Lee Kuan Yew's interview with Tim Sebastian on BBC HARDtalk

Sharing this video so that we can see how our 1st PM handle tough questions during the pre social media era.
Lee Kuan Yew's interview with Tim Sebastian on BBC HARDtalk
Video credit: BBC World News

[@TommeyNg]

“If I were a ruthless man…” he then proceed to be ruthless 🤣

[@dave982]

Such a sharp man. The interviewer looks like a total fool in front of Lee Kuan Yew

[@jayap3557]

exactly. he keeps using data/opinions from agencies like amnesty international as a crutch - LKY puts him in his place so nicely... great man indeed.

[@hsun9810]

"Be very careful when you quote", what a good lecture from Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Tim Sebastian was caught red handed!!

[@nessuno3048]

As an Italian, I feel profoundly envious for the talent of your politicians, and the contributions of this incredible political figure to Singapore. They have transformed a group of villages in a rich metropolis.

[@TheWiseMonkey8888]

3:21, 5:04 & 6:30 ... :)

[@nessuno3048]

@@TheWiseMonkey88883:21 When you are brutally assaulted by a drug addict for being on the wrong road, left the "friend your trusted there, you see the degree of brutality these people show.

[@greasymuchacho]

As a man who owns a bowling alley, I concur.

[@nessuno3048]

@@greasymuchacho Thank you

[@greasymuchacho]

@@nessuno3048 You are most welcome. Have a wonderful day.

[@cumaravelanable]

He is the best prime minister, who worked for his people and country. Miss him so much.

[@N.Backstabber]

李光耀/Lee kuan yew was indeed one of the best leaders that ever existed. Wise and proud, hard to come by these days

[@tanongkiatb.5452]

They didn’t invite him back after this humiliation.

[@simkiankiong3599]

still priceless to watch after so many years

[@superchargerone]

When caught out, he reacts at 4:46, love his tone and the sneer in his face, it gave him away. It showed the person that is actually within. just love how hypocritical these journalist were and still are.

[@desmondchee9976]

His words are mightier than the sword

[@worldpeace3996]

I respect this politician a lot! Singapore needs to appreciate him for whole life.

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

He sued opposition for disagreeing with him until they go bankrupt .he might be brilliant in politics but he doesn't respect the rights of others .I have no respect for him.

[@worldpeace3996]

@@lifeisshortpeace7783. Freedom of speech does not mean u can defame others without concrete proof. He sued for defamation. You speak like one of the HK pro-democracy idiots who don't understand the true meaning of democracy. I have no respect of you too.

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

@@worldpeace3996 thank you .I don't need respect from fools.

[@enkii82]

@@lifeisshortpeace7783 thank you. I don't need respect from idiots!

[@enkii82]

@@worldpeace3996 those HK rioters have not idea what democracy is!! bunch of idiots used by US CIA

[@lagazhang7380]

He is a lion! Much respect!

[@anthonye4183]

I missed him. Thank you for making what Singapore is today. The West has always cast an envious glance at his achievements!

[@grey-spark]

Nah, I like my bubble gum.

[@bell-xk5dd]

⁠@@grey-spark You’re ignorant. As most westerners have mistaken that gum is banned in Singapore. Gum is NOT banned in Singapore, but gum is not sold in Singapore. You can check it out online. Foreigners can bring in gums with them for their own consumption, just be careful that you do not litter your used gum by simply spitting them out anywhere. Wrap up your gum in its wrapper before you dump them into any trash bins. Littering is prohibited.

[@eliodel240]

​@@grey-spark Bet you like your crackhead infested streets as well

[@rb-ct4ri]

@@bell-xk5dd I much happy to do away with that nasty thing called chewing gum that sticks to whatever object that it gets attached to.

[@brucebanner52]

I didn't know anything about this man until 6 minutes ago before watching this interview and I can tell this man is SHARP. Eloquent, concise and an appropriate amount of brevity which lets you know he understands the value silence has in conversation as much as words may do. Great leader and I wholeheartedly agree with his opinion on drug traffickers, if only our Western leaders would have the same conviction to clean our cities as Mr Yew.

[@jefloke1]

Western leaders have too much debates about personal freedom to bicker about,can't understand eastern culture/values imbues

[@sakesaurus]

Singapore is a controversial thing tbh but it never hurts to look at its story of success and perhaps learn

[@susanmay1000]

Tim should be prepared for our witty late prime minister Mr Lee KY. Just listen to Mr Lee's reply. I am always in awe of Mr Lee. He is my hero.

