SINGAPORE Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan has addressed two often controversial issues that have shadowed him: whether he gets funds from foreign sources, and his role in Mr Chiam See Tong's exit from the party.
He spoke on these issues in an interview that LianHe Zaobao published yesterday in conjunction with the SDP's 30th anniversary.
In it, he acknowledged that he received some funds from foreign sources for research work, and played down his role in Mr Chiam's departure from the party in 1993.
Asked about how he supported his family, he told the Chinese-language daily that his income was mainly from the sale of his books and occasional financial assistance from friends and family.
'We live a simple life, and I invest the extra resources in the fight for democracy,' said Dr Chee, who lives in a three-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh with his wife and three children.
He was declared a bankrupt in February 2006 after failing to pay $500,000 in damages to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew for defaming them during the 2001 General Election.
In the article, the interviewer asked him about rumours that he had been able to engage in civil disobedience and other activities here because he received financing from foreign donors.
The article said that, after much probing, he replied: 'I am an academic, and will occasionally receive research funding from overseas. I have written award-winning books, and have taken part in overseas research programmes.'
But Dr Chee did not say what the research entailed. All he would say was: 'Maybe research like human behaviour.'
As for Mr Chiam's exit from the SDP, Dr Chee said that he tried to persuade the Potong Pasir MP to stay on - contrary to the view that he had a role in driving Mr Chiam out.
Said Dr Chee: 'The meeting where he resigned from the SDP was held at my home. I went to his office a few times in the following month to ask him to withdraw his resignation and told him he was still regarded as our leader.'
He said it was Mr Chiam's intolerance of dissenting views which ultimately led to the split.
'Even in the eyes of (SDP) leaders like Ling How Doong, Chiam See Tong's leadership was indisputable. However, we hoped he could be more democratic when doing things,' he added.
'I bear no grudges against Chiam See Tong and even attended the dinner to mark his 25th year as an MP. I would greet him if we happen to meet.'
The SDP chief also said that while he may not be chummy with other opposition leaders, he keeps in contact with them and follows the rules of the game to avoid three-cornered fights.
When the subject of his bankruptcy was raised, he responded: 'Do not ask me whether I plan to be discharged from bankruptcy. This question should be for Lee Kuan Yew. If he does not fear me, he could exercise his rights as a creditor to write off my debts. I will apply for a discharge immediately if he gives me the green light and does not block the way for me to contest in the election.'
He spoke on these issues in an interview that LianHe Zaobao published yesterday in conjunction with the SDP's 30th anniversary.
In it, he acknowledged that he received some funds from foreign sources for research work, and played down his role in Mr Chiam's departure from the party in 1993.
Asked about how he supported his family, he told the Chinese-language daily that his income was mainly from the sale of his books and occasional financial assistance from friends and family.
'We live a simple life, and I invest the extra resources in the fight for democracy,' said Dr Chee, who lives in a three-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh with his wife and three children.
He was declared a bankrupt in February 2006 after failing to pay $500,000 in damages to Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew for defaming them during the 2001 General Election.
In the article, the interviewer asked him about rumours that he had been able to engage in civil disobedience and other activities here because he received financing from foreign donors.
The article said that, after much probing, he replied: 'I am an academic, and will occasionally receive research funding from overseas. I have written award-winning books, and have taken part in overseas research programmes.'
But Dr Chee did not say what the research entailed. All he would say was: 'Maybe research like human behaviour.'
As for Mr Chiam's exit from the SDP, Dr Chee said that he tried to persuade the Potong Pasir MP to stay on - contrary to the view that he had a role in driving Mr Chiam out.
Said Dr Chee: 'The meeting where he resigned from the SDP was held at my home. I went to his office a few times in the following month to ask him to withdraw his resignation and told him he was still regarded as our leader.'
He said it was Mr Chiam's intolerance of dissenting views which ultimately led to the split.
'Even in the eyes of (SDP) leaders like Ling How Doong, Chiam See Tong's leadership was indisputable. However, we hoped he could be more democratic when doing things,' he added.
'I bear no grudges against Chiam See Tong and even attended the dinner to mark his 25th year as an MP. I would greet him if we happen to meet.'
The SDP chief also said that while he may not be chummy with other opposition leaders, he keeps in contact with them and follows the rules of the game to avoid three-cornered fights.
When the subject of his bankruptcy was raised, he responded: 'Do not ask me whether I plan to be discharged from bankruptcy. This question should be for Lee Kuan Yew. If he does not fear me, he could exercise his rights as a creditor to write off my debts. I will apply for a discharge immediately if he gives me the green light and does not block the way for me to contest in the election.'
