'Keepsake' book on key milestones in Mr Lee's life

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

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

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

ST editor Warren Fernandez said that many readers had written to the paper to thank it 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 at major bookstores for $25 and is also sponsored by DBS Bank.

The first section of the book looks at his work in the unions as well as events such as the pullout 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 his grooming of young leaders. Here, former cabinet ministers S. Dhanabalan, George Yeo and Abdullah Tarmugi pen their thoughts on Mr Lee.

The founding prime minister'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 his contributions to Singapore.

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

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

Ambassador-at-Large Tommy Koh, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger and former foreign affairs minister S. Jayakumar weigh in 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.

His daughter Lee Wei Ling, younger son 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 Straits Times Press general manager Susan Long: "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 March 23, 2015, the week of acute national loss, when a great man brought out the best in all of us."

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