Former Malaysian PM Badawi asked Lee Kuan Yew to “shut up”

19 September 2010

Another former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Abdullah Badawi has lashed out against PAP strongman Lee Kuan Yew for interfering in the domestic affairs of Malaysia literally telling him to “shut up”.

During a recent interview with the New York Times, the octagenarian Lee criticized Malaysia for its “racist” politics and claimed that the PAP would have improved inter-racial relations had Singapore remained a part of Malaysia.

“I think if the Tunku (Malaysia’s first prime minister) had kept us together, what we did in Singapore – had Malaysia accepted a multiracial base for their society – much of what we’ve achieved in Singapore would have been achieved in Malaysia. But not as much, because it’s a much broader base. We would have improved inter-racial relations and an improved holistic situation,” he said.

He also described Malaysia to be in a most “unhappy” situation and that inter-racial relations there have plummeted to a new low. Lee’s insensitive remarks sparked a massive outcry among the Malaysian leaders with many lampooning him for doing so including former premier Mahathir Mohamad, UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin and MCA President Dr Chua Soi Lek.

Even the mild-mannered Badawi is unable to tolerate Lee’s penchant for teaching others how to run their countries and spoke out against him.

Speaking to reporters at his Hari Raya open house in Penang yesterday, Badawi said:“Malaysians do not need advice from Lee Kuan Yew on how to manage the country.”

He also criticized Lee for wanting Malaysia to be managed like Singapore which is impossible given the fundamental differences between the two nations.

“Every country has its own peculiar problems, which have to be settled mostly by themselves,” he added.

Being a senior statesman and leader, Lee should be more circumspect and cautious with his remarks which has triggered yet another diplomatic tiff with Malaysia.

Source: http://www.temasekreview.com/2010/09/19/former-malaysian-pm-badawi-asked-lee-kuan-yew-to-shut-up/