LKY says sorry, attacks Dr M and makes AAB look good

Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has finally said sorry over his 'naughty remarks' that the Chinese in Malaysia are marginalised.

But is he really sorry for making that statement. Reading his apology letter to Malaysian PM Abdullah doesn’t indicate that at all. In fact he repeated those remarks and even had time to aim poison arrows at former premier Dr Mahathir.

An excerpt of his letter:

"I have not said anything more than what I have said many times before. In fact, I have said less than what I had written in my memoirs published in 1998. I had no intention to meddle in your politics ...

"I am sorry that what I said has caused you a great deal of discomfort. After a decade of troubled relations with your predecessor, it is the last thing I wanted."

And in an annex to the letter, he listed down the numerous times the Malaysian leaders, especially Mahathir, had spoken about how the Malays across the Causeway are marginalised.

Remember Mahathir’s reaction just after Lee’s remarks were published? He said:

"He (Lee) thinks he is strong, he has become arrogant and he does not bother about his neighbours... We can also ask what is the status of Malays in Singapore, why are they not allowed to carry arms in the army or be provided with firearms training."

And the parting shot:

"You (Lee) take care of your own rice bowl. You are not clever. In a small group, you may look clever. (But) when he goes to China. The Chinese there don’t listen (to him). The Chinese don’t respect him because he has been marginalised by the Chinese around the world."

Now, there is the reason for LKY to get personal too in his letter. And now that Lee’s letter is released, guess who comes out smelling like roses? Who does Lee say is responsible for creating an improved relations with Singapore? And who is in bitter feud with Dr M over the cancellations of several major projects?

I say there is only one winner here.