Lee Kuan Yew (born Harry Lee Kuan Yew, 16 September 1923), GCMG, CH, is a Singaporean politician. He was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, governing for three decades. He is also widely recognized as the founding father of modern Singapore.
As the co-founder and first General Secretary of the People's Action Party (PAP), he led the party to eight victories from 1959 to 1990, and oversaw the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965 and its subsequent transformation from a relatively underdeveloped colonial outpost with no natural resources into a "First World" Asian Tiger. He is one of the most influential political figures in Southeast Asia.
Singapore's second prime minister Goh Chok Tong appointed him Senior Minister in 1990. He held the advisory post of Minister Mentor, created by his son Lee Hsien Loong, when the latter became the nation's third prime minister in August 2004. With his successive ministerial positions spanning over 50 years, Lee is also one of history's longest-serving ministers. On 14 May 2011, Lee and Goh Chok Tong announced their retirement from the cabinet after the 2011 general election.
Read more about Lee Kuan Yew: Family Background, Early Life, Early Political Career – 1951 To 1959, Prime Minister, Post-independence – 1965 To 1990, Senior Minister – 1990 To 2004, Minister Mentor – 2004 To 2011, International Organisations, Awards, Health
Famous quotes containing the words lee and/or yew:
“This is no Sir Galahad who lives from afar. This is a two- legged boa constrictor.”
—John Lee Mahin (1902–1984)
“My silks and fine array,
My smiles and languish’d air,
By Love are driv’n away;
And mournful lean Despair
Brings me yew to deck my grave:
Such end true lovers have.”
—William Blake (1757–1827)