Death of modern Singapore\\\'s architect

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father, has passed away. Educated in Cambridge in the UK, Lee built his small island republic into one of the world's economic success stories. He led Singapore out of a short-lived union with the Malayan Federation in 1965, two years after breaking colonial ties with Britain. Ruling the country for three decades as its prime minister, he piloted its transformation "from tropical Southeast Asian backwater in the declining years of British colonial rule, into one of the most remarkable success stories of the 20th century." The country's per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) rose from just $550 to $55,000 now, making it an Asian financial powerhouse.
In his death, the world has lost one of its most influential leaders of the last century who has left indelible marks - as being smart, tough, and pragmatic with unshakeable self-confidence - on the contemporary history. There are few leaders who could stamp their personalities so firmly on their countries. It is as the architect of modern Singapore that he will be remembered most. His emphasis on "perfectionism", "resolute, highly trained, highly-disciplined community", "economic liberalism," "business-friendly environment", etc. merits attention. However, Lee's "rule" was not above criticism for reasons of its 'elitism', 'authoritarianism', 'controlled democracy', curbing of some civil liberties such as freedom of the press, etc. On his part, he was unapologetic about such criticisms. He dismissed the idea of western democracy, on many counts, "unsuitable to Asian societies."
History will judge him on this stance, more so in an evolving global situation where democratic rights and inclusive development are widely considered inextricably linked. However, it is worthwhile to mention that Lee had, all throughout his political career, placed emphasis on institution-building for ensuring people's well-being. Promoting the concept of good governance was one of the key areas of his public policy- actions. This was his greatest achievement that he had raised the efficiency and effectiveness of the government machinery through promoting meritocracy among, and offering attractive compensation packages to, public officials.
In his death, the world has undeniably lost one of its 'wise men', considering his great achievements at home, his style of leadership and his pioneering role in creating a new Asian dynamism. For past many years after he formally resigned his chief executive post as the prime minister of Singapore, he had been active on the international front, putting his talents "to work outside the narrow confines of Singapore". In a wider sense, he was a leading spokesman for Asia, whom former US President Richard Nixon once described as "a big man on a small stage" who "in other times and in other places, might have attained the world stature of a Churchill, a Disraeli or a Gladstone". The attribute was a befitting one about Lee Kuan Yew in his life-time. Those 'words' can, perhaps, be also the best tribute to him upon his death.