Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore, dies at 91

[webfact]

Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore, dies at 91

STEPHEN WRIGHT, Associated Press

File photo. Source: Internet

SINGAPORE (AP) Lee Kuan Yew, who founded modern Singapore and was both feared for his authoritarian tactics and admired for turning the city-state into one of the world's richest nations, died Monday, the government said. He was 91.

Lee was admitted to Singapore General Hospital on Feb. 5 for severe pneumonia and was later put on life support.

The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement posted on its website that Lee "passed away peacefully" at the hospital at 3:18 a.m. Monday.

The country's first and longest-serving prime minister, Lee guided Singapore through a traumatic split with Malaysia in 1965 and helped transform what was then a sleepy port city into a global trade and finance center. Although he could have remained in office for much longer, he stepped aside and handed over leadership of the ruling party, and the country, to a younger generation in 1990. Still, he remained an influential behind-the-scenes figure for many more years until his health deteriorated.

"In the end, my greatest satisfaction in life comes from the fact that I have spent years gathering support, mustering the will to make this place meritocratic, corruption-free and equal for all races and that it will endure beyond me, as it has," Lee said in his 2013 book, "One Man's View of the World."

President Barack Obama once called Lee "one of the legendary figures of Asia in the 20th and 21st centuries."

"He is somebody who helped trigger the Asian economic miracle," Obama said after meeting Lee at the White House in October 2009.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply saddened" by Lee's death. He noted that Singapore is marking its 50th anniversary of independence this year, and "its founding father will be remembered as one of the most inspiring Asian leaders," according to a statement released by Ban's spokesman.

Ban said Lee helped Singapore "transition from a developing country to one of the most developed in the world, transforming it into a thriving international business hub."

Lee's legacy includes an efficient government with little corruption, low tax rates to attract foreign investment, excellent schools and clean and safe streets, all of which have helped Singapore rank consistently near the top of surveys of the most livable cities for expatriates.

He faced criticism, though, for using tough tactics to consolidate power. He jailed some political rivals without trial for decades and brought defamation lawsuits against journalists and opposition politicians, which had a chilling effect on dissent.

Lee insisted that strict limits on free speech and public protest were necessary to maintain stability in a multiethnic and multi-religious country that witnessed race riots in the 1960s. That stability, he added, was needed to enable growth and raise living standards in a country with few natural resources.

"I had to do some nasty things, locking fellows up without trial," Lee said in an interview with The New York Times published in September 2010. "I'm not saying everything I did was right. But everything I did was for an honorable purpose."

Lee, whose People's Action Party has ruled Singapore since 1959, remained a powerful adviser with Cabinet minister status after stepping down as prime minister, and many Singaporeans, particularly older ones, viewed him as a wise, if strict, father figure.

Lee gave up his Cabinet minister post and resigned from the executive committee of the People's Action Party after 2011 parliamentary elections in which the ruling party won its lowest overall vote percentage since independence.

One of his sons, Lee Hsien Loong, is Singapore's current prime minister. He also is survived by another son, Lee Hsien Yang, and a daughter, neurologist Lee Wei Ling. His wife of more than 60 years, Kwa Geok Choo, died in October 2010.

Born Sept. 23, 1923, Lee grew up speaking English in a Singapore that was part of the British colonial empire, and was known as Harry during much of his early life. His university education was interrupted by the three-year Japanese occupation of the island in World War II, a time Lee said he learned how power could be wielded.

"The Japanese demanded total obedience, and got it from nearly all," he wrote in his memoirs. "My appreciation of governments, my understanding of power as the vehicle for revolutionary change, would not have been gained without this experience."

After completing his studies at Singapore's Raffles College, Lee went to England to study law at Cambridge University. There, he married Kwa, a fellow student, in 1947. He returned to Singapore in 1950 and started the law firm Lee & Lee with his wife in 1955.

In 1954, Lee helped found the People's Action Party in alliance with communist trade unionists whom he would later break with and he became Singapore's first prime minister in 1959 when Britain granted it self-governance in all matters except defense and foreign affairs.

Singapore declared independence from Britain in 1963, and Lee, believing his island couldn't survive alone, brought it into the federation of neighboring states that became Malaysia. But the Malay leadership asked Singapore to leave after two years because of ideological differences. Lee wept on national television while announcing the breakup, which he later would call one of his biggest political regrets.

He then turned to governing his tiny island state, imposing strict policies that some saw as micromanaging the daily lives of Singaporeans. Lee outlawed the sale of chewing gum, promoted English and Mandarin while banning other Chinese dialects from public schools, radio and TV. He also enforced ethnic integration by controlling the makeup of public apartment buildings, where 80 percent of the population lives.

