VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBD #0035 0610703
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 020703Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4438
INFO RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE 3466

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000035 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT PASS FOR EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR BX
SUBJECT:  CROWN PRINCE BILLAH AND LEE KUAN YEW DISCUSS BRUNEI AND 
SINGAPORE'S TIES 
 
SUMMARY 
------- 
1.(SBU) On February 25th, Ambassador Todd attended a lecture given 
by Singapore's Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew. Brunei's Crown Prince 
Billah provided the introduction. Both focused on the importance 
that Brunei's late Sultan played in Brunei's independence, while 
emphasizing the close ties that Singapore shares with Brunei.  While 
still in command of the subject matter, Lee Kuan Yew's deteriorating 
health was evident.  Of note, Brunei's Crown Prince is showing 
growing confidence as a public speaker.  End Summary. 
 
LEE KUAN YEW REFLECTS 
----------------------- 
¶2. (SBU) Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew spoke for about 
one hour. He focused on the special relationship he shared with His 
Majesty the Sultan's father.  He explained that it was the late 
Sultan who laid the strong foundation "on which the deep and 
enduring relationship between Brunei and Singapore rests."  The two 
interacted closely and consolidated their relationship as they 
struggled for independence from the British and Malays, each 
supporting the other through difficult times in their fight to 
become mutually sovereign nations.  He sees this relationship as 
still in existence today with His Majesty the Sultan.  He 
continuously stressed the importance of the relationship, the fact 
that their countries achieved greatness because of their unity in 
the past, and that their countries will continue to do so through 
mutual support and common interests and perceptions. 
 
LATE SULTAN'S ROLE IN BRUNEI's INDEPENDENCE 
------------------------------------------- 
¶3. (SBU) Lee Kuan Yew and the Crown Prince both focused on the late 
Sultan's role in Brunei's independence and its political 
development.  As the 28th ruler of the Sultanate, Sultan Haji Omar 
'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien was praised for his role in 
Brunei's struggle for independence. He successfully pushed through 
the 1959 Brunei Constitution.  Through the Constitution he prolonged 
Brunei's political survival and socio-economic stability.  He fought 
to maintain the unique monarchical powers of the sultan as the 
ruler, and while at the same time maintaining a good relationship 
with the British. 
 
¶4. (SBU) He also suppressed the 1962 rebellion, rejected the 
proposed Malayan merger and strengthened Brunei's internal stability 
and ability to assume the responsibilities for its foreign affairs. 
The monarchical system was also successfully retained within the 
South-east Asian region - not necessarily an easy task given that 
the monarchy was increasingly being seen as the antithesis of 
modernity. 
 
CROWN PRINCE BILLAH CONFIDENTLY PRAISES GRANDFATHER 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
¶5.  (SBU) As expected, Crown Prince Billah praised his late 
grandfather in his introduction of Lee Kuan Yew as the key note 
speaker. He lauded his grandfather's far-reaching vision and 
credited him for his great leadership ability. The Crown Prince 
noted the shared history of Singapore and Brunei. While not a long 
introduction, he did speak on substantive historical and policy 
issues, which marks a departure from prior speaking engagements. 
 
 
AMBASSADOR TODD COMMENTS 
---------------- 
¶6. (SBU) The lecture highlighted the strong ties Singapore and 
Brunei share. However it was the contrast between the two speakers 
that was of much interest to the audience. Many commented on it to 
the Ambassador following the lecture. It was clear that Lee Kuan Yew 
has aged tremendously and at times he was barely audible during his 
speech. As he left the stage he needed assistance getting down the 
stairs.  However, he had a good command of the facts and subject 
matter. In contrast, Crown Prince Billah was poised and confident as 
he spoke in English. The Crown Prince is showing an increased 
involvement in more substantive issues and speaking out publicly. 
Granted, the forums and audiences remain very receptive and 
accommodating.  My opinion is that we will see the Crown Prince 
continue to take a more active public role, especially as his 
confidence grows in his ability as public speaker. 
 
 
TODD