Lee Hsien Yang, a member of Singapore’s founding family, announced on Tuesday that he has been granted political asylum in the United Kingdom, claiming he faced persecution in Singapore during his brother's time as prime minister.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Mr. Lee revealed that the UK government recognized the risk of political persecution he would encounter if he returned to Singapore, thus granting him asylum protection for which he applied in June 2022.
Mr. Lee expressed his disbelief at becoming a refugee from Singapore, the country his father established. He currently resides in London with his wife, having lived there for two years.
He is the youngest child of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, who led the nation to independence in 1963. His brother, Lee Hsien Loong, served as prime minister for 20 years until recently and continues to hold significant political roles.
In August, Britain approved Mr. Lee’s asylum claim, citing a “well-founded fear of persecution,” allowing him to stay for five years, with an option to extend his residency thereafter.
The Singaporean government refuted claims of persecution, labeling them as “baseless” and asserting that the Lee family is free to return to Singapore. This statement followed an interview with Mr. Lee published by a media outlet.
During Lee Hsien Loong's tenure, a public dispute emerged within the Lee family, with allegations from Mr. Lee and his sister regarding the misappropriation of power. This conflict has sparked broader discussions about governance in Singapore, traditionally dominated by one-party rule.
The family feud has also involved a legal battle over their father’s estate, leading to accusations of deception against Mr. Lee and his wife. He contended that the court ruling was politically motivated, a claim the government has denied.
Following the legal dispute, Singaporean authorities invited Mr. Lee and his wife to cooperate with an investigation regarding alleged false testimonies, which they declined, citing fears of governmental retribution.
Additionally, one of Mr. Lee’s sons faced a fine for contempt of court due to a critical Facebook post about the judiciary, which the government deemed inappropriate.
Mr. Lee’s announcement of his asylum status coincides with his application to demolish the family home after his sister’s passing. He reaffirmed his Singaporean citizenship and expressed hope for a future return to his home country, contingent upon a significant change in the political landscape.
“If it doesn’t happen in my lifetime,” he remarked, “it would be heart-wrenching for me.”