MM Lee's hard truths for Singapore (The making of: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going-Part 2 )

The Straits Times, Jan 21, 2011
Hard truths for Singapore
By June Cheong

IT IS well-known that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew is a gifted orator. What happens then when you pit seven journalists and editors against one of the most esteemed minds in Singapore?

As MM Lee put it: 'You're gonna cross swords with me, then you must be willing to get stabbed.'

Between 2008 and 2009, a team of seven Straits Times journalists met and challenged MM Lee with questions gathered from the public, fans and critics alike.

Deputy Political Editor at The Straits Times, Lydia Lim, said: 'He's particularly combative when he speaks about what I think he considers fundamental issues. When he thinks you don't get it, then he becomes quite aggressive. During the first few interviews, there were moments when it was a bit rough. I was a bit disheartened because I thought 'Oh no, this is not going very well. It's not very conversational.' I think thereafter it got better. We also got more used to it.'

The interviews spanning more than 32 hours were eventually turned into a book, Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going.

Throughout the 16 interviews, MM Lee was combative, forthcoming, jovial and laconic. Watch the exchange between MM Lee and the ST writers on RazorTV.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Lee Kuan Yew
• MM Lee
• Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew
• Singapore

[jembutkering]

Thank you for making singapore a peaceful place to live in