Li Shengwu, grandson of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, has stirred international discussion with his recent opinion video titled "How Tyranny Begins." Released last Wednesday, the video quickly circulated across various social media platforms and forums, capturing widespread attention. In the video, Li explores the origins of tyranny, challenging conventional views and offering a critique of political power dynamics worldwide.
Li's video delves into how tyranny can emerge, asserting that it does not begin with the "stuffing of ballot boxes" but rather with "retribution." He accuses Senior Minister Lee of leveraging police and criminal prosecution to "dispose of or exile his opponents," a claim that underscores his critical stance on political practices in Singapore.
"I fled the country as soon as I could" – Li
His departure followed a legal dispute over a social media post that was shared only with friends, for which he received a fine. This experience seems to have fueled his perspective on political retribution and its role in fostering tyranny.
In his video, Li Shengwu also references international leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega. He discusses how each of these leaders has consolidated absolute power in their respective countries, drawing parallels to illustrate his point about the subtle beginnings of tyranny. By examining these global examples, Li aims to provide a broader understanding of how political power can be manipulated to suppress dissent and eliminate opposition.
The video has sparked diverse reactions, with some viewers praising Li for his boldness in addressing sensitive topics, while others criticize him for his approach and claims. The discussion surrounding the video reflects broader concerns about governance and the balance of power in modern political systems.
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