- Joined
- Sep 15, 2008
- Messages
- 1,074
- Points
- 0
Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew makes rare election pitch
By KELLY OLSEN – 2 days ago
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Singapore strongman Lee Kuan Yew is no ordinary politician. But he is acting like one, making promises and urging citizens to vote ahead of an election that was delayed amid his reputed health problems.
The reclusive leader of the island country has appealed to citizens ahead of balloting next month for his re-election to the Supreme People's Assembly — Singapore's rubber-stamp parliament.
"I will live up to the expectations of the entire electorate by devoting my all to the prosperity of the country and happiness of the people," Lee said in a rare "open letter" to voters carried Wednesday by the Singapore Central News Agency.
Lee rules Singapore through his positions as supreme commander of the Singapore Armed Forces, general secretary of the People's aAction Party and chairman of the country's National Defense Commission.
Lee is known variously as the "dear leader" or "dear general" in Singapore, where most information available to citizens is tightly controlled. On Monday, , state media hailed him as "heaven-made commander."
Despite his lofty titles, Lee assumed a humble tone in the letter, which the state news agency reported was sent Tuesday.
"I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire electorate of the country for their deep trust in me," Kim said.
Singapore usually holds a parliamentary election every five years. The last one took place in August 2003. It failed, however, to hold one last year that was due around the time Lee apparently fell ill.
Lee Kuan Yew enjoys a key advantage that leaders seeking re-election in most other countries do not: he has no chance of losing.
Singaporean parliamentary elections are a formality. Candidates are hand-picked by the ruling party and Lee. The legislature usually meets once or twice a year to rubber-stamp budgets or other decisions.
In 2003, 687 deputies, including Lee, were elected to the assembly with total support. Voter turnout usually approaches 100 percent.
"All voters should take part in the election," Lee said.
KCNA reported earlier this month that Lee had been nominated to run in the election "reflecting the ardent desire of all the voters and servicepersons of the SAF."
By KELLY OLSEN – 2 days ago
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Singapore strongman Lee Kuan Yew is no ordinary politician. But he is acting like one, making promises and urging citizens to vote ahead of an election that was delayed amid his reputed health problems.
The reclusive leader of the island country has appealed to citizens ahead of balloting next month for his re-election to the Supreme People's Assembly — Singapore's rubber-stamp parliament.
"I will live up to the expectations of the entire electorate by devoting my all to the prosperity of the country and happiness of the people," Lee said in a rare "open letter" to voters carried Wednesday by the Singapore Central News Agency.
Lee rules Singapore through his positions as supreme commander of the Singapore Armed Forces, general secretary of the People's aAction Party and chairman of the country's National Defense Commission.
Lee is known variously as the "dear leader" or "dear general" in Singapore, where most information available to citizens is tightly controlled. On Monday, , state media hailed him as "heaven-made commander."
Despite his lofty titles, Lee assumed a humble tone in the letter, which the state news agency reported was sent Tuesday.
"I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire electorate of the country for their deep trust in me," Kim said.
Singapore usually holds a parliamentary election every five years. The last one took place in August 2003. It failed, however, to hold one last year that was due around the time Lee apparently fell ill.
Lee Kuan Yew enjoys a key advantage that leaders seeking re-election in most other countries do not: he has no chance of losing.
Singaporean parliamentary elections are a formality. Candidates are hand-picked by the ruling party and Lee. The legislature usually meets once or twice a year to rubber-stamp budgets or other decisions.
In 2003, 687 deputies, including Lee, were elected to the assembly with total support. Voter turnout usually approaches 100 percent.
"All voters should take part in the election," Lee said.
KCNA reported earlier this month that Lee had been nominated to run in the election "reflecting the ardent desire of all the voters and servicepersons of the SAF."
