Feud within Singapore's first family leads to outpouring of concern on social media

Lee Kuan Yew (C) and his family celebrate his 80th birthday in Singapore, September 16, 2003. From (L-R) daughter-in-law Lee Suet Fern, son Lee Hsien Yang, Chief Justice Tong Pung How, daughter Lee Wei Ling, Lee, wife Kwa Geok Choo, son Lee Hsien Loong, daughter-in-law Ho Ching and granddaughter Li Xiuqi. REUTERS/David Loh/File Photo

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The very public airing of a family feud between Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his two siblings has led to an outpouring of responses online, including from those concerned about its impact on global perceptions of the island state.

Bombshell accusations through press releases and Facebook postings are unusual in Singapore, a country that usually keeps such matters behind closed doors and media freedom within carefully controlled boundaries. And as this comes from within the family of modern Singapore's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, who was prime minister for three decades, it has gained plenty of attention.