Lee Kuan Yew: Incomparable feat of leadership - Khoo Kay Kim

Malaysia' s renowned historian Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim described the leadership of the Singapore's founding father and first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew as an extraordinary feat based on the remarkable progresses that the republic has achieved.

Kay Kim said Kuan Yew's significant leadership trajectory is his major contribution in getting rid of communist influence and illegal triads from the surface of the entire Republic.

Clearly at that pinnacle, the two negative elements plaguing Singapore was feared to jeopardise the peace and security of that nation.

"He could defeat the communists. Singapore was increasingly dominated by the communist parties and even the Malay Peninsula was worried. Illegal triads in Singapore were fierce before Kuan Yew took office as prime minister, communists and triads were beyond control but Lee Kuan Yew was successful (in controlling), "said Kay Khim.

Kay Kim added, even though it is a small republic with a population of only 5.47 million, it still became a centre of the world’s attention.

It was evident for instance when neighboring countries are confident with the quality of services offered by the Singapore Hospital and often seek its specialist services there.

Lee Kuan Yew

In a picture taken on June 5, 1959 Lee Kuan Yew, leader of 'People's Action Party' (C) poses after winning the elections in Singapore. Lee served as prime minister from 1959, when Singapore gained self-rule from colonial ruler Britain, until he stepped down in 1990 in favour of his deputy Goh Chok Tong, who in turn handed power to Lee Hsien Loong in 2004. - AFP PHOTO

Kay Kim added that Singapore's position is also acknowledged as the world’s famous financial district and can see many from the affluent class saving in Singapore.

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This is because the value of Singapore dollar is more stable than the value of the other regional currencies.

Regarding the political party, PAP’s direction, Kay Kim said the leadership under current stewardship is able to continue Kuan Yew's struggles and legacies.

He said, Kuan Yew has formed a solid platform geared towards a more dynamic political transformation.

" There are already many leaders who understand what has happened and I also think they understand how Singapore can maintain its advancement because I find that Singapore at present is always giving opportunities for those capable in leadership," said Kay Kim.

Kay Kim also said Kuan Yew’s leadership and legacy will be forever be imprinted in history and also cherished by the field of young Singaporean leaders.

"Let me read what he himself said, 'I am very determined, if I decide something is worth doing then I will put my heart and soul to it even if the whole ground is against me I would know what is right and I would do it."

"He is a man full of determination. If he believes there is something that should be done, even when people are against him, he will find a way to succeed in the matter," Kay Kim added.