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Lee Kuan Yew

Lee Kuan Yew is considered the founding father of modern Singapore. Born Harry Lee Kuan Yew in September 1923, he governed Singapore over three decades and oversaw its separation from Malaysia, transforming it from a relatively underdeveloped British colonial outpost with no natural resources into a "First World" Asian Tiger. His People's Action Party won eight back-to-back electoral victories until he stepped aside in 1990. Lee stepped down from government in 2011. Lee died on March 23, 2015.

Born

16 Sep 1923

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Former Prime Minister of Singapore

A view of the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Twin Towers. Today, the states of Sabah and Sarawak want to regain the special status they were granted during the formation of Malaysia in 1963. Photo: Reuters

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Lee Kuan Yew

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Reflections | Malaysia’s unusual creation still affects it today. China mulled doing similar

Malaysia was born as a federation in 1963, with some states considered ‘special’. China also once toyed with federal ideals.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | Yeo on how Trump wants to avoid Taiwan upending China relations

Lee Kuan Yew’s Oxley Road home officially declared Singapore ‘national monument’

Lee Kuan Yew’s pain and his deputy’s resolve in Singapore-Malaysia separation

A new book unveiled by ex-PM Lee Hsien Loong reveals how Goh Keng Swee shaped Singapore’s 1965 split from Malaysia.

Singapore launches book on Malaysia separation with declassified files

‘The Albatross File: Inside Separation’ sheds light on the negotiations leading up to Singapore’s break from Malaysia.

Saudi adviser lauds parallels with Singapore in modernisation efforts

Mohammed Khalid Alyahya cites the late Singaporean leader’s pragmatic and results-driven governance as a template for Saudi Arabia’s ambitions.

Singapore to preserve 38 Oxley Road for history, not as Lee Kuan Yew memorial

Speaking on the issue, Acting Minister David Neo refers to the preservation of India’s Gandhi Ashram due to its historical significance.

Singapore’s 38 Oxley Road: will move to gazette site end Lee family feud?

Lee Hsien Yang, the younger son of founding PM Lee Kuan Yew, in a Facebook statement accuses the government of disrespecting his father’s legacy.

Lee Kuan Yew’s home ‘worthy of preservation’ as centre of Singapore independence

As it has ‘strong national significance’, 38 Oxley Road has merit to be a state monument, the advisory board says.

Asiaweek founder TJS George’s death leaves behind unmatched legacy

George, who died on Friday aged 97, forged a stellar reputation as an advocate of press freedom over a seven-decade career in journalism.

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Race rhetoric has become more divisive due to the opposition playing up such issues for political capital, the transport minister says.

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The People’s Action Party may have found a lasting formula for governing, with Singaporeans wanting it to remain in power, analysts say.

Singapore, US scrap plans for F-15 fighter jet training in Guam

The planned deployment, which would have been Singapore’s fourth training detachment on US territory, was set to begin in 2029.

Is Singapore’s parliament tame? WP’s Pritam Singh says it’s just ‘pragmatic’

In a radio interview, the Workers’ Party chief argues that MPs are serious about issues and not debating for political effect.

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New memoir reveals Lee Kuan Yew’s respectful strategy for China relations

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Musk’s alleged Japan child, ‘Trump and Lee Kuan Yew similar’: 7 Asia highlights

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Hegseth draws parallels between Trump and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew

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With the competing parties holding their first rallies in 10 years, there is strong interest to hear what their candidates have to say.

Opinion | Can the PAP stem a rising opposition tide in Singapore’s election?

Long-term trends favour the opposition, but a fresh approach and focus on global affairs could boost the PAP’s mandate.

No more ‘riff-raff’? Singapore’s opposition narrows talent gap with ruling PAP

The opposition has fielded more candidates ahead of the May 3 election that are seen by analysts as a ‘step-up in the calibre’.

Ong Beng Seng to step down from Singapore property firm amid Iswaran scandal

The man who brought Formula One to Singapore is leaving his property firm, with a guilty plea pending in a prominent corruption scandal.

Reflections | Malaysia’s unusual creation still affects it today. China mulled doing similar

Open Questions | Yeo on how Trump wants to avoid Taiwan upending China relations