Kishore Mahbubani, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, was recently publicly roasted for suggesting that Singapore should act its size as small states should behave like small states.

His commentary was notable for the reactions it caused -- quite unlike a lot of writing that gets published without making any dent on the public's collective consciousness.

It drew criticisms from a minister and senior diplomats, as Mahbubani continued to defend his assertions and reiterated that Singapore should be more prudent in its public statements.

However, he denied his article published in The Straits Times on Saturday, July 1, was an attack on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, which some senior officials construed it to be.

[related_story]

Mahbubani also said in the aftermath of the criticisms levelled against him that some responses to his commentary were civil, while some were not.

Mahbubani's article coincided with a new book he co-authored, The ASEAN Miracle: A Catalyst For Peace, which he is now promoting.

In light of this recent incident, it is not difficult to read between the lines of Mahbubani's latest Facebook post on July 18 to announce his trip to Hong Kong and professing his love for the SAR:

The emphasis is probably on the second part of the post that read:

I love visiting Hong Kong, but I don’t know exactly why. It could be the unusual combination of mountain, city and sea, which creates spectacular views. It could be the unique combination of chaos and orderliness. The food is a definite attraction. So, too, is the warm reception I get whenever I speak here. Hong Kongers like to listen to alternative views.

Salty.

Related article:

Ambassador-at-large Bilahari Kausikan rebuts LKY School of Public Policy dean Kishore Mahbubani

Here are totally unrelated but equally interesting articles:

One of Us: This duo poured their life savings into building a hostel and then went on to open four F&B outlets, all before they hit 33

Simple changes to your army boy lifestyle to help you save some money

Top photo via Wikimedia