Financial Times apologies to PM Lee, MM Lee, Ms Ho Ching

last SG · 2007-10-18T10:20:15+00:00

Just wait for them to release investigations later lor. The money Nick Leeson lost didn't end up in his pocket as well, officially at least.

vIn.Warrior SG

THE Financial Times has 'unreservedly apologised' to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Temasek Holdings chief executive Ho Ching for publishing an article that alleged nepotistic motives in the appointment of members of the Lee family to key positions here.

The apology was for an article, headlined 'Sovereign funds try to put on an acceptable face', that was carried in the international business newspaper's Sept 29 weekend edition. It was also freely available on its website.

In its apology, carried in the letters page of the newspaper on Wednesday, the FT said, 'We recognise that the article meant or was understood to mean: that Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew secured, or was instrumental in securing, the appointment of his son, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, as prime minister for nepotistic motives; that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong secured, or was instrumental in securing, the appointment of his wife, Ms Ho Ching, as the chief executive of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited for nepotistic motives; and that Ms Ho Ching is promoting her brother-in-law Lee Hsien Yang's interests by securing or helping to secure his appointment as Mr Jackson Tai's replacement at DBS Bank for nepotistic motives.'

The FT added, 'We admit and acknowledge that these allegations are false and completely without foundation.'

'We unreservedly apologise to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Ms Ho Ching for the distress and embarrassment caused to them by these allegations.'

The newspaper agreed not to make further such allegations, and to pay undisclosed damages and costs to PM Lee, MM Lee and Ms Ho Ching.

stellazio SG

WTF!! Mad Mad

shinta SG

frm 1 pocket to another pocket?

financial times under them mah?

vIn.Warrior SG

Not under them

FT is a foreign based newspaper. It's a British international business newspaper.

hiphop2009 SG

lol.

dun say anything without proof...

vIn.Warrior SG

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_167862.html

the Bear SG

they actually meant Mr Ho Ching right? Twisted Evil

or Mrs LeeChing

or Mrs LeeChing-Ho

shinta SG

oh den frm other ppl pocket to their pocket

googoomuck SG

This apology by FT will only prompt other international newspapers to write unflattering articles about the Lee family.

Temasek will come under stricter scrutiny when it want to make investment in EU.

Darkness_hacker99 SG

I know, we know, everyone know.

Spartans SG

What what FT wrote is an open secret. Everyone in Singapore know about it, even my foreign friends. Yet the Lee family die die wont admit it.

Of course it is not in their interest to admit it anyway. But they make it too obvious with all the Lee family members appointment to key government and government-linked organisations.

drawer SG

Yup,the EU will surely make Temasek investment in their continent more difficult.The Lee family only dare to act like a big fuk in this tiny little island,when facing Europeans and Americans,they become "mouse"!!!!

Trump_Card SG

Rolling Eyes

It will not change our perceptions .

drawer SG

This is the reason why Singaporeans hated the Lee family so much.Lee Kuan Yew do favourism too obvious and give key role in government sector to his sons and relatives too much!!!

Even other countries dictators also dare not to implement family favourism so goddamn obvious.That fuking Lee Kuan Yew have to die,otherwise,our country cannot advance to real democracy level!!!!

kramnave SG

Ironically for all our perceived well documented "human rights abuse", we haven't been imposed sanctions. China's human rights abuse are even worse and the world knows that, sanctions are not imposed. Further, the world flocks there and invests.

Sanctions only slapped on poor countries that "have no use" ?

Spartans SG

U do have a valid point. Sanction is meant as a punishment in forcing nations to abide by International (but most of the time America) rules. It works best on poor nation. China, on the other hand, is a market too big to be ignore.

drawer SG

Oh really?Maybe thats why our GLC keep losing money in foreign investment!!!

kramnave SG

Yes. To add on, SDP is affliated to tons of organisations worldwide and chee received an award for his efforts. However, why has there been no worldwide demonstrations against us if these international organisations are aware of the "atrocities" happening in Singapore ? Why has there been no demonstrations against LHL and LKY when they go overseas ? Best thing is LKY get invited to talks, receive honorary degrees etc George Bush personally sign FTA with GCT...weird isn't it ?

oreotree SG

no freedom in press
communist.

AndrewPKYap SG

Another black mark for Singapore.