The Singapore Story: Memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew, Vol. 1

The Singapore Story is the first volume of the memoirs of Lee Kuan Yew, the man who planted the island state of Singapore firmly on the map of the world. It was first published in 1999. In intimate detail, Lee recounts the battles against colonialists, communists and communalists that led to Singapore’s independence. With consummate political skill, he countered adversaries, sometimes enlisting their help, at others opposing them, in the single-minded pursuit of Singapore’s interests. We read how he led striking unionists against the colonial government, how over tea and golf he fostered ties with key players in Britain and Malaya, of secret midnight meetings in badly lit rooms, drinking warm Anchor beer with a communist underground leader, of his purposeful forging of an alliance with communists to gain the support of the Chinese-educated masses. Readers will find inspiration in his tenacity as he fought for the people’s hearts and minds against first the communists and later the communalists – in parliament, on the streets and through the media. Drawing on unpublished Cabinet papers, archives in Singapore, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, as well as personal correspondence, he gives us a vivid picture of how others viewed him: determined (“Lee will bluff, bully and blackmail up to the eleventh hour”), motivated (“Choo knew I sweated blood to master Hokkien”), ambitious (“He would think himself as legitimate as I was to be the leader of Malaya”), dangerous (“Crush Lee! Put him inside”). It is a sometimes controversial yet strangely consistent portrait of this Asian statesman. These experiences and his dealings with the political leaders were to shape his views and policies, which have had a major impact on Singapore and the region. About the Author Lee Kuan Yew was born in Singapore on 16 September 1923. He read law at Cambridge University, England. In 1954, he formed the People’s Action Party. Five years later, the PAP won the Singapore general election and he became Prime Minister at age 35. He stepped down in November 1990 and assumed the post of Senior Minister until 2004. He was Minister Mentor till his retirement in May 2011. Reviews More than a decade ago Lee Kuan Yew’s two-volume autobiography opened many eyes and minds to the astounding Singapore success story. The new digital editions should expand the audience and deepen the understanding even more. -- Professor Tom Plate, author of "Conversations with Lee Kuan Yew" [v. 1] [Without special title]. Suddenly, independence Growing up The Japanese invaders After the liberation My Cambridge days Work, wedding and politics My first clashes with the government Widening the Oxley Road Circle The world of the Chinese-educated Enter the PAP Round one to the communists Marshall accentuates the crisis A fiasco in London Exit Marshall, enter Lim Yew Hock Three-quarters independent Flushing out the communists Rendezvous with the Plen Election 1959 : we fight to win Taking charge Glimpses of troubles ahead Trounced in Hong Lim The Tunku's merger bombshell Eden Hall tea party Communists exposed Moving towards merger Getting to know the Tunku A vote for merger Europe beckons Britain Pressure from Sukarno Bitter run-up to Malaysia The tide turns Singapore declares independence Konfrontasi Winning friends in Africa Venturing into the Malay heartland Albar stokes up Malay passions Singapore-KL tensions mount Constitutional rearrangements? Seeking support down under UMNO's "Crush Lee" campaign The quest for a Malaysian Malaysia The Tunku wants us out "Talak, Talak, Talak" (I divorce thee) Chronology of events [v. 2] From Third World to First, 1965-2000 Visionary? Authoritarian? Model for the West? Lee Kuan Yew, the long-time leader of Singapore, has been called all these things, and more. In these vivid memoirs, Lee takes a profoundly personal look back at the events that led to Singapore's independence and shaped its struggle for success. And, as always, he lets the chips fall where they may.In intimate detail, Lee recounts Singapore's unforgettable history. You'll be with Lee as he leads striking unionists against the colonial government; shares tea and rounds of golf with key players in Britain and Malaya; and drinks warm Anchor beer with leaders of the communist underground at secret midnight meetings. From British colonial rule through Japanese occupation in World War II, Communist insurrection, riots, independence -- and the struggles that followed -- few political memoirs anywhere have been this blunt, or this fascinating.Anyone interested in the political history of Singapore, Asia, and the modern world. The personal account of the life of Lee Kuan Yew. Information on Singapore's politics, history and much more.