Lee Hsien Yang Ordered to Pay Damages in Defamation Case

In a significant ruling, the Singapore High Court has mandated Lee Hsien Yang, brother of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, to pay substantial damages to Indian-origin ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan for defamation. The judgment stems from remarks made by Lee Hsien Yang on Facebook, insinuating corruption in the rental of state properties by the ministers.

Despite the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau’s clearance of any wrongdoing, Lee persisted with his allegations. Justice Goh Yihan, presiding over the case, found Lee’s claims malicious and false, justifying the awarded damages. Lee’s absence in court and failure to defend himself led to a decision based on the claimants’ evidence. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to uphold integrity and deter baseless defamation, setting a precedent for accountability in public discourse.