"I say without the slightest remorse, that we wouldn't be here, we would not have made economic progress, if we had not intervened on very personal matters who your neighbor is, how you live, the noise you make, how you spit, or what language you use. We decide what is right. Never mind what the people think," Lee said in 1987.

Lee also cracked down on organized crime and imposed harsh penalties for minor infractions, a policy that has helped Singapore maintain one of the world's lowest violent crime rates.

Drug couriers face mandatory hanging, vandals are sometimes caned such as American teenager Michael Fay in 1994 despite a plea for leniency from President Bill Clinton and litterbugs must pay a hefty fine.

Lee stayed active in his later years, commenting on domestic and international affairs and representing Singapore on frequent trips abroad.

The Prime Minister's Office said arrangements for the public to pay respects and for the funeral proceedings will be announced later.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-03-23 AP

[neverdie]

RIP.

[MrWorldwide]

RIP. One of the 20th centuries true statesmen - whatever you think of Singapore or the Lee family's stranglehold on power, he showed what was possible for a tiny country with few natural resources beyond location and the work ethic of it's people. Compare his accomplishments to those of 20th century autocrats who did little more than line their own pockets and leave their people worse off than when they seized power, particularly in Cambodia, Indonesia, the PI and Burma. The Malaysians still have grand plans to emulate Singapore by 2020 (good luck with that), but most of Singapore's neighbours are saddled with the same corrupt systems that were in place when LKY took over in the 60s. A great man and the region could use at least 10 more like him.

[keemapoot]

I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with members of that family, including Ho Ching, (Forbes listed 59th most powerful woman in the world - & wife of current prime minister and son of Lee Kuan Yew), and this family is truly unique in all of Asia for their extraordinary vision, leadership, talents and execution of that vision. As Worldwide mentioned, the Lee family "stranglehold" on power has been arguably relatively benign considering other regimes, and resulted in a tiny country the size of Phuket to wield many times its weight in power, influence and affluence in the region and globally.

[bendejo]

"You wil invariably find that a man with long hair will have reefer in his pocket."

My favorite LKY quote.

Edited March 23, 2015 by bendejo

[NeilSA1]

I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with members of that family, including Ho Ching, (Forbes listed 59th most powerful woman in the world - & wife of current prime minister and son of Lee Kuan Yew), and this family is truly unique in all of Asia for their extraordinary vision, leadership, talents and execution of that vision. As Worldwide mentioned, the Lee family "stranglehold" on power has been arguably relatively benign considering other regimes, and resulted in a tiny country the size of Phuket to wield many times its weight in power, influence and affluence in the region and globally.

“He faced criticism, though, for using tough tactics to consolidate power. He jailed some political rivals without trial for decades and brought defamation lawsuits against journalists and opposition politicians, which had a chilling effect on dissent.”

“Lee insisted that strict limits on free speech and public protest were necessary to maintain stability in a multiethnic and multi-religious country that witnessed race riots in the 1960s. That stability, he added, was needed to enable growth and raise living standards in a country with few natural resources.”

"I had to do some nasty things, locking fellows up without trial," Lee said in an interview with The New York Times published in September 2010. "I'm not saying everything I did was right. But everything I did was for an honorable purpose."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am in no way suggesting that Thailand's PM and LKY have the same strengths and characteristics of a leader but IMO I do think their intentions were/are similar.

I wonder if LKY had so many vitriolic, vicious, belittling comments leveled at him, as two or three TV members constantly throw at the current PM, or were his limits on free speech enforced more strictly ? (BTW, two of these TV members I referred do not even live in Thailand, yet continually stir the pot, regardless.)

[laban]

LKY achieved what most Asian leaders would dream of. However he was an autocratic leader with no nonsense when it came to political rivals. Today Singapore is still autocratic, a one party state, no freedom of the press and little freedom of expression for its people.

LKY did admit to some of his harsh tactics in later life. RIP

[Scott]

Rest in Peace.

[Humberstone]

LKY says that the bad things he had to do were required to ensure stability is stretching it a lot. Singapore is a small island state and he was starting with a blank canvas, he was able to exert that level of control because he could do, not because he had to.

[yellowboat]

He was not afraid of working with or hiring foriegners. The most sensitive installations in Singapore are gaurded by Gurkha .

Also financial advisors have worked for Temasek.

Taxes, work permits were all just formalities and painless compared to some countries

[empireboy]

Proof absolute that benevolent dictatorship in the "guise" of democracy is an effective and successful form of government. He simply imprisoned his detractors for the term of their effective lives. That's not a criticism btw, just a fact!