[@wentworthtom6577]

Lee is such a wise leader! Thumbs up! The western media is so biased for generations!

[@renawong8249]

This interview is a disaster for Sebastian. Lee Kuan Yew, what a great man

[@jasontan27]

Lee Kuan yew is definitely a genius

[@chinkayeok6117]

Yes, why do you assume your interviewees are always dumb? I just love this man LKY, always sharp and smart.

[@user-Aa310]

The tough, practical chieftain who disciplines and loves his people in equal measure, is the one who will be missed the most. Vale Mr Lee.

[@AZetorA]

OMG, Singapore had, and has so many talented politicians.

[@ZulqarnainAidil]

When told that Singaporeans are concerned about the decreasing size of houses in Singapore and raising families in increasingly smaller homes, Josephine Teo simply replied "You need a very small spaceto have sex". And then carried on to say that you don't need a flat before having babies. She is now the Minster for Manpower

[@beerbeef8594]

Tim didn't learn his lesson. You can tell from his interview of Ronnie Tong on DW.

[@wunan1984]

Tim is just doing some interview job. He might not even know where Singapore is located on the globe before pondering those million dollar questions about democracy to Lee kuan yew. Pity to him who is just trying to even some audience rating.

[@beerbeef8594]

@@wunan1984 I wouldn't call that "doing his job"

[@JoshuaHoe]

@Nij Jin Indeed. The interviewer is not the one that comes up with the questions most of the time.

[@bowu6374]

LKY is honestly a smart and honable man. Whta a great fugure. Singapore has such the honor to have him.

[@channel-ol1yn]

5:58 Lee Kuan Yew dislikes journalists calling him by his name during interviews. His assistants are known to brief all visitors and journalists on this point. You can see his expression changed here.

[@Hi-pt2nq]

I honestly didn't see any negative reaction,I'm not saying he liked being called by his name or that what you are saying is wrong,I'm just reacting and responding to what you said here in 5.58 is not as you say it

[@juRa6077]

Respected and trusted LKY 100% when he was alive. Miss his leadership so so much. Singapore, sadly, is not the same without him.

[@GIONELLIO]

The journalist was knocked out without a doubt.

[@graceyam1925]

We are proud of being a Singaporean for our great leader Mr LKY.

[@TheWiseMonkey8888]

0:44 ... :D

[@g89ty41]

The interviewer face after 5 minutes 😂

[@Siriusqin]

Personally I enjoyed very much of this back and forth or i call it "Hidden Knife in Words" conversation between Tim and Lee. This is what young generation should learn from this debate. Lee never let me down in those situations and he is truely a phenominal leader and diplomat. By calling him as a dictator just because his government did a great job and people in Singapore keep voting him is just wrong. It´s also interesting that Tim trys to provoque Lee by calling him a "ruthless" man and calling his name afterwards.Lee just lol, stays in his mood and throw all the facts out. Ying-Yang-Artist People call him "Bruce Lee" of Politics for a reason but I rather call him Lee Kuan Yew I admire him very much. Always be calm and in control of his own rhythm, think first before slowly talk. Most importantly is never let the interviewer interrupt what you are saying and never let other people twist or misquote your words! And he makes that point very clear from the beginning which is "I said what I said and dont play games with me" Debate like this is more like a chess game and its about to hold your ground. If you guys are interest in debate techniques, Tim Sebastien also interviewed Joe Siu, who is a Hongkong student leader in 2019. That clip shows the absolut dominance and "agressivness" of Tim throughout the whole interview. Joe got constantly interrupted and get misled by "What you saying is ....." or " Is that what you saying ? " . A lot of interesting details that we can look into it. if possible, go find the complete Interview and watch it. Alway be rational, because when anger comes in, reason leaves. RIP Legend!

[@starfood]

the roast from LKY xDD

[@robertocayabyab6367]

“Have pleasant conversations with people like you.”

[@andilemxotwa8356]

One of the most profound political leaders to grace this planet. Lee Kuan Yew is the embodiment of what any citizen of any country wishes for when they think of a good leader for it.

