Lee Kuan Yew: New book is unvarnished account

SINGAPORE - Former prime minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew said that while his views are "largely unvarnished" in his latest book on geopolitics, some of the rugged edges were shaved off.

"I didn't want to ruffle too many feathers," said Mr Lee at the launch of his book on geopolitics "One Man's View of the World" on Tuesday.

SPH chairman Lee Boon Yang said in a speech that the elder statesman was "remarkably candid" in his analysis of international politics, now that Mr Lee is freed from the limitations of being in the Cabinet,

He added: "Mr Lee is an unapologetic realist in his perspective of international relations, one that eschews emotion or ideology."

Present at the launch were Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Environment, Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and former senior minister S. Jayakumar as well as ambassadors, academics and heads of business associations.

The 400-page book, published by Singapore Press Holdings' book publishing arm, contains Mr Lee's views on geopolitics and the future of world powers such as China and the United States, as well as the global economy and climate change.

His new book was written with the research and editorial assistance of a team of Straits Times journalists. They are managing editor Han Fook Kwang, deputy editor Zuraidah Ibrahim, Opinion editor Chua Mui Hoong and political reporter Elgin Toh.

Also in the team was a civil servant seconded to the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Mr Shashi Jayakumar.

About 20,000 copies will be on sale at $39.90 (including GST) at leading bookstores from 5pm on Tuesday. It will also be available online at www.stpressbooks.com.sg.

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