Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew Discharged from Hospital

Singapore’s strong man, Lee Kuan Yew has been discharged from hospital and was advised by his doctors to rest at home. He was brought to the hospital on February 17th after suffering from “stroke-like” symptoms.

His son, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued a statement saying that his father is out of danger. The former Prime Minister was confined at the Singapore General Hospital after he experienced what was suspected to be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is defined as a brief blood flow disruption to a part of the brain. While TIA may exhibit similar symptoms as that of a stroke, this only lasts a few minutes everything goes back to normal in about 24 hours.

How Lee Kuan Yew Changed Singapore

The history of Singapore will not be complete without mentioning the pioneering efforts of Lee Kuan Yew. He became the first political leader of Singapore in the year 1959. Back then Singapore was a fledgling nation, having just won its status as an independent city state. He was the longest serving Prime Minister in Singapore and managed to transcend a brief union with Malaysia, massive racial riots and other upheavals. By the time Lee stepped down from office in 1990, Singapore was already a formidable financial power in Southeast Asia.

He remained active in the political and international scene and served as analyst and consultant. In 2011, Lee decided to finally hang the jersey and leave politics for good. His son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, succeeded him. He was already 87 years old then.

Lee Kuan Yew’s Legacy

Lee Kuan Yew was not a politician. At the time he was given the reins of then swampy Singapore, he was a successful businessman. He navigated the country’s economy during the country’s most chaotic times – one fraught with political turmoil and racial riots. He worked to make Singapore become a major shipping and economic hub, its port being considered as one of the busiest posts around the globe.

Lee was strict and disciplined. His prowess in the board room and in tipping business deals to his favor did not translate well to some sectors of society. Some would say he was a dictator since he had to have a say in media, political freedom, censorship and disciplining citizens.

During his time, chewing gum was not allowed on the streets, and caning was the accepted and preferred form of punishment for civil offenders.

Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee in 1990. Knowing that Lee was a tough act to follow, the new prime minister ruled with less of an iron hand and allowed more forms of freedom to thrive in the country.

Lee Kuan Yew is no longer at the helm of power since it is now his son who runs the country. The younger Lee’s political style is different from that of his father, but he remains as one of the brightest political minds of the century.

US President Barack Obama called Lee as one of the legendary figures in society. In 2010, Lee was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 people who most affected our world. The concern for Lee’s health is a clear indicator of one thing – his people are not ready to see him go.