The Straits Times, Sep 3, 1997 SINGAPORE is a "freak country", but "freaks" are often geniuses, and many geniuses die young. So argued former communist leader Fang Chuang Pi in a letter published in the Lianhe Zaobao yesterday. Defending what he had said to a Malaysian newspaper in July about Singapore being a "freak country", he said his comment "was just an analogy" drawn from "an objective reality that everyone knows". He said: "A 'freak' was often a genius, and most geniuses died young. I have told Mr Lee Kuan Yew this face to face (during a meeting in 1995 in Beijing). Fang: Comment was drawn from "an objective reality that everyone knows". Pic/ Nanyang Siang Pau "My purpose was just to point out that economically-affluent Singapore should know its limitations, should be prepared for dangers in times of peace, and should be humble and cautious and work with a will to make the country strong." Mr Fang was replying to a Lianhe Zaobao reader who wrote to the newspaper in July to say that his criticisms of Singapore were "out of step" with the times. He said the writer could be right, as he was indeed more than 70 (he is 71) and "could well be unable to keep up with the times". But the more important issue, he noted, was whether there was factual basis to his arguments. He had said in his interview that Singapore was "congenitally deficient", lacking in terms of geopolitics, economics, size and population. Commenting on the criticism that he was "not talking about Singapore or Singaporeans", he said: "I have read my interview reprinted by Lianhe Zaobao, but cannot find any basis for your criticisms. "I believe I am only giving sincere advice. I offered Mr Lee my view with a love for the country and worry about its future. Of course, good advice jars on the ear, as history has shown." He said towards the end of his letter: "I have been forced into exile. Yet, I have deep concern for my country and people. So I do not think I have let my people down." Next: Plen says words, deeds on merger were consistent Previous Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.