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Demolishing political opponents: No regrets
# Some people will say that one factor behind the PAP's longevity is the fact that the PAP has very effectively and systematically demolished opposition.
What political party helps an opposition to come into power? Why should we not demolish them before they get started? Once they get started, it's more difficult to demolish them.
If you are polite to me, I'm polite to you but I'll demolish your policy. It is the job of every government to do that if you want to stay in power. Look at the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) now in Japan, they are unable to demolish the opposition because they have lost credibility, they are not as good as their grandfathers or fathers.
# But there have been instances in the past where you have felt that it was necessary to demolish the men, such as Jeyaretnam.
Well yes, Jeyaretnam to begin with, Chee Soon Juan is another. I think they deserve to be demolished. I have no regrets. Jeyaretnam went nutty, selling things in the corner, how did that help him? And closing down his practice.
I mean, he thought, you know, Western-style, he's sacrificing for the country. No, it's his personal ambition to knock me down. I mean, I just laughed him off and brushed him aside, which annoyed him. No, I have no regrets. Chee Soon Juan, also no regrets.
# Do you ever have any idea of the chilling effect that has on others who may be interested in politics but are frightened off?
Well, if you do the same thing then you must expect the same treatment. Therefore, you behave in a more civilised way, more political, like Low Thia Khiang or even Chiam (See Tong). I've never been rough with Chiam. He's gentle, I'm gentle. He's a decent man and I respect him for that. He's able to hold his ground in spite of his physical infirmities.
# Some people will say that one factor behind the PAP's longevity is the fact that the PAP has very effectively and systematically demolished opposition.
What political party helps an opposition to come into power? Why should we not demolish them before they get started? Once they get started, it's more difficult to demolish them.
If you are polite to me, I'm polite to you but I'll demolish your policy. It is the job of every government to do that if you want to stay in power. Look at the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) now in Japan, they are unable to demolish the opposition because they have lost credibility, they are not as good as their grandfathers or fathers.
# But there have been instances in the past where you have felt that it was necessary to demolish the men, such as Jeyaretnam.
Well yes, Jeyaretnam to begin with, Chee Soon Juan is another. I think they deserve to be demolished. I have no regrets. Jeyaretnam went nutty, selling things in the corner, how did that help him? And closing down his practice.
I mean, he thought, you know, Western-style, he's sacrificing for the country. No, it's his personal ambition to knock me down. I mean, I just laughed him off and brushed him aside, which annoyed him. No, I have no regrets. Chee Soon Juan, also no regrets.
# Do you ever have any idea of the chilling effect that has on others who may be interested in politics but are frightened off?
Well, if you do the same thing then you must expect the same treatment. Therefore, you behave in a more civilised way, more political, like Low Thia Khiang or even Chiam (See Tong). I've never been rough with Chiam. He's gentle, I'm gentle. He's a decent man and I respect him for that. He's able to hold his ground in spite of his physical infirmities.