(Book Review 6: Finished reading on the 23rd of December 2011)
ISBN 9789812049841
Price: Unknown (it was a gift)
A monumental work by a monumental man, From Third World to First has been one of the most interesting and gripping books that I've read in 2011. Written in the frank, concise and lucid style so characteristic of former PM Lee, the book covers both domestic and international issues.
In the first half of the book, former PM Lee discusses the challenges that post independence Singapore faced and how Singapore managed to overcome them and eventually thrive. The second half of the book (and the one that I find more interesting given that the first half is somewhat familiar content for me) has former PM Lee look at international issues and has chapters looking at either a group of countries or specific countries. It provides a fascinating commentary by former PM Lee on world leaders and international developments as well as a good historical overview on Singapore's relations with other countries. His assessment of Southeast Asian countries, China and the UK are perhaps the best of all. I was particularly interested in the sections where former PM Lee wrote on his experiences of his long engagement with China and Taiwan. A third and rather short section expounds upon the political leadership transition in Singapore as well as the importance of family to former PM Lee. Found both of these chapters interesting and his viewpoints on the importance of a smooth and timely transition as well as the role of family very true.
 |
| Mr Lee Kuan Yew, independent Singapore's first prime minister |
 |
| Mr Lee in his later years |
It is a must read for every Singaporean and essential for anyone wanting to know more about Southeast Asia and Singapore. Most importantly, it provides insight into one of the greatest political figures of the 20th century and likely Singapore's greatest leader. This book will definitely form the core of my library.
No comments:
Post a Comment