You're right about the whore putting pressure on the kid. Hongyi has professed little interest in politics but those around him know that he'll eventually do his parents' bidding. He's already showing traits of the 'little emperor' - wont to push his weight around, little thought for others, limited EQ ... much like his dad when he was first inducted into the cabinet.
Shengwu is genuinely uninterested, is much more compassionate, and has loads more EQ. But, as with most political families, the scions are often dragged into their parents battles, no matter how unwilling they are.
So this lawsuit conveniently sets the stage for the removal of a potential thorn in the little emperor's side.
Anyway, here's an interesting story from circa Feb 2015:
Suet Fern: Sylvia, could I have a word with you in private?
Sylvia: Sure, but I'd like Pritam to sit in.
SF: Fine with me. Thank you.
S: Pritam, come join us. Fern has something to tell us.
Pritam: No problem. What is it about, Fern?
SF: We were discussing Pa's deteriorating condition with Ling and Loong recently. Ching dropped a bombshell, said she wanted Hongyi to stand in the upcoming elections.
S: Wow, isn't he too young!
SF: Precisely. Yang and I told her outright: 'If Hongyi's standing, then Shengwu will throw his hat in the ring. They're both Pa's grandsons, so he's every right to contest. Besides, everbody knows Shengwu is Pa's favourite grandkid.'
P: Wait a minute. You aren't serious, are you, about letting Shengwu run? Is he really interested in political office, have you asked him?
SF: No, Shengwu isn't the least bit keen. Seen too much shit over the years. But heck, if that bitch wants to play this game, we'll go along with her. We won't allow her to hoard power in her side of the family.
S: So what happened in the end? Did you guys reach a compromise?
SF: We decided to put it to the Elders in the party.
S & P: Elders!!
SF: Yup. There was an emergency meeting and the Elders discussed the matter ...
S: And the outcome?
SF: They said both Hongyi and Shengwu were too young. Besides, the party had been in damage control since the loss of Aljunied and 2 ministers in the last election and the last thing they wanted was another massive vote swing in the upcoming elections on account of perceived nepotism.
P: Any time frame mentioned?
SF: Not GE 2015 for sure. GE 2020 at the earliest, preferably GE 2025. Create a new department, bring the kid in, let him prove his mettle, then coat-tail him into a GRC, helm a ministry. And we know how it will all pan out in the end.
S: Oh God, not another Lee ...
