Hardness of Heart

The death of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, 91 invoked a torrent of social media discussions. Going by the views expressed, there are two distinct camps. State controlled media pounded the print and air news with praises beyond praises of the great achievements by the late Lee. Not a trace of negative words was mentioned. The mourning period is a solemn time. Perhaps, it is only “courteous” that the dead should be spared harsh words, and the family allowed some grieving space. The social media on the other hand went overboard with tirades highlighting the not so great deeds of Lee. Whether good or bad, dead man doesn’t speak.

A Legend Dies

Over in the tropical paradise Singapore, news went viral on 18 March 2015 that the founding patriarch, Lee Kuan Yew had died. The news was reported in major newspapers, such as CNN and major Chinese newspapers. Pictures of journalists piling up in front of the Singapore General Hospital started circulating all over the media were further confirmation that Lee had died. Having been warded since 5 February for severe pneumonia, the passing of the 91-year-old Lee was no surprise. But news took a turn. The Prime Minister’s Office denied the stories and posted the official news that Lee was in a critical condition, but he was still alive. The efficient police quickly arrested 16-year-old student suspected of posting the fake news.