[@bruce1559]

What a brilliant, sharp and words can’t describe leader of Singapore. LKY I miss u.😰

[@mmc5261]

Probably the only politician I like

[@adharaful]

Such a badass! I miss you Mr. LKY 💕

[@akramkhalid3690]

He was a great visionary leader

[@edwardsevilla443]

Great leader of Singapore

[@lobangking8161]

Mr Lee Kuan Yew is just brilliant..one and only leader the world had and Singapore is fortunate to have him as our founding father.

[@MsWencai]

Mr Li is a wonderful man

[@TheWiseMonkey8888]

2:53 & 5:05 ... :D

[@bnjairam]

Bravo LKY! a perfect exemplar of how to handle these BBC and other western presstitues!!

[@jssidhoo]

What a man

[@hltan1972]

Singapore missed you so much!!

[@enkii82]

Woww, just wow

[@sookokyu5805]

LKY is a great speaker

[@chettiarsbc6592]

Using a western template to interview a man with ancient eastern wisdom is like comparing chalk and cheese.

[@shingalingalingaling]

damn... that was a total smackdown

[@ciowful]

i bet tim got wiser after he interviewed Mr Lee... hard lesson for him, and i think he gain alot from this interview... the end part is a killer... waaaahaaahhaaahaaaa... Singaporean's forefather...

[@beerbeef8594]

He didn't. Check out his interview with Ronnie Tong. But he did beat the crap out of Joey Siu the rioting bit

[@pengliu1309]

"got wiser"... It does not seem so from recent videos.

[@adam-bf8li]

This is one of the techniques regular people should learn when being in a debate to protect themselves. When you are making your argument, do not let the other person cut in when you are in the middle of conveying it. It's a tactic to threw you off. Deny them the opportunity to do so by telling them to stop and only continue when they do so. Or if you have enough practice in your mind to present your arguments, keep on presenting them in an authoritative and clear manner and ignore any attempts to derail you. Do not stop and answer any question they pose during your argument.

[@jayap3557]

much respect for MrLKY when he asked the hypocrite interviewer - did you work on it... did amnesty international work on it - when the guy told him about the per capita thing... and the way he turned the statistic on its head and asked if it was per capita dutchmen or per capita singaporeans... just amazing... the best way to deal with obnoxious interviewers...

[@jonnysaunders7513]

a great leader

[@jayavarghese351]

Handled the journalist well Great leader

[@AnujGupta-ro9xc]

"with people like you", LKY nailed it till the end.

[@rb-ct4ri]

yaya

[@kanwar47]

Legend

[@senankamalakanan5128]

Respect the Boss

[@lilycool2601]

I really miss LKY. Singapore is not the same without him. Wish he is still here.

[@rickycsl6090]

Tim met his Maker lol 😂

[@madmanjshum]

This is why Kishore admires him.

[@freenational]

Tim Sebastian was an amateur compared to Lee Sr. then.

[@ashleymistletoe]

I have to disagree. this ignorantly snobbish guy doesn't deserve to be compared with mr lee.

[@Shri_Hegde]

Western Interviewer still not changed when it comes to question developing country like India

[@archmykl]

I love Sir Lee Kuan Yew

[@kecupabece4000]

LKY AKA Bruce Lee of Politics watch 4:57 onwards.. I got the chills 5:20 interviewer almost cried and shit his pants

[@sunyuting7330]

This guy is just embarrassing himself in front of Lee Kuan Yew.

[@gideontan1075]

The interviewer thinks he can intimate our great leader NO WAY.

[@ngpp8573]

I miss and love. My best leader Lee Kuan Yew!

[@wongjin9610]

The interviewer does not have the resoect to address him as MR LEE KUAN YEW. By calling him straight by name, he thought he can belittle an asian. He is lucky that he did not get a direct hit from Mr Lee, which is unusual.

[@neoiam3585]

An rude Journalist, thought that he had the rights to call a distinguished Politician directly by name! A pretentious dump Interviewer! 😐

[@robbierox6998]

Where is the full video of this hard talk interview? Anyone?

[@xiao-rongpeng9804]

Being condescending in this case failed!

[@jameshue55]

LKY was Sebastian's Waterloo.

[@medialcanthus9681]

Should see how he interviewed the HK guy. Like quarreling or debating . He needs to retire soon if he can't cope.

[@medialcanthus9681]

@Wangbei Gao yes but she was young and also not proficient in English.

[@medialcanthus9681]

@Wangbei Gao yes

[@agneslow172]

👍to LKY

[@ideaquest]

The interviewer is totally unprepared and unable to provide the details of the quote.

