Use of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's Image on Local Company's Commemorative Packet Drinks
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the use of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s image on commemorative packet drinks and whether this contravened official guidelines regarding his name and image. Ms Poh Li San inquired if the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth should withdraw the products and how to prevent disrespect during disposal. Minister of State Alvin Tan responded that the use was assessed as respectful because it highlighted Mr Lee’s role in Singapore’s green transformation. He clarified that the company consulted the Ministry and that the items were distributed for free rather than being sold commercially. Minister of State Alvin Tan advised the public to dispose of packets responsibly and noted that future feedback would be taken into consideration.
Transcript
22 Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the use of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's image on a local company's commemorative packet drinks contravenes the guidelines set out on the use of the name and image of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew; and (b) if so, whether the Ministry has the authority to demand that distribution of such commercial products be withdrawn.
The Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth (Mr Alvin Tan) (for the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth): Mr Speaker, Sir, before launching their commemorative initiative, Yeo's had consulted the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) to ensure that it was in line with the published guidelines on the use of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's name and image. MCCY assessed that the use of Mr Lee's image on the commemorative drinks packet was respectful because the intent was to highlight Mr Lee's contribution to the transformation of Singapore into a green city. Yeo's also clarified that the commemorative packet drinks were not available for sale, but were being distributed for free.
Mr Speaker: Ms Poh.
Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang): Mr Speaker, I thank the Minister of State for the clarification. My supplementary question pertains to a question on the packet drinks as they would be thrown into trash bins or even become litter. So, how can MCCY ensure that there is no undue disrespect to Mr Lee Kuan Yew if packet drinks or similar commercial products are being allowed?
Mr Alvin Tan: Sir, we advise the public to dispose of the packets in an appropriate and responsible manner and MCCY will take public feedback into consideration in future as well.