The Book ” From Third World to First” The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 Lee Kuan Yew (Chapter 3)

Tony Madagua

In this chapter LKY narrated how Singapore under his leadership navigated the intrigues about the imminent withdrawal of the British troops from Singapore and indeed the Asia because of its need to cut cost and also focus on Europe. The presence of the British forces in the South East Asia was a stabilizing factor for the region especially  to Singapore who looked vulnerable to attack from her neighbours and also the communist China and Russia who were ready to step into any vacuum that would be created with the exit of Britain from the region. The United States was already involved in Vietnam and was not in the position to deploy more forces to secure the South East Asia.

The Book ” From Third World to First” The Singapore Story: 1965-2000 Lee Kuan Yew (Chapter 2)

Tony Madagua

Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) in this chapter gave an insight into yet another teething and grave problem that threatened the survival of Singapore as a new independent nation.

Upon independence and forced exit from the federation with Malaysia, Singapore was now  surrounded by hostile neighbours in Malaysia and Indonesia. The  colonial master Britain was uncommitted to the continued survival as an independent country on the pretext that it did not want to interfere with the internal problems of Singapore.  Other nations once though as “friendly” such as Egypt and India  due to their national interests stood aloof to help the new nation.   Singapore was thus left with no option than to deftly maneuvered the heavily political minefield to secure the continued independence and survival of the new nation.