[@cristinaagustin4594]

Like what lee said..westerns would always assume that asians are dumb.... too bad.. its the westerns that are dumb! Look at them now! No more future for them all

[@TheMrtreeman92]

Absolute gigachad. I wish my country had politicians that would be even half as smart and articulate.

[@jamiehasaj9766]

Not gonna lie I thought Tim was Alexander lukashenko for a minute

[@corpo_ethereal2744]

"What I have done, I'm not ashamed of.."

[@Kyryyn_Lyyh]

LKY shows precisely why I like an adversarial press. British press (the actually good stuff) is always very cutting and often quite direct in their approach to a question. A bad interviewee would cry “oh that’s not fair!! Be nice” and have no answers, LKY takes the shots, negates them, and then offers an answer. Anyone can seem competent with a sycophant interviewer, hard to do with an adversarial one.

[@Xheyung]

Lee kuan Yew (4) Tim Sebastian (0)

[@gideontan1075]

The interviewer thinks he can intimidate our great leader NO WAY

[@yogi9631]

Rrrrrr The good old Vintage Timmy Sebastian up against an educated Chinaman, who coincidently happens to be a lawyer. I think Timmy has meet his match. I swear I never seeing or heard Timmy soooo quiet and listening so tentatively.

[@ironplank]

Where’s the full video?

[@SingaporeanVoices]

There's no full video. This is the only video clip available.

[@FlyGuy2000]

It is hard to argue against his point regarding the value of the life of a drug trafficker vs the value of the health of hundreds of families.

[@he_huang197]

Gosh....I’ve seen enough of rude, arrogant, ignorant journalists from BBC! And always BBC plus their good mates like CNN, etc

[@oceanst50]

You are watching an interviewer got smashed.

[@rogelee-TW]

😄😄😄👍👍👍

[@KTV22]

Hello, based department?

[@jimmyngsh]

Tim should get more educated

[@HelltoHeaven743]

Genghis Khan of Politics

[@stanc6019]

This interviewer is less mature and intelligent comparable to such level dialogue, BBC just send an average guy with average knowledge to question a country leader without any facts and appropriate respect.

[@ashleymistletoe]

maybe they have sent their best already... 🙄

[@wankee888]

Lky help China by giving China a good template

[@takanna]

burnnnnn

[@girishkulkarni6853]

Singapore ki taref Jane sea pahele bhi India lagta

[@jayap3557]

Gosh... that hardtalk guy dug a small grave for himself for the 5 minutes of this conversation... Mr.LKY the grand old man of singapore may be the world's finest leader... unlike the silly british ones or the american ones who only talked and did all sort of unmentionable acts... hats off to his grasp of the english language - thanks to which he could put this smug bbc guy in his place...

[@wankee888]

China dream since then is every city another Singapore

[@aerialdude]

Interviewer: "the per-capita rate of executions in Singapore is much higher than it is in the united states" Lee Kuan Yew: "Per-capita of what? I am executing foreign drug traffickers!" lol

[@hoglenn7469]

When you talk to LKY such a wise man you must really do your homework well. If not, you become a fool. infront of everyone. LKY is very careful in his words.

[@boontan6636]

This BBC Timmy did not respect my late Prime Minister, I have put hm into my baddest book,

[@anuragsinha2013]

Weasel move by Tim Sebastian, when he says he's "merely asking you questions", "i would like to think that you were given an opportunity to answer any questions" Really really weak Weasel move.

[@adrianyong8422]

Asking a 74 yr old what his ambitions are ??

[@yellowburger]

He was a little nonchalant about executing people. That's a cold soul right there.

[@damienyuen7718]

He cared about his people. Unlike the west who allows drugs into their countries and lets them die on the street with needles in their arm and calls it compassion.

[@hamstereatsbanana5042]

They're drug traffickers who would destroy hundreds or thousands of families, so they've forfeit their rights to live

[@the_wandering_hamster5054]

And what? You're gonna be on the streets taking care of all the homeless drug addicts? Just sit back on your couch and watch how a great leader is supposed to act dumb fark

[@anilmallawarachchi9978]

Well done Mr Lee Kuan👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 Shame on your useless discussion.

[@atlanticking2315]

Fatality by the end

[@SandyJohnson-ur6xi]

Britain dying as sg rises…..thats happening here.