Singapore’s right-wing academic and associate dean of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Donald Low apologized for the second time to Law Minister K Shanmugam and revealed that it was the minister who gave Donald Low his position as a school dean when he was jobless in 2012:
“Dear Minister, On deeper reflection, I realize my first apology was insincere. I am therefore writing now to apologize unreservedly… Many do not know this, but when I was out of a job in 2012, it was Minister Shanmugam who spoke with me and offered his help. He then put in a good word for me with LKYSPP, and gave me a recommendation.”
The LKYSPP school dean had earlier on April 24th criticised the Law Minister, angering the powerful politician. Law Minister K Shanmugam then went to the state media and shamed the school dean, saying he had insulted the name of Lee Kuan Yew. In less than a day, Donald Low returned with a swift apology. However the LKYSPP school dean then repeated his apology today (May 10th).
Read: LKY School dean beg Law Minister K Shanmugam for forgiveness to save his job
Like North Korea, the Singapore government do not tolerate criticisms and have always maintained a harsh stance on critics. Those who work in the civil service or government-linked companies will be dismissed. Others who do not work for the government will be sued with defamation or jailed under the Sedition Act.