests in Hong Kong were on Singapore.“We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them,” Mr Lee said.
He added that he does not see any easy way forward for Hong Kong, as the demonstrators’ demands “are not demands which are meant to be a programme to solve Hong Kong’s problems”, but “demands intended to humiliate and bring down the government”.
read more
Singapore hopes situation in Hong Kong will calm down: PM Lee
During the dialogue, Forbes Media chairman and editor-in-chief Steve Forbes also asked PM Lee about the implications of the Hong Kong protests for Singapore. "We thrive best in Singapore when the region is stable, when other countries are prospering and we can do business with them," said PM Lee.
He added that he does not see any easy way forward for Hong Kong as the demonstrators' demands "are not demands which are meant to be a programme to solve Hong Kong's problems", but "demands intended to humiliate and bring down the government".
Hong Kong's issues, one of which is the "one country, two systems" policy, need to be progressively tackled, PM Lee said.
read more
PM Lee was speaking during a dialogue moderated by Mr Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media
During the hour-long dialogue, which covered a broad range of topics, including the US-China trade tensions, the political unrest in Hong Kong, and Singapore's role in South-east Asia, he was also asked how the Republic balances immigration and growth.
To secure the country's future, Singaporeans need to have more babies to maintain the core citizen population, he said, adding that the Government is working hard to promote marriage and parenthood.
The resident total fertility rate was 1.14 last year. PM Lee said if the rate can be pushed to 1.3 or 1.4, this is "two-thirds" of what Singapore needs, and the remaining third can be topped up with immigration.
read more
环球时报 10月17日 13:10 来自 微博 weibo.com
【李显龙：“五大诉求”旨在羞辱并推翻特区政府】昨日，新加坡总理李显龙在福布斯全球CEO论坛上表示，香港示威者提出的“五大诉求”，除了羞辱及推翻香港特区政府，无助于解决当前问题。他同时表示，香港暴乱对新加坡经济产生了负面影响。（香港南华早报，福布斯官网）
read more
HK protests: Trump says it’s between HK and China while PM Lee condemns protestors
It was reported that a US senator on Fri (15 Nov) condemned Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for allegedly prioritizing his economic and political deals with Beijing at the expense of “human rights” in Hong Kong.
Rick Scott, a representative of the State of Florida, wrote in a tweet, “Singapore’s Prime Minister is so concerned with his deals with Communist China that he is shaming the brave people of #HongKong for fighting for their human rights.” “This is shameful! The global community should stand together against human rights violator President Xi,” said Senator Scott, who is a known vocal critic of China.
The Senator’s comments came after PM Lee told about 500 global CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs and investors at the Forbes Global CEO Conference last month that the five demands put forth by the Hong Kong anti-government protestors serve to “humiliate” the city’s administration.
read more
US Senator accuses PM Lee of prioritising deals with “Communist China” over human rights in Hong Kong
A United States senator on Fri (15 Nov) condemned Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for allegedly prioritising his economic and political deals with Beijing at the expense of “human rights” in Hong Kong.
Rick Scott, a representative of the State of Florida, in a tweet had branded Lee’s “shaming” of the Hong Kong pro-democracy protestors “fighting for their human rights” as “shameful”:
- “Singapore’s Prime Minister is so concerned with his deals with Communist China that he is shaming the brave people of #HongKong for fighting for their human rights.
- “This is shameful! The global community should stand together against human rights violator President Xi,” said Scott.
read more
US Senator accuses PM Lee of siding with “Communist China” and “shaming the brave people of Hong Kong”
Linking to a news article that describes how Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has become a social media hero in mainland China following his recent remarks on the Hong Kong protests, US Senator Rick Scott has publicly criticised PM Lee for siding with “Communist China” and “shaming the brave people of Hong Kong.”
Last month, PM Lee said that Singapore would be “finished” if Hong Kong-style protests took place in his country. Speaking at the NTUC National Delegates’ Conference, he said:
- “If it happens to us, like what’s happening elsewhere, we will suffer the same consequences as the other [places], only worse because we are that much more vulnerable.
- “It would become impossible to govern Singapore, to make and carry out difficult decisions, or to plan for the long-term good of the nation…Confidence in Singapore would be destroyed. I think Singapore would be finished.”
read more
Chan Chun Sing: Situation in Hong Kong has reached breaking point, Singapore can draw four lessons from ongoing developments
The situation in Hong Kong has reached a breaking point, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Nov 18) as he warned that there would be grave doubts about the Chinese territory's future and the sustainability of its political system if calm is not restored through dialogue.
"We watch with concern, the deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong. This is especially so for those of us with relatives in Hong Kong," he told reporters following one of the most violent weeks of clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police that has left much of the city paralysed.
"Hong Kong's continued success as an economic and financial hub is important for the region and the world, including Singapore," Mr Chan said.
read more
Chan Chun Sing identifies four lessons Singapore can draw from HK situation
The situation in Hong Kong has reached a breaking point, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said, adding there would be grave doubts about the Chinese territory's future and the sustainability of its political system if calm is not restored through dialogue.
"We watch with concern the deterioration of the situation in Hong Kong," he told reporters at his office at The Treasury yesterday following one of Hong Kong's most violent weeks of clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police. "Hong Kong's continued success as an economic and financial hub is important for the region and the world, including Singapore."
Mr Chan said Singaporeans have wondered if the recent clashes in Hong Kong and other parts of the world could happen here. It can, he added, "if we are complacent or not careful". Mr Chan added that his intention was not to pass judgment, but he identified four lessons Singapore can draw.
read more
Singapore watches Hong Kong ‘with concern’; current situation at ‘breaking point’: Chan Chun Sing
Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing speaking to reporters on Nov 18, 2019
The ongoing protests in Hong Kong have reached a “breaking point” and Singapore is watching the developments “with concern”, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Nov 18).
“Unless calm is restored, dialogue commences and constructive actions taken, there will be grave doubts about Hong Kong's future and the sustainability of its current governance model,” said Mr Chan in his comments to reporters at The Treasury.
Hong Kong has been rocked by months of unprecedented protests, which started initially from opposition to a controversial extradition Bill, but later evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms under Chinese rule.
read more
related:
PM Lee the Latest “Victim” of Donald Trump Handshake
PM Lee Hsien Loong at G20 Leaders' Summit in Hamburg
Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’
PM Lee Hsien Loong at G20 Leaders' Summit in Hamburg
Singapore must ‘steal other people’s lunches’
PM Lee In The Limelight
PM Lee in Focus
Singapore Stumbles on China's Road
Lee Hsien Loong's 10 years as PM
What is happening in ‘Clean’ Singapore?
A 'Sign of Distress' in Singapore?
Why is everything breaking down in Singapore?
SG Buildings Crumbling Down Parody
Singapore’s Story: What comes next
To Singapore, with Love 星国恋
The politics of power dressing
The famiLEE tree
PM Lee in Focus
Singapore Stumbles on China's Road
Lee Hsien Loong's 10 years as PM
What is happening in ‘Clean’ Singapore?
A 'Sign of Distress' in Singapore?
Why is everything breaking down in Singapore?
SG Buildings Crumbling Down Parody
Singapore’s Story: What comes next
To Singapore, with Love 星国恋
The politics of power dressing
The famiLEE tree
