Lee Kuan Yew, The Man Who Made Singapore

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is not an African, so he may seem to have no place in a blog on African issues. However, what he did in Singapore has often been taken as holding lessons for African leaders. This is because, at independence from Britain in 1965, Singapore was in a similar point, in terms of economic development, like some African countries. However, the leadership of Prime Minister Yew transformed the country to the enviable position it holds in the world today. In fact, Singapore appears to be the favorite medical destination for Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe and his family. What Mr. Yew built in Singapore, Mr. Mugabe has not been able to build in Zimbabwe, in spite of his loquacious claims to be fighting colonialism. The recent passing of Mr. Yew should serve as opportunity for African leaders to reflect on the miracle he created for his people.