Political positions of Lee Kuan Yew

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Lee Kuan Yew was the first Prime Minister of Singapore (1959–1990). A founding member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), he is often credited for transforming Singapore from a third-world to a first-world country.[1][2][3] He was known for practising political pragmatism in his governance of Singapore, but has been criticised for using authoritarian and heavy-handed policies.[4][5] However, others argue his actions as having been necessary for the country's early development, and that he was a benevolent dictator.

Lee was elected Prime Minister of Singapore for 31 years, making him the longest-serving prime minister in the world at the time.[6]

Many world leaders have affirmed Lee's political knowledge as being insightful. Such supporters include former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher, who remarked that Lee was "never wrong", and former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.[7] Former President of the United States Barack Obama stated that he "personally appreciated [Lee's] wisdom." Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe stated that Lee was "one of the greatest leaders of modern times that Asia has ever produced."[8]

  1. ^ "Condolence Messages from Our Partners". Archived from the original on 20 April 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  2. ^ Allison, Graham (28 March 2015). "Lee Kuan Yew: Lessons for leaders from Asia's 'Grand Master'". CNN. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  3. ^ Weatherbee, Donald E. (2008). Historical Dictionary of United States-Southeast Asia Relations. Scarecrow Press. p. 213. ISBN 9780810864054. Archived from the original on 26 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  4. ^ Allison, Graham (30 March 2015). "Lee Kuan Yew's Troubling Legacy for Americans". The Atlantic. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  5. ^ "Lee Kuan Yew's hard truths". openDemocracy. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  6. ^ Branigin, William (22 March 2015). "Lee Kuan Yew, who led Singapore into prosperity over 30-year rule, dies at 91". The Washington Post.
  7. ^ "The True Story of Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore". Palladium. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  8. ^ "Tributes from around the world pour in for Mr Lee Kuan Yew". TODAYonline. Retrieved 14 November 2020.