Which democratic leader has an image of himself immortalized in the form of a statue or bust while he's still alive? With the exception of the likes of Nelson Mandela , who's been immortalized in such form for his fight for freedom rather than holding political office, the rest are dictators, tyrants and fascists. Looks like between the democratic leader and the fascist, Lee fits the latter.
Idol worshipper French artist-sculptor Nacera Kainou kissing the bust of LKY. Make no mistake. She's not showing her admiration for the living fascist. She's just being narcissistic, loving her own sculptured work. Image taken from here.
Lyon-Singapore Association presents bronze bust of Lee Kuan Yew
SINGAPORE: The Singapore University of Technology and Design is now home to a bronze bust of former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
It is a gift from the Lyon-Singapore Association and the Municipality of Lyon.
The sculpture, weighing about 80 kilogrammes, was unveiled at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities in the Singapore University of Technology and Design on Tuesday.
It is a tribute to Mr Lee for his outstanding accomplishments to Singapore and the world.
The bronze bust, which is given as a token of friendship between France and Singapore, is intended to be an early birthday present for Mr Lee, whose birthday falls on September 16.
Its creator, French artist Nacéra Kainou, said she made it by referring to photographs as she has never met Mr Lee in person. She is the first person to make a sculpture of Mr Lee.
Lyon-Singapore Association President Alain Labat said the gift was chosen to commemorate the association's 30th anniversary.
Mr Labat said: "Many French people don't know many things about Singapore but the personality of Lee Kuan Yew is well-known in France."
The Lyon-Singapore Association was formed in 1982 to develop a friendly and cooperative relationship with Singapore.
The association also conducts linguistic exchange programmes between secondary students in Lyon and Singapore.
By precedence, there are three ways a political leader gets such honour where his image is immortalized in such manner.
1. He goes through a long process of personal hardship like being detained for years, like Mandela.
2. He dies.
3. He is a fascist.
Since the Great Grand Old Man doesn't qualify under #1 or #2, it has to be the last one, isn't it?
Josef Stalin. Say..... LKY's bust does have an uncanny resemblance to this guy. And he had worshippers too.
Barrie - Where the Bear Roams Free
*The author blogs at wherebearsroamfree.blogspot.com