[webfact]

PM Lee declares 7-day period of national mourning to mark Lee Kuan Yew’s death



SINGAPORE: -- Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has declared a seven-day period of national mourning for Singapore's founding father and former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, who died on Monday morning aged 91, according to The Straits Times.

As a mark of respect, the state flags on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast for the mourning period, which starts on Monday, March 23, and ends on Sunday, March 29.

Mr Lee, in his speech to the nation that was broadcast live from the Istana at 8am, paid tribute to the elder Mr Lee in Malay, Chinese and English.

Speaking in Chinese, he thanked Singaporeans for conveying their care and concern when the elder Mr Lee lay critically ill in hospital.

Switching to English, PM Lee said: “The first of our founding fathers is no more. He inspired us, gave us courage, kept us together and brought us here. He fought for our independence, built a nation where there was none, and made us proud to be Singaporeans. We won’t see another man like him.”

Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, who would have turned 92 this September, died at the Singapore General Hospital where he had been warded for severe pneumonia since Feb 5.

Mr Lee leaves behind his sons, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 63, and Mr Lee Hsien Yang, 57, daughter Dr Lee Wei Ling, 60, daughters-in-law Ho Ching, 61, and Lee Suet-Fern, 56, seven grandchildren and two siblings. His wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo, died in 2010, at the age of 89.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-lee-declares-7-day-period-of-national-mourning-to-mark-lee-kuan-yews-death

-- Thai PBS 2015-03-23

[eddie61]

There are things I want to say but can't say, comparisons maybe, but won't say.

15 years is a long time

Thailand does not seem to have enjoyed the same level of progress...... If it would have had similar enlightened leadership for the last 50 years, it would be by far the biggest economy in SEA.

Edited March 23, 2015 by eddie61

[mamypoko]

RIP

He wrote one of the best autobiographies. An amazing life.

[Rimmer]

He was indeed a great man RIP LKY

[Ianatlarge]

Far from an enthusiastic supporter, but he did a good job, and could have been far worse. RIP.

[Cuchulainn]

Wish Thailand had a lot more politicians like him and his visions rather than the greedy, corrupt, and selfish drones we have!!

RIP

[Zyxel]

Yes he did a good job but in Singapore you cannot criticize the government so we cannot know about the bad.

Without freedom to blame there is no true praise.

Comparison with other SEA countries does not work, Singapore is a city state, easier to manage and control. Some other city states did also good and with more freedom.

Singapore did not allow political opposition until recently. Until early 80s men could not have long hair, chewing-gums are banned, death penalty for possession of more than 500g of grass etc...

Edited March 23, 2015 by Zyxel

[F4UCorsair]

If only more countries would adopt one of Lee's policy cornetstones......you can't give peasants too many freedoms because they can't manage their lives.

I see evidence of that every time I drive. If 95% of people conduct their lives the way they drive, they shouldn't be out without bells round their necks to let the 5% know they're on the loose.

Mr Lee ruled/managed Singapore the way a country should be managed. I've been a supporter and admirer of his political style since I first visited Singapore in 1969.

Edited March 23, 2015 by F4UCorsair

[Jeffreyake]

R. I. P. to the wisest politician of 20'th century

[Basil B]

Terrible when you first learn of someone's greatness in their obituary...

I hope one day a Thai will have a similar obituary (after a long life and happy).

Lee's legacy includes an efficient government with little corruption, low tax rates to attract foreign investment, excellent schools and clean and safe streets, all of which have helped Singapore rank consistently near the top of surveys of the most livable cities for expatriates.

[Humberstone]

If only more countries would adopt one of Lee's policy cornetstones......you can't give peasants too many freedoms because they can't manage their lives.

I see evidence of that every time I drive. If 95% of people conduct their lives the way they drive, they shouldn't be out without bells round their necks to let the 5% know they're on the loose.

Mr Lee ruled/managed Singapore the way a country should be managed. I've been a supporter and admirer of his political style since I first visited Singapore in 1969.

We were all peasants at one time. Probably a couple of generations ago - you and me included.

[MrWorldwide]

Yes he did a good job but in Singapore you cannot criticize the government so we cannot know about the bad.

Without freedom to blame there is no true praise.

Comparison with other SEA countries does not work, Singapore is a city state, easier to manage and control. Some other city states did also good and with more freedom.

Singapore did not allow political opposition until recently. Until early 80s men could not have long hair, chewing-gums are banned, death penalty for possession of more than 500g of grass etc...

Other city-states in SEA - hmmm ...

