SINGAPORE - Former prime minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew said that while
his views are "largely unvarnished" in his latest book on
geopolitics, some of the rugged edges were shaved off.
"I didn't want to ruffle too many feathers," said Mr Lee at the
launch of his book on geopolitics "One Man's View of the World" on
Tuesday.
SPH chairman Lee Boon Yang said in a speech that the elder
statesman was "remarkably candid" in his analysis of international
politics, now that Mr Lee is freed from the limitations of being in
the Cabinet,
He added: "Mr Lee is an unapologetic realist in his perspective of
international relations, one that eschews emotion or ideology."
Present at the launch were Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,
Environment, Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and
former senior minister S. Jayakumar as well as ambassadors,
academics and heads of business associations.
The 400-page book, published by Singapore Press Holdings' book
publishing arm, contains Mr Lee's views on geopolitics and the
future of world powers such as China and the United States, as well
as the global economy and climate change.
His new book was written with the research and editorial assistance
of a team of Straits Times journalists. They are managing editor
Han Fook Kwang, deputy editor Zuraidah Ibrahim, Opinion editor Chua
Mui Hoong and political reporter Elgin Toh.
Also in the team was a civil servant seconded to the Lee Kuan Yew
School of Public Policy, Mr Shashi Jayakumar.
About 20,000 copies will be on sale at $39.90 (including GST) at
leading bookstores from 5pm on Tuesday. It will also be available
online at www.stpressbooks.com.sg.
