14 August 2024 08:23 am Views - 118
By Yohan Perera
Whilst stressing that he does not intend to use his late father’s image as a cover when going on his political journey, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa yesterday said he does follow Late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s son Lee Hsien Loong who became the premier through his own ability.
Mr. Premadasa came up with this remark at a forum organised by United Century Front (UCF) where youth were given the opportunity to ask questions from him.
“My father, late President Ranasinghe Premadasa forbade me to take up politics. I would not have been in politics had my father been alive today. There was a person who tried to bring me into politics when my father was alive. That person lost the membership of UNP during that time. I don’t intend to merely depend on my father when going along my political journey. However, I follow Lee Hsien Loong, the son of late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Mr. Loon was never a fool. He became the Prime Minister of Singapore through his own effort,” Mr. Premadasa said.
“My family members have the right to support me and ensure my success. This is where I draw the line. My family members could support me but they are not going to inherit my party,” he added.
Mr. Premadasa said the criticism which is made against him is that he is too humble. “I am humble at times but will not hesitate to take tough decisions whenever the need arises,” he said in this regard.
Also, Mr. Premadasa pledged to make changes in the power and energy, education and transportation sector.
“Our power and energy policy is a renewable energy-based one, We will focus on wind power, solar power and even hydropower. We also intend to develop a public transportation system through private-public partnerships,” he said.