Macau - now overseen by Beijing

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/07/china-dismisses-macau-democracy-referendum-201471083324697497.html

Hong Kong - ditto and there have been rumblings of discontent ever since the takeover

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/01/hong-kong-democacy-protesters-march-universal-suffrage

Brunei - ruled by a monarchy which does appear to be in the 'benevolent dictator' tradition at this point in time, but is also an ultra-conservative Islamic state. in any case, not simply one-party rule - one man rule.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion_in_Brunei

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei#Human_rights

I guess it comes down to what you regard as 'more freedom', but none of the above sounds like my idea of a good time as someone who enjoys the illusion of freedom here in Thailand, even under the current military rulers. You mention the death penalty in Singapore - you can be stoned to death in Brunei for adultery or homosexuality - kinda medieval in 2015, no ? Hong Kong and Macau are on a collision course with Beijing - its only a matter of time before the military takes off the gloves and abandons the 'one country, two systems' facade.

Singapore is a long way from the perfect country, but compared to many of its neighbours they got a great many things right. Work in Hong Kong or Macau ? Sure - as long as you're getting enough to pay for a decent life there, but live there longterm ? No thanks, and I'm too fond of a tipple to even consider Brunei. Ask soihok about life in Singapore in 2015 - he was very happy to leave Malaysia a few months back.

[Prbkk]

The official Thai statement says he fought to extricate Singapore from Malaysia. So much for understanding of the history of other members of ASEAN.

[jcisco]

I think a lot of comments are made regarding his harsh tactics like imprisonment of dissenters and political adversaries. To be fair in the more recent period the political oppositions and dissenters have made it easy with conjecture and libelous statements and inferences. Be it political naivety or lack of intellect on part of the contender, LKY and the PAP dealt with such infractions with the courts. It keeps any political opposition in a position of being on their best behaviour and sticking to the facts and off the personal side of arguing. The quality of those willing to take on the PAP has been improving, should get interesting.

Having lived many years in Singapore, I have a deep respect of LKY and the government he has built and all they have achieved. I've always heard many singaporean complaints and views on their struggles with life as a Singaporean and have always thought it unwise to form much of an opinion on such matters for the reason I've not grown up and lived the SG experience. Though, when I've enquired about LKY and what people thought of him, love him or hate him, nearly all Singaporeans have respect for the man. Singapore would never of become SG as it is today without him.

May the stability continue into the future.

[Chicog]

Wish Thailand had a lot more politicians like him and his visions rather than the greedy, corrupt, and selfish drones we have!!

RIP

What do you think of this?

http://therealsingapore.com/content/singapore%E2%80%99s-lee-kuan-yew-world%E2%80%99s-richest-man

[paddyjenkins]

I suppose he provided the strength singapore needed at the time it needed it, but in my opinion he did talk an awful lot of rubbish and managing a tiny city state is far less of a challenge than a real country.

[Friendly Stranger]

Other countries should use "the pore" as a blue print. I don't care what anyone says, they're a success story.

[paddyjenkins]

The success of singapore is not unique and is very little to do with LKY, despite his constant megalomaniacal claims. Singapore is a city state, really just a city, one which allowed itself to become a hub for foreign companies. So don't compare to countries, compare to cities. Compare to Zurich, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Sydney etc etc. Then you see that urbanization has led to huge economic success in all these cities, in fact far eclipsing that of Singapore. Infrastructure wise these cities have subways and all the rest. In terms of health they cant exceed the average of their countries, nor can they control borders and maintain the same grip on law and order. But to compare Singapore to real countries and talk as if LKY was some kind of genius is pure stupidity. And saying Singapore should be a model for other countries to follow is like saying Manhattan should be a model for the rest of America. Doesn't follow, doesn't scale, its just naive.

Edited March 24, 2015 by paddyjenkins

[Sealbash]

The success of singapore is not unique and is very little to do with LKY, despite his constant megalomaniacal claims. Singapore is a city state, really just a city, one which allowed itself to become a hub for foreign companies. So don't compare to countries, compare to cities. Compare to Zurich, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Sydney etc etc. Then you see that urbanization has led to huge economic success in all these cities, in fact far eclipsing that of Singapore. Infrastructure wise these cities have subways and all the rest. In terms of health they cant exceed the average of their countries, nor can they control borders and maintain the same grip on law and order. But to compare Singapore to real countries and talk as if LKY was some kind of genius is pure stupidity. And saying Singapore should be a model for other countries to follow is like saying Manhattan should be a model for the rest of America. Doesn't follow, doesn't scale, its just naive.

And compare crime rates, unemployment, homeless people between all the cities you mention to Singapore. Yes, Singapore is unique.