Friday 22 May 2015

Lee Kuan Yew - A Tribute: Book of essays, photos on Mr Lee's life and contributions launched by Straits Times Press

By Amelia Tan, The Straits Times, 20 May 2015

A book of essays, photographs and tributes of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew published in The Straits Times has been launched.

Lee Kuan Yew - A Tribute features essays penned by Mr Lee's former colleagues, friends and family members and political journalists, which ran in ST in the days following his death on March 23.

Published by The Straits Times Press, the 148-page, full-colour book comprises five sections that cover the key milestones of Mr Lee's life.

Mr Warren Fernandez, The Straits Times editor, said that many readers had written to the Straits Times to thank the paper for its thorough coverage of the mourning period.

"This book is our attempt at a keepsake collection that will not yellow with time. It showcases the depth, breadth and range of ST's coverage and our most seasoned political writers at their best," he said.

The book is on sale from Thursday at major bookstores for $25 and is also sponsored by DBS.

The first section of the book looked at his work in the unions as well as events such as the pull-out of the British from Singapore. Contributors here include former social affairs minister Othman Wok and former President S.R. Nathan.

The book goes on to cover his foray into politics his work on the campaign trail as well as grooming young leaders. Here, former cabinet ministers Mr S Dhanabalan, Mr George Yeo and Mr Abdullah Tarmugi pen their thoughts on Mr Lee

Mr Lee's contributions in developing Singapore's port, the economy and building homes for Singaporeans are looked at next, with top civil servants and private sector leaders looking at Mr Lee's contributions to Singapore.

They include former Housing Board chief executive Liu Thai Ker, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat and SPH chief executive Alan Chan.

The next section explains Mr Lee's strategies in helping Singapore gain presence on the world stage and his role as a trusted advisor to world leaders in the later years of his life.

Professor Tommy Koh, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger and former foreign affairs minister S. Jayakumar weigh on his leadership and vision in the foreign arena.

Lastly, the book also explores Mr Lee's role as a devoted husband and caring father.

Mr Lee's daughter, Dr Lee Wei Ling, his son, Mr Lee Hsien Yang, as well as his sister Monica Lee and brother Lee Suan Yew show what Mr Lee was like at home and away from the spotlight.

Said Ms Susan Long, Straits Times Press general manager: "This book is a collection of the best essays, some unpublished, and the most heartfelt tributes by his nearest and dearest. To the uninitiated, I hope this book will go some way to explain the giant of the man LKY was and his towering role in every facet of Singapore's development. For the initiated, I hope this book will evoke memories of the week following 23 March 2015, the week of acute national loss, where a great man brought out the best in all